Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

Make and shape patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands until combined — do not overwork. Divide into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each for 1 lb total). Form each portion into a round patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the buns. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce puffing while cooking.

Cook patties

Preheat a cast-iron skillet or heavy grill over medium-high heat. Brush the surface lightly with melted butter or oil. When hot and shimmering, place patties on the skillet or grill leaving space between them. Cook without pressing for 3–4 minutes on the first side until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes more for medium, adjusting time for desired doneness. In the last 30–45 seconds of cooking, place one slice of American cheese on each patty, cover the skillet or close the grill lid briefly to melt the cheese.

While patties cook, cook the applewood-smoked bacon. For even crispness, arrange bacon on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–18 minutes depending on thickness until crisp. Alternatively, cook in a skillet over medium heat 3–5 minutes per side, turning, until crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

Toast buns: Spread the softened butter evenly on cut sides of the buns. Place buttered sides down in a clean skillet over medium heat or on the grill and toast 1–2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.

Prepare toppings: While toasting, arrange lettuce leaves, tomato slices, red onion, and pickle chips so they are ready to assemble.

Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, and hot sauce if using. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust seasoning if desired. Keep at room temperature until assembly.

Build the bacon cheeseburgers: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the prepared sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the sauce to help protect the bun from juices, then set a cheese-topped burger patty on the lettuce. Top each patty with two slices of crispy applewood bacon, 2 pickle chips, a tomato slice, and some red onion. Spread a little sauce on the top bun and close the burger.

Serve immediately with fries or your preferred side. Leftover bacon and patties can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to preserve juiciness.