The Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe – Crispy Bacon & Juicy Patties

Nothing beats a juicy bacon cheeseburger with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a perfectly cooked beef patty. Whether you’re grilling at home or cooking on the stovetop, learning how to make a restaurant-quality bacon cheeseburger will elevate your burger game.

From choosing the best cheese for melting to mastering the crispiest bacon technique, this guide will cover everything you need to know about making the perfect bacon cheeseburger.

Before we jump into the step-by-step process, it’s important to understand how different cheeses affect the burger’s flavor. Some cheeses melt better than others, creating that gooey, irresistible texture. Check out this cheese melting guide to find the best options for your burger.

Another key element is bacon preparation. Should you pan-fry, bake, or grill it? Each method affects the crispiness and flavor differently. To achieve perfectly crispy bacon, learn how to cook bacon for burgers and get pro tips on avoiding chewy or burnt pieces.

What Makes the Best Bacon Cheeseburger?

A great bacon cheeseburger is all about ingredient quality and preparation techniques. Here’s what you need to focus on:

Choosing the Right Beef

• Use 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) for a juicy burger.
• Avoid overworking the meat—shape patties gently for better texture.
• Make slightly larger patties than your bun (they shrink while cooking!).

The Best Bacon for a Burger

• Use thick-cut smoked bacon for the best balance of flavor and crispiness.
• Cook in the oven for even crispiness or pan-fry for maximum smoky flavor.
• Try the bacon weave technique for better coverage and bacon in every bite.

Best Cheese for Melting

• American cheese – The classic choice for maximum meltiness.
• Cheddar – Sharp flavor, but melts slightly less than American.
• Swiss or Gouda – Great for a more gourmet burger experience.
• Pepper Jack – Adds a spicy kick to the burger.

For pro tips on seasoning beef patties, check out this burger seasoning guide to get the best flavor every time.

How to Cook the Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

The key to a great bacon cheeseburger is perfectly crispy bacon. There are three popular ways to cook it:

1️⃣ Oven Method (Best for Even Crispiness)

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Lay bacon on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping once for even crispiness.
• Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.

2️⃣ Pan-Fry Method (Best for Flavor & Smokiness)

• Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
• Cook bacon 3-4 minutes per side, flipping occasionally.
• Remove when crispy but not burnt and drain on paper towels.

3️⃣ Grilling Method (Best for Smoky Flavor)

• Use indirect heat to prevent burning.
• Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping occasionally.
• Use a grill press to prevent curling.

Pro Tip: Avoid microwaving bacon—it doesn’t achieve the right crispiness for burgers.

Step 2: Cook the Burger Patty

A great burger starts with a properly cooked patty. Here’s how to cook it to perfection:

Pan-Searing (Best for a Crusty, Juicy Patty)

• Heat a cast-iron skillet on high heat.
• Place the seasoned patty onto the skillet.
• Cook for 4 minutes per side, flipping every 30 seconds for even cooking.

Grilling (Best for Smoky, Charred Burgers)

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat (450°F/230°C).
• Grill patties for 3-4 minutes per side (for medium doneness).
• Move to indirect heat if flare-ups occur.

Smash Burger Method (Best for a Crispy Crust)

• Use small patties (3-4 oz) and smash onto a hot griddle.
• Cook for 2 minutes per side, pressing only once.

Pro Tip: Season the patties with salt and pepper just before cooking—doing it too early dries out the meat.

Step 3: Melt the Cheese

• Place cheese directly on the patty during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
• Cover with a lid or metal bowl to create steam, which helps the cheese melt evenly.

Assembling the Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger

Layering Order for the Best Bite

1️⃣ Toasted Bottom Bun
2️⃣ Burger Patty with Melted Cheese
3️⃣ Crispy Bacon Slices
4️⃣ Toppings (Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles, Onion, etc.)
5️⃣ Sauce of Choice
6️⃣ Toasted Top Bun

Best Toppings for Extra Flavor

• Caramelized onions – Adds a sweet, rich flavor.
• Jalapeños – For a spicy kick.
• Fried Egg – A gourmet twist.

Pro Tip: Spreading sauce on both the top and bottom bun enhances flavor balance!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overcooking the bacon – Makes it too chewy or burnt.
❌ Using lean beef – Results in a dry burger (stick to 80/20 ground beef).
❌ Skipping the bun toasting – Leads to a soggy bottom bun.
❌ Not resting the burger – Juices leak out if cut or bitten too soon.

FAQs

What goes on a bacon cheeseburger?

A classic bacon cheeseburger typically includes:

• Cheese (American, cheddar, Swiss, or Gouda)
• Crispy bacon
• Lettuce, tomato, and onion
• Pickles for a tangy crunch
• Burger sauce (mayo, ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauce)

For a gourmet twist, add caramelized onions, avocado, fried egg, or jalapeños.

