Bacon Ranch Burger Recipe
topped with bacon, pepperjack cheese, crispy fried onions & buttermilk ranch dressing
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Ingredients
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Burger
Toppings
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Buns & Finish
Method
Burger
- 1
Form and season patties
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently shape each into a patty about 3/4-inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb so they cook evenly. Season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper and garlic powder.
- 2
Cook patties
Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When hot, add the patties (do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary). Cook 3-4 minutes on the first side until a brown crust forms, flip, and cook 2-3 minutes on the second side for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). In the last 1 minute of cooking, place a slice of pepper jack on each patty and cover the pan or close the grill lid to melt the cheese. Remove patties to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
Toppings
- 3
Cook bacon
While patties cook, lay bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat and cook, turning occasionally, until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain and crisp further. You can also bake bacon at 400°F (200°C) on a sheet pan for 15-18 minutes for hands-off cooking.
- 4
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
- 5
Make dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream and buttermilk until smooth. Stir in minced garlic, chives, parsley, lemon juice, salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning or buttermilk for desired thickness. Refrigerate at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld (can be made up to 24 hours ahead).
Buns & Assembly
- 6
- 7
Assemble burgers
Spread 1-2 tablespoons of buttermilk ranch dressing on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf, then a cheeseburger patty, two bacon strips (split the cooked bacon so each burger gets two), a tomato slice and a few red onion rings. Pile a generous handful (about 1/4 cup) of crispy fried onion strings on top of the cheese and bacon. Spoon another 1 tablespoon ranch on the top bun (optional) and close the burger. Repeat for remaining burgers.
- 8
Serve
Serve immediately while hot with extra ranch for dipping and additional fried onions on the side. Leftover dressing can be refrigerated up to 3 days.