Classic Bacon Cheeseburger

A classic bacon cheeseburger is the ultimate comfort food—juicy beef patties, crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, and fresh toppings stacked between a soft, toasted bun. Whether grilled or cooked on a stovetop, this homemade burger is better than anything from a fast-food joint!

Ingredients:

For the Patties:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the juiciest burger)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon ketchup or mustard (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Toppings:

• 4 slices of cheddar or American cheese

• 8 strips bacon, cooked until crispy

• 4 burger buns, toasted

• Lettuce leaves

• 1 large tomato, sliced

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• Pickles (optional)

For the Sauce (Optional):

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 teaspoon mustard

• 1 teaspoon pickle relish

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bacon:
   Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

2. Make the Burger Patties:
   In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about ½-inch thick. Press a small dent in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up while cooking.

3. Cook the Patties:

   • Stovetop: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each patty for 3–4 minutes per side

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     , flipping once, until cooked to your desired doneness.

   • Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, flipping only once.

4. Melt the Cheese:
   Place a slice of cheese on each patty in the last 30 seconds of cooking. Cover with a lid or foil to help it melt faster.

5. Toast the Buns:
   Spread butter on the cut sides of the burger buns and toast them in a skillet or on the grill until golden brown.

6. Assemble the Burgers:

   • Spread the sauce (if using) on the bottom bun.

   • Add lettuce, then place the cheesy beef patty on top.

   • Layer on crispy bacon, tomato slices, onion, and pickles.

   • Top with the other half of the bun.

7. Serve & Enjoy:
   Serve with fries, onion rings, or a side of coleslaw for the perfect meal!

Tips & Variations:

• Make it Spicier: Add jalapeños or spicy mayo.

• Use Different Cheeses: Try Swiss, pepper jack, or blue cheese.

• Storage: Leftover patties can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for 2 months.

This Classic Bacon Cheeseburger is juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—a perfect homemade burger that’s sure to impress! 🍔