Bacon Cheese Burger* Recipe

Form the patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Gently combine with your hands—do not overwork. Divide into two equal portions (about 8 oz each) and form into slightly wider-than-bun patties about 3/4-inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce puffing while cooking.

Brush or rub both sides of the patties lightly with 1 tsp neutral oil to help sear.

Cook the bacon

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the Daily's honey smoked bacon strips in a single layer and cook until crisped to your liking, about 3–5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about 1 tsp of the rendered bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor (optional).

Prepare the cheese

Slice the cheddar if not pre-sliced. Plan on placing two thin slices (2 oz) per burger so the cheese melts evenly.

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3–4 minutes. If you reserved bacon fat, add it now; otherwise add the 1/2 tsp cooking oil and swirl to coat.

Place the patties in the pan without crowding. Sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes for medium (internal temp ~140–145°F / 60–63°C). During the last 60–90 seconds of cooking, place two slices of cheddar on each patty and cover the pan with a lid to help cheese melt and finish cooking. Adjust time for desired doneness.

Remove patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest for 3 minutes.

Toast the buns

While patties rest, spread softened butter evenly on the cut sides of the buns. Place buttered cut sides down in a separate skillet over medium heat or on a griddle and toast until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

Prepare sauces

Mix mayonnaise and yellow mustard together (or spread separately) and apply to the bottom and/or top bun as preferred.

Assemble each burger: place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add a rested cheeseburger patty, top with 3 oz (approx. half of the bacon) — arrange the Daily's honey smoked bacon (3 oz per burger) on the melted cheese, then add tomato slice(s), red onion rings and pickles. Spread additional mayo/mustard on the top bun and close the burger.

Serve immediately while hot. Optionally cut in half and secure with a skewer. Provide fries or a side salad if desired.