Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

Name: Kona Grill - Tampas Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 0.25 lb ground beef (80/20); 0.5 tsp kosher salt; 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 slice American cheese slices; 2 slice bacon strips; 0.25 whole yellow onion; 1 tbs unsalted butter; 1 tsp vegetable oil (for cooking); 1 whole soft burger bun (potato or brioche); 1 leaf lettuce leaves; 2 slice tomato slices; 2 tbs mayonnaise; 1 tsp ketchup; 1 tsp yellow mustard; 1 tsp sweet pickle relish; 0.5 tsp white wine vinegar; 0.125 tsp paprika; 0.125 tsp onion powder; 0.0625 tsp salt; 3 oz frozen French fries (or fresh cut); 1 tbs vegetable oil (for frying or tossing); 0.25 tsp salt

Inspired by Kona Grill - Tampa

Time35m

Serves1

single 1/4 pounder, american cheese, bacon, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, secret sauce, fries

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Ingredients

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Burger

1/4 lb ground beef (80/20)

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 slice American cheese slices

2 slice bacon strips

1/4 whole yellow onion

1 tbs Unsalted butter

1 tsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

1 whole soft burger bun (potato or brioche)

1 leaf Lettuce leaves

2 slice tomato slices

Secret sauce

2 tbs Mayonnaise

1 tsp Ketchup

1 tsp yellow mustard

1 tsp sweet pickle relish

1/2 tsp white wine vinegar

1/8 tsp Watkins paprika

1/8 tsp Onion powder

0.063 tsp Celtic sea salt

Fries

3 oz frozen French fries (or fresh cut)

1 tbs vegetable oil (for frying or tossing)

1/4 tsp Celtic sea salt

Method

Burger

Prep

Remove ground beef from fridge and gently form into a single 1/4-pound patty about 3.5–4 inches diameter and roughly 3/4 inch thick. Do not overwork — press a shallow dimple in the center with your thumb to help it cook evenly. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Cook bacon

Place a skillet over medium heat. Lay the 2 bacon strips in the cold skillet, then turn heat to medium. Cook until browned and crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and keep warm.

Caramelize onions

Thinly slice the quarter onion. In the same skillet with about 1/2 tbs bacon fat removed (leave a little) or add 1 tbs butter if needed, add the sliced onion and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden, about 8–10 minutes. Season lightly with a pinch of salt. Remove and keep warm with the bacon.

Cook patty

Heat a separate heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tsp vegetable oil. When shimmering, place the seasoned patty in the pan. Cook without moving for 3 minutes to build a crust. Flip and cook 2.5–3 minutes for medium (adjust 30–60 seconds for desired doneness). In the last 30 seconds, lay the American cheese slice over the patty and cover the pan briefly (or add a lid) so the cheese melts.

Toast bun & assemble

Split the burger bun and toast cut sides in the hot skillet or on griddle for 30–45 seconds until lightly browned. Spread about half of the secret sauce on the bottom bun. Place lettuce leaf on sauce, then the cheesy patty, two bacon strips (break one if needed to fit), a spoonful of grilled onions, and tomato slices. Spread remaining secret sauce on the top bun and close the burger. Let rest 1 minute before serving.

Secret sauce

Whisk together 2 tbs mayonnaise, 1 tsp ketchup, 1 tsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp sweet pickle relish, 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar, 1/8 tsp paprika, 1/8 tsp onion powder and a pinch (1/16 tsp) of salt in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust balance — add a drop more vinegar for brightness or more relish for sweetness. Refrigerate if not using immediately.

Fries

If using frozen fries, cook according to package directions (bake or air-fry) until crisp. If using fresh-cut fries, toss in 1 tbs vegetable oil and a pinch of salt, spread on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20–30 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. Season with 1/4 tsp salt right after cooking.