Bacon Cheddar Burger Recipe

Form patties

Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently shape each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly larger than the bun. Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce puffing while cooking.

Season patties

Lightly brush or sprinkle each patty with Worcestershire sauce, then season both sides evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add a small drizzle of neutral oil if pan is not well-seasoned. Place patties in the pan without crowding. Cook undisturbed 3-4 minutes on the first side until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes for medium doneness. During the last 1 minute of cooking, place one cheddar slice on each patty and cover the pan or tent with foil to melt the cheese. Remove patties to a plate and let rest 2 minutes.

Cook bacon

While patties cook (or in a separate pan), lay bacon strips in a cold skillet then turn to medium heat. Fry, turning occasionally, until crisp and browned, about 8-10 minutes total depending on thickness. Transfer cooked bacon to paper towels to drain.

Prepare buns

Split the burger buns and spread about 1/2 teaspoon of softened butter on each cut side. Toast the buns in a skillet or under a broiler until golden, about 1-2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

Prep produce

Slice the tomato into 4 even rounds. Thinly slice the red onion into rings. Wash and dry lettuce leaves.

Assemble burgers

Place 1 lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add a tomato slice and a patty with melted cheddar. Top each patty with two bacon strips and onion rings. Spread mayonnaise, ketchup, or mustard on the top bun as desired, then close the burger. Serve immediately.

Fry eggs

If adding a fried egg (+2), heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tsp oil or butter. Crack an egg into the pan and cook until the whites are set but yolk remains runny, about 2-3 minutes for sunny-side up. For over-easy, cook 1-2 minutes then gently flip and cook 15-30 seconds more. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Repeat for remaining eggs.

Add egg to burger

Place the fried egg on top of the bacon before adding the top bun so the yolk can run into the burger when cut.

Spread mayonnaise, ketchup, or mustard onto buns as desired before final assembly. Adjust amounts to taste.