Crispy Bacon Burgers

Alright, these crispy bacon burgers? They’re juicy, smoky, and loaded with that perfect bacon crunch in every bite. Classic burgers, but with an extra crispy twist that takes them to the next level.

I made them one night when I wanted something quick but totally satisfying. Cooked thick beef patties, piled on crispy bacon, melted cheese, and all the fixings. The crispy bacon adds that unbeatable texture and flavor that makes these burgers unforgettable.

Perfect for backyard cookouts, weeknight dinners, or whenever you’re craving a burger that hits all the right spots. Let’s get grilling—you’re gonna love how easy and delicious they are.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, Salty Bacon in Every Bite: Bacon isn’t just an afterthought here—it’s cooked until golden and crisp, layered generously so it complements the beef without overpowering it.
• Juicy Patties That Stay Tender: Using 80/20 ground beef and avoiding overmixing keeps the patties juicy with a slight crust when seared.
• Cheddar That Actually Melts: Sharp cheddar slices soften just enough to coat the patty, giving the burger a creamy finish without turning greasy.
• Buns That Stay Intact: Toasted brioche buns are lightly buttered and crisped in a skillet, adding flavor and helping the bottom bun stay firm even with juicy toppings.
• Toppings That Make Sense: Lettuce adds crunch, tomatoes bring freshness, pickles offer tang, and a swipe of ranch or ketchup adds moisture without needing fancy sauces.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes shaping patties and prepping toppings)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (bacon, patties, cheese melt, bun toasting)
• Total Time: About 40 minutes

You can prepare the bacon and toppings ahead of time to streamline assembly.

Servings:

Makes 4 hearty burgers. Each burger includes a quarter-pound patty, two bacon slices, cheddar, and basic toppings. You can stretch to 6 smaller burgers by shaping thinner patties and halving the bacon slices.

Difficulty:

Approachable for beginners. The steps are straightforward, and the cooking is all done on the stovetop. No grill or fancy tools needed.

Required Kitchen Tools

To keep things simple and effective, here’s what you’ll want nearby:

• Cast Iron or Heavy Skillet: Best for getting a good sear on the patties and toasting buns evenly. A large nonstick skillet works too.
• Spatula: Use a flat metal spatula for pressing and flipping burgers without breaking them.
• Mixing Bowl: For seasoning and shaping the ground beef mixture.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Helps remove cooked bacon and drain it properly.
• Small Saucepan or Skillet (Optional): To melt butter for brushing buns before toasting.
• Paper Towels: For draining bacon and blotting grease from burgers, if needed.

Ingredients for Crispