Maple Bacon Burger Recipe
Quarter-pound beef patty, maple BBQ sauce, cheddar, candied maple bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, and mayo, on a toasted brioche bun.
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Ingredients
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Burger Patties & Seasoning
Maple Candied Bacon
Maple BBQ Sauce & Mayo
Toppings & Buns
Method
Maple Candied Bacon
- 1
Prepare and candy the bacon
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the rack. In a small bowl whisk together 1/4 cup maple syrup, brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp coarse black pepper. Brush the maple mixture onto both sides of each bacon slice. Bake 15–20 minutes until edges are crisp and glaze is bubbling, rotating pan once halfway through for even cooking. For extra caramelization, broil 1–2 minutes watching closely. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain and crisp while you assemble other components.
Maple BBQ Sauce & Mayo
- 2
Make maple BBQ and mayo spread
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and 2 tbs maple syrup. Warm gently over low heat (or 20–30 sec in microwave) and stir until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang as desired. In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar and optional 1/4 tsp hot sauce; set mayo spread chilled until ready to assemble.
Burger Patties & Cooking
- 3
Form patties
Divide 1 lb ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz / quarter-pound each). Gently form into 4 patties roughly 3.5–4 inches wide and about 3/4 inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center of each with your thumb to help them cook flat. Do not overwork the meat. Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt, black pepper and a light dusting of garlic powder.
- 4
Cook patties
Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat until hot. Brush or spray surface lightly with neutral oil. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). During the last 1 minute of cooking, brush a tablespoon of the warmed maple BBQ sauce on each patty and place a slice of cheddar on top; cover pan or close grill lid briefly to melt cheese. Remove patties and let rest 2 minutes.
Buns & Toppings Assembly
- 5
- 6
Prep produce
Slice tomato into 1/4-inch rounds (about 4 slices), thinly slice the red onion into rings, and separate lettuce leaves. Have 2 pickle slices ready per burger. Drain any excess grease from candied bacon on paper towels and keep 2 slices per burger.
- 7
Assemble burgers
Spread about 1 tbs of maple mayo on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place lettuce leaf, then the cheesy patty. Spoon an additional 1 tbs of maple BBQ sauce over the cheddar if desired. Top each patty with 2 slices of candied bacon, a tomato slice, a few red onion rings, and 2 pickle slices. Spread a thin layer of plain mayo or remaining maple mayo on the top bun and close the burger. Serve immediately.
