Cheddar Bacon Burger Recipe

Form the patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and optional smoked paprika and garlic powder if using. Gently mix with your hands until combined — do not overwork. Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each for 4 smaller patties or two 8 oz for bigger — this recipe assumes four). Shape each portion into a patty roughly 3/4" thick and slightly wider than the bun. Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing while cooking.

Preheat and cook

Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and brush with the vegetable oil. When hot and shimmering, add the patties (do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed). Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving to develop a crust. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes for medium; adjust time for desired doneness.

Add cheese

About 1 minute before the burgers are done, place a slice of sharp cheddar on each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid or a sheet pan to trap steam and melt the cheese, about 30–60 seconds.

While the patties are resting or cooking, cook the bacon. Lay the bacon slices in a cold skillet in a single layer and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crisp and browned, about 8–12 minutes depending on thickness. For even cooking you can transfer to a rimmed sheet pan and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until crisp. Drain on paper towels and keep warm.

If you want extra smoky flavor, reserve a small amount of bacon fat and brush a thin layer on the cut sides of the buns before toasting.

Prepare the buns: spread softened butter on the cut sides of each bun. Toast them butter-side down in a clean skillet over medium heat until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Alternatively, toast in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 4–6 minutes.

Mix the sauce: in a small bowl combine mayonnaise and yellow mustard. Spread about 1–2 tablespoons of the sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun.

Assemble the burgers: place a lettuce leaf on the sauced bottom bun, add tomato slices, then the cheddar-topped burger patty, followed by two slices of crispy bacon, red onion, and pickles. Spread more sauce on the top bun and place it over the stack.

Serve immediately with fries or a side salad.