Bacon & Cheeseburger Recipe

Prep patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Sprinkle salt, black pepper and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Gently mix with your hands or a fork until just combined — do not overwork. Divide into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each) and form into patties about 3/4 inch thick, slightly wider than the buns. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming.

Cook bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips in a single layer and cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until crisp to your preference. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet for extra flavor (optional) and discard the rest, or wipe skillet clean if you prefer.

Cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a light brush of oil or reserved bacon fat. When hot, place patties in the skillet without crowding. Cook 3–4 minutes on the first side until a brown crust forms. Flip and immediately top each patty with a cheddar slice. Cook another 2–3 minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). Remove patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest for 3–4 minutes.

Toast buns

While patties rest, melt the butter in a clean skillet over medium heat. Place cut-side down buns in the butter and toast 1–2 minutes until golden and lightly crisp. Remove from heat.

Assemble: Spread about 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun (adjust to taste). Place a lettuce leaf on the mayo, then the cheeseburger patty, two bacon strips (folded if needed), tomato slice, and pickles if using. Add a small smear of mustard on the top bun if desired, then close and serve.

Prepare tomato and lettuce: Wash and dry lettuce leaves; trim if necessary. Slice the tomato into 1/4-inch rounds. Keep everything ready to assemble. Mix mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl if you want combined sauce; otherwise use mayonnaise straight from the jar.

Oven method (recommended for frozen or fresh fries)

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss fries with 2 tablespoons oil, salt, and paprika if using on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake 18–25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and crisp. Remove and season with additional salt to taste.

Pan-fry method (for fresh-cut fries)

Heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add fries in a single layer (work in batches). Cook 3–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels and season with salt and paprika.

Deep-fry method (for frozen or fresh fries)

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry for 3–5 minutes (for frozen) or until golden and crisp for fresh fries. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt.