Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

Form and season patties

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently shape each portion into a patty roughly 3.5 inches in diameter and about 3/4 inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking. Season both sides of each patty with salt and freshly ground black pepper and brush or sprinkle Worcestershire sauce lightly on one side.

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, spreading to coat. When the oil is shimmering, add the patties (work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding). Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). In the last 1 minute of cooking, place one slice of cheddar on two of the patties and cover the pan briefly to melt; place a slice on the remaining two patties as they finish so all four have melted cheese.

Cook bacon

While patties cook, arrange bacon strips in a single layer in a separate skillet over medium heat. Cook, turning occasionally, until crisp and browned, about 8-10 minutes depending on thickness. Transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. If you prefer chewier bacon, reduce cooking time by 1–2 minutes.

Assemble cheese with bacon

After the cheese has melted on the patties, lay 2 slices of cooked bacon on top of each cheeseburger patty. If you like, you can stack bacon beneath the cheese before the final minute of cooking so cheese helps adhere to bacon.

Toast buns

Butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns with the softened butter. Place the buns cut-side down on a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Toast until golden brown and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

Prepare toppings

Thinly slice the red onion into rings. Slice the tomato into 4 even slices. Rinse and pat dry lettuce leaves. Lay out pickle slices. Mix or portion condiments (mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard) in small bowls or spreaders if desired.

Assemble burgers

Spread mayonnaise (or your preferred condiments) on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add the cheeseburger patty topped with bacon, then a tomato slice, red onion rings, and pickle slices. Spread ketchup or mustard on the top bun (or add to taste) and place it over the assembled burger. Repeat for remaining burgers.

Serve the bacon cheeseburgers immediately while hot with your choice of sides (fries, chips, or a salad). Provide extra condiments on the side. Leftover cooked patties and bacon can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.