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Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburgers Recipe Easy Homemade with Special Sauce

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These ultimate bacon cheeseburgers combine juicy beef patties, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a tangy special sauce for a quick, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 brioche burger buns, split and lightly toasted
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: leafy lettuce (romaine or butter lettuce), tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, pickles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate while you cook.
  2. Cook the Bacon: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Lay the bacon strips in a single layer and cook, flipping occasionally, until crispy but not burnt—about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain. Reserve a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan for cooking the patties; discard the rest or save for another use.
  3. Form the Beef Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix gently without overworking. Divide into 3 equal portions and shape each into a roughly 4-inch diameter patty about ¾-inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center with your thumb.
  4. Cook the Patties: Using the reserved bacon fat, heat over medium-high. Place patties in the skillet, cook about 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving. Flip and immediately add 2 slices of cheddar to each patty, cover skillet with lid or foil to melt cheese evenly—about 3-4 minutes more. Cook until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  5. Toast the Buns: While patties cook, lightly toast brioche buns face down in a separate pan or on a grill until golden and slightly crisp.
  6. Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous spoonful of special sauce on both top and bottom buns. Place cheesy beef patty on bottom bun, stack 2 slices of crispy bacon on top. Add preferred toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Cap with top bun and gently press down.
  7. Serve immediately: Enjoy hot off the skillet when cheese is melty and bacon is warm. Pair with fries or fresh salad.

Notes

Reserve some bacon fat to cook the patties for added smoky flavor. Make a slight indentation in the center of patties to prevent puffing. Toast buns lightly to avoid sogginess. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Special sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to a week.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon cheeseburger, homemade burger, special sauce, easy burger recipe, backyard BBQ, quick dinner

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/ultimate-bacon-cheeseburgers-recipe-easy-homemade-with-special-sauce/