What sauce goes well on a bacon cheeseburger?

The best sauces for a bacon cheeseburger include:

• Classic: Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise.
• Gourmet: Garlic aioli, BBQ sauce, chipotle mayo.
• Sweet & Savory: Honey mustard or a maple glaze.

Pro Tip: Bacon-flavored mayo is an excellent addition—just mix bacon fat into mayonnaise!

How to make burger patties with bacon?

You can mix chopped bacon directly into the ground beef for extra flavor and juiciness. Steps:

1. Finely chop raw bacon (or use cooked and crumbled bacon for a milder taste).
2. Mix it with 80/20 ground beef.
3. Form patties and cook as usual.

What is a burger with bacon called?

A bacon cheeseburger is the most common name, but some regional variations include:

• Western Bacon Cheeseburger (BBQ sauce, onion rings, bacon, and cheese).
• Bacon Lovers’ Burger (double bacon and cheese).
• Cowboy Burger (often includes BBQ sauce and crispy onion straws).

What side dishes go with bacon cheeseburgers?

Some great side dishes to serve with a bacon cheeseburger:

• French fries (classic, waffle, or sweet potato fries).
• Onion rings or tater tots.
• Coleslaw (adds a fresh, tangy contrast).
• Pickles or jalapeño poppers.
• Baked beans or grilled corn on the cob for a BBQ feel.

Which sauce is best for burgers?

Some of the best burger sauces include:

• Secret sauce: Mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish.
• Chipotle mayo: Adds a smoky, spicy kick.
• Garlic aioli: A gourmet touch with roasted garlic and lemon juice.
• BBQ sauce: Works great with bacon burgers.

What does Burger King put on their bacon cheeseburgers?

Burger King’s Bacon Cheeseburger usually includes:

• Beef patty
• Smoky bacon
• Melted American cheese
• Ketchup & mustard
• Sesame seed bun

The Bacon King version adds extra bacon, mayo, and a larger patty.

How to make burger sauce?

Try this homemade burger sauce recipe:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp pickle relish
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Mix all ingredients and let it sit for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to blend!

What tastes good with bacon?

Bacon pairs well with:

• Sweet flavors (maple syrup, honey, or fruit preserves).
• Savory ingredients (cheese, beef, eggs, and avocado).
• Spicy flavors (jalapeños, chipotle sauce).
• Smoky flavors (BBQ sauce, smoked cheddar).

Pro Tip: Bacon and peanut butter is an underrated combo—try it on a burger!

Should I add Worcestershire sauce to burgers?

Yes! Worcestershire sauce adds umami and depth of flavor. Just mix 1 tbsp per pound of beef for a subtle, meaty richness.

What does Gordon Ramsay put in his burger meat?

Gordon Ramsay’s signature burger seasoning includes:

• Salt & pepper (generously)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder & onion powder
• Egg yolk (for binding, optional)

He also recommends buttering the buns and basting the patty with butter for extra flavor.

What is Bobby Flay’s burger sauce?

Bobby Flay’s burger sauce is a spicy chipotle ketchup, made with:

• Ketchup
• Chipotle peppers in adobo
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Dijon mustard

It’s a great smoky, sweet, and spicy addition to any bacon cheeseburger!

Who has the best bacon cheeseburger?

Some of the best fast-food bacon cheeseburgers include:

• Five Guys Bacon Cheeseburger – Known for its customizable toppings.
• Shake Shack SmokeShack – Features cherry peppers & ShackSauce.
• Wendy’s Baconator – Packed with extra bacon & cheese.

Pro Tip: Make your own at home for better quality and flavor!

What is a Western Bacon Cheeseburger?

A Western Bacon Cheeseburger includes:

• BBQ sauce
• Crispy bacon
• Onion rings
• Cheddar cheese

It’s popular at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s but can be easily made at home.

What’s on a Wendy’s bacon cheeseburger?

Wendy’s Baconator features:

Toasted bun

Two beef patties

Six strips of Applewood smoked bacon

Melted American cheese

Ketchup & mayo

Conclusion

Making a bacon cheeseburger at home is easy and rewarding when you use the right techniques and high-quality ingredients. By choosing the best cheese, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked beef, you can replicate restaurant-quality burgers in your own kitchen.

For a full comfort food experience, pair your burger with a side of smoked chicken drumsticks for a bold, smoky addition to your meal. If you’re looking for a lighter side, consider a ditalini pasta salad to complement the burger’s rich flavors.

Want to take your bacon cheeseburger to the next level? Add a drizzle of strawberry puree for a unique sweet-savory contrast or serve it alongside peanut brittle for a crunchy, caramelized dessert.

Try this recipe today, experiment with new toppings and sauces, and elevate your burger experience!