Cheeseburger Bacon Recipe

Cook bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Lay bacon slices in a single layer (work in two batches if necessary). Cook until edges are browned and bacon is crisp, 6–10 minutes, flipping occasionally for even cooking. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 1 teaspoon bacon fat in the pan if desired for flavor; otherwise discard.

When cool enough to handle, cut each slice in half crosswise to fit burgers, or leave whole if preferred. Keep warm.

Form patties

Place ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently combine with your hands—do not overwork. Divide into 4 equal portions and form into patties about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than the buns (they will shrink while cooking). Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming.

Cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon neutral oil or reserved bacon fat and heat until shimmering. Add patties (work in batches if needed), and cook without moving for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes for medium doneness. During the last 1 minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and cover the pan briefly (30–60 seconds) to melt the cheese.

If you prefer grilled burgers, preheat grill to medium-high and cook patties 3–4 minutes per side, adding cheese in the last minute and closing the lid to melt.

Prepare sauce

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning or proportions if desired.

Toast buns

Spread softened butter on cut sides of the buns. In a clean skillet or on the grill grates over medium heat, toast cut sides until golden and lightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes.

Assemble: Spread a generous tablespoon of the sauce on each toasted bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the sauce, then the cheeseburger patty. Top each patty with 1–2 slices of cooked bacon (arrange to cover the cheese). Add tomato slice, a few onion rings, and 2 pickle slices. Spread a little sauce on the top bun and close the burger.

Serve immediately with extra ketchup or fries on the side.