Name: Hilltop Retreats BACON CHEESEBURGER Recipe
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 oz 80/20 ground beef; 0.5 tsp kosher salt; 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola), for cooking; 3 count smoked bacon strips; 2 slices American cheese slices; 1 count brioche bun; 1 tsp butter (softened), for toasting; 1 tbs optional: mayonnaise; 3 slices optional: dill pickle slices; 1 leaf optional: leaf lettuce; 1 slice optional: tomato slice

Method

Burger

Form the patty

Gently shape the 6 oz ground beef into a loose ball and press into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the bun. Do not overwork the meat. Make a shallow dimple in the center with your thumb to help it cook evenly.

Season

Season both sides of the patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking.

Cook the patty

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tsp neutral oil and swirl to coat. Place the patty in the pan and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip once and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes for medium (adjust time ±1 minute for desired doneness).

Cheese & Bacon

Cook the bacon

While the patty is cooking, in a separate skillet over medium heat lay out the three bacon strips and cook, turning occasionally, until crisp and browned, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve a small amount of bacon fat in the pan if desired for extra flavor.

Melt cheese onto burger

In the last 1 minute of the patty's cooking time, place 2 slices of American cheese over the patty. If you like extra melt, cover the pan with a lid or tent with foil for 30–45 seconds to help the cheese melt thoroughly.

Assemble bacon

Lay the three cooked bacon strips directly on top of the melted American cheese while still in the pan so they adhere slightly to the cheese.

Bun & Finish

Toast the bun

Split the brioche bun and spread 1 tsp softened butter on the cut faces. Toast them in a dry skillet or on the griddle over medium heat until golden-brown and slightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes per side.

Optional condiments

Spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (or your preferred sauce) on the bottom or top bun if using. Place leaf lettuce and tomato slice on the bottom bun first if adding vegetables.

Assemble the burger

Place the cheese-and-bacon-topped patty on the prepared bottom bun. Add dill pickle slices on top of the bacon if desired. Cap with the top bun.

Rest and serve

Let the assembled burger rest 1 minute to allow juices to settle, then serve immediately.

Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe