Behold, the burger of your dreams! Picture this: two perfectly seared, juicy beef patties, each draped in a blanket of gloriously melted cheese, stacked high and interspersed with layers of crispy, smoky bacon. Fresh, crisp lettuce provides a cool crunch, ripe tomato adds a burst of garden freshness, and it’s all lovingly embraced by a toasted, golden-brown bun, crowned with a tangy, creamy special sauce. This isn’t just a burger; it’s an experience – a symphony of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Perfect for a weekend indulgence, a backyard BBQ showstopper, or whenever that serious burger craving hits, this Ultimate Double Bacon Cheeseburger is pure, unadulterated satisfaction on a bun.
Time & Serving:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 1 burger
Ingredients:
For the Beef Patties:
▢ 1/2 pound (225g) 80/20 ground chuck
▢ Salt and freshly ground black pepper
▢ 1 teaspoon neutral oil
For the Bacon:
▢ 4-6 slices thick-cut bacon
For the Special Sauce:
▢ 1/4 cup mayonnaise
▢ 1 tablespoon ketchup
▢ 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
▢ 1/2 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
▢ Pinch of garlic powder
▢ Pinch of smoked paprika
For Assembly:
▢ 1 large, good-quality burger bun
▢ 2 slices American cheese
▢ 2-3 leaves crisp lettuce
▢ 2-3 slices ripe tomato
▢ 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the special sauce: mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, garlic powder (if using), and smoked paprika (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium heat, lay the bacon slices in a single layer. Cook slowly, turning occasionally, for 8-12 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown to your liking. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Pour off most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about a teaspoon for cooking the burgers (or use fresh oil).
- Prepare and Cook the Patties: Gently form the ground beef into two equal-sized patties, slightly wider than your buns (they will shrink when cooking). Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat the skillet with the reserved bacon grease or fresh oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the patties in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium, or to your desired doneness. Do not press down too hard while cooking, as this releases juices.
- Melt the Cheese: During the last minute of cooking the patties, top each patty with a slice of cheese. You can cover the skillet briefly with a lid or a bit of foil to help the cheese melt beautifully.
- Toast the Buns: While the patties are finishing, lightly spread the softened butter on the cut sides of the burger bun. Toast them on a separate griddle, in a toaster oven, or carefully in the same skillet (after removing patties) until golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Assemble Your Ultimate Burger: This is where the magic happens! Spread a generous layer of the special sauce on the cut side of both the top and bottom bun. On the bottom bun, layer the lettuce, then the first cheeseburger patty. Top with 2-3 slices of the crispy bacon. Add the second cheeseburger patty, followed by the remaining bacon. Place the tomato slices on top of the bacon. Finally, crown it all with the top bun. Gently press down. Admire your creation, then dive in!
Recipe Notes:
- Beef Matters: Using good quality 80/20 ground chuck (80% lean, 20% fat) provides the best flavor and juiciness for burgers. Handle the meat gently when forming patties; overworking can make them tough.
- Bacon Bliss: Cook your bacon to your preferred level of crispiness. Thick-cut bacon holds up well in a substantial burger like this. You can also bake your bacon in the oven for easy cleanup.
- Cheese Choices: American cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic burger joint vibe. Cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack are also fantastic options. Choose what you love!
- Sauce is Boss: The special sauce adds a crucial creamy, tangy element. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste – more relish for sweetness, a dash of hot sauce for a kick, or a different type of mustard.
- Bun Perfection: A good quality bun that’s sturdy enough to hold everything together is key. Toasting it with butter not only adds flavor but also creates a barrier against sogginess.
- Don’t Fear the Sear: Get your skillet nice and hot before adding the patties to achieve a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- Lettuce Logic: Placing the lettuce on the bottom bun can help create a barrier to prevent the bun from getting soggy from the burger juices.
- Customize Your Tower: Feel free to add other favorite toppings like sliced onions (raw or caramelized), pickles, or even a fried egg if you’re feeling extra adventurous!
There you have it – your roadmap to building The Ultimate Double Bacon Cheeseburger! It’s a labor of love that rewards you with an incredibly satisfying, flavorful, and downright epic meal. We hope you enjoy every juicy, cheesy, bacon-filled bite!
