Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, apple cider vinegar and black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a skillet. On a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or on a skillet, lay bacon in a single layer. Cook in the oven for 12–18 minutes until crisp, turning once if needed; or pan-fry over medium heat for 8–12 minutes. Remove to paper towels to drain and keep warm.

If using thicker bacon, adjust cook time so bacon is crispy but not burnt. Keep 1 slice of bacon whole per burger, or crumble if preferred.

Form the patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently shape each portion into a patty about 3.5–4 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce puffing during cooking.

Season both sides of each patty with salt and black pepper. Lightly brush or rub each patty with the Worcestershire sauce.

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Place patties in the skillet without crowding. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side until a brown crust forms.

Flip the patties and cook for another 2–3 minutes for medium doneness. One minute before the patties are done, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty, then top with 1–2 slices of cooked bacon per patty. Cover the skillet briefly (30–45 seconds) to help the cheese melt and bacon warm through.

Remove patties to a plate and tent lightly with foil to rest for 2–3 minutes.

While patties rest, split the buns and spread a little softened butter on the cut sides. Place buns butter-side down on the same skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Toast for 30–60 seconds until golden and slightly crisp.

Thinly slice the red onion and tomato. Arrange lettuce leaves and pickle slices so they are ready to assemble.

To assemble each burger: spread about 1 tablespoon of the prepared burger sauce on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the sauce, then add the cheeseburger patty with bacon. Top with 1–2 tomato slices, a few red onion rings, and 2 pickle slices. Spread a little more sauce on the top bun if desired and place it on top.

Serve immediately with fries or a side salad.