How to Make a Burger with Bacon

There’s something about a bacon burger that just screams indulgence. The salty, smoky flavor of bacon elevates a simple burger to another level, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating the perfect bacon burger, from prepping the patties to assembling the final masterpiece.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before you fire up the grill or your pan, gather these ingredients for a mouthwatering bacon burger experience:

• For the Burgers:
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• For the Bacon:
• 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp
• For the Toppings:
• Burger buns, toasted
• Lettuce, shredded or sliced
• Tomato, sliced
• Onion, sliced
• Pickles, sliced
• Cheese (optional): Cheddar, American, Swiss, etc.
• Your favorite burger sauce or condiment

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Bacon Burger

1. Prepare the Burger Patties

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. Mix Gently: Use your hands to mix the ingredients together gently, being careful not to overwork the beef. The goal is to distribute the ingredients evenly without making the patties too dense.
3. Form the Patties: Shape the mixture into four equal-sized patties. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help prevent them from bulging during cooking.
4. Chill the Patties (Optional): If time allows, refrigerate the patties for 30 minutes to an hour. This will help them hold their shape better during cooking.

2. Cook the Bacon

1. Crisp Up the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is crisp and golden brown.
2. Drain Excess Fat: Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on paper towels to absorb any excess fat.
3. Crumble for Extra Flavor: After the bacon has cooled slightly, crumble it into small pieces. You can reserve some whole slices for topping your burger if desired.

3. Cook the Burger Patties

The cooking method depends on your preference and equipment:

Grilling

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grease the Grill Grates: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the burgers from sticking.
3. Cook the Patties: Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
4. Add Bacon Crumbles (Optional): During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the patties to impart its flavor.

Pan-Frying

1. Heat a Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add Oil: Add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
3. Cook the Patties: Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
4. Add Bacon Crumbles (Optional): During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the patties to impart its flavor.

4. Assemble the Burgers

1. Toast the Buns: Toast the burger buns to your desired level of crispness. You can grill, bake, or pan-fry them.
2. Layer the Toppings: Start with a base of lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on the bottom bun.
3. Add the Cheese (Optional): If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on top of the patties before they’re fully cooked, allowing it to melt.
4. Place the Patty: Top the toppings with the cooked burger patty.
5. Add the Bacon: Place a few slices of bacon on top of the patty.
6. Finish with Sauce: Add your favorite burger sauce or condiment to the top bun.
7. Complete the Burger: Place the top bun on the burger, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Bacon Burgers

• Don't Overmix the Beef: Overmixing the beef will result in tough burgers. Just combine the ingredients gently until they're evenly distributed.
• Use Quality Ground Beef: Choose a good quality ground beef, preferably 80/20 or 85/15, for a juicy and flavorful burger.
• Avoid Pressing on the Patties While Cooking: Resist the urge to press down on the patties while cooking. This will only squeeze out the juices and make them dry.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer to check the center of the patties.
• Let the Burgers Rest Before Serving: Allow the cooked burgers to rest for 5-10 minutes before assembling them. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy burger.
• Get Creative with Toppings: There’s no limit to the toppings you can add to your bacon burger. Experiment with different cheeses, sauces, vegetables, and even caramelized onions or roasted peppers.

Variations and Ideas

Here are a few variations to explore for your bacon burger:

• Cheesy Bacon Burger: Add a generous amount of your favorite cheese on top of the patty before it's fully cooked, allowing the cheese to melt and create a gooey and delicious layer.
• Bacon-Wrapped Burger: For a more decadent twist, wrap each burger patty with a slice of bacon before cooking. The bacon will become crispy and add another layer of flavor to the burger.
• Spicy Bacon Burger: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the burger patty mixture for a touch of heat. You can also use spicy mayo as a topping.
• Blue Cheese Bacon Burger: For a bold flavor combination, top your burger with crumbled blue cheese and crispy bacon.
• Bacon-Avocado Burger: Combine the creamy richness of avocado with the smoky flavor of bacon for a delicious and satisfying burger.

Serving Ideas

Serve your bacon burgers with your favorite sides, such as:

• French fries: Classic and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Onion rings: Crispy and flavorful.
• Potato salad: Creamy and refreshing.
• Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy side.
• Grilled corn on the cob: Sweet and smoky.

Enjoy Your Bacon Burger Masterpiece!

Now that you have all the tips and tricks to create the perfect bacon burger, get ready to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Whether you’re having a casual barbecue or a special occasion dinner, this recipe will guarantee a delicious and satisfying experience. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to create your very own bacon burger masterpiece!