Btop's Bacon Double Cheeseburger Recipe

Portion and shape patties

Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Lightly form each portion into a round patty about 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter and roughly 3/4 inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce doming during cooking.

Season patties

Season both sides of each patty with salt and black pepper. If using, brush or sprinkle Worcestershire sauce lightly on both sides for extra flavor.

Cook patties

Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. When the oil is shimmering and hot, place two patties in the pan (do not overcrowd). Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to develop a crust. Flip and cook 2 to 3 more minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). Repeat with remaining two patties. During the last 60 seconds of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese to melt; cover the pan briefly with a lid to speed melting if desired.

Toast buns

While the second batch finishes, spread 1 tablespoon unsalted butter on the cut faces of each bun. Place buns buttered-side down in a clean skillet over medium heat or on the griddle until golden and lightly crisp, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Assemble burgers

Spread 2 teaspoons mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun, then add two lettuce leaves. Place one cheese-topped patty on each bun, then a layer of pickles and a few thin onion slices. Add the second patty on top, then 2 teaspoons ketchup and 1 teaspoon mustard on the top bun inner face. Finish with tomato slices and remaining lettuce if desired. Top with the buttered bun halves and press gently to compact.

Cook bacon

Place bacon strips in a cold skillet in a single layer. Turn heat to medium and cook, turning occasionally, until bacon is browned and crisp, about 8 to 10 minutes depending on thickness. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. If preferred, bake bacon on a rimmed sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 12–18 minutes until crisp.

Add bacon to burgers

Divide the 6 bacon strips evenly so each burger receives 3 strips. Layer the bacon on top of the first (bottom) patty or between the two patties during assembly so bacon stays warm and slightly crisp.

Prepare vegetables

Slice the tomato into two 1/4-inch thick slices. Thinly slice the red onion into rings. Rinse and dry the lettuce leaves. Keep pickles readily accessible.

Add the prepared tomato, onion and pickles to the assembled burgers as described in the Assembly step. Adjust amount of mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup to taste.

Serve immediately while patties are hot and cheese is melted. Optionally serve with fries or potato chips. Cut one burger in half to check doneness if desired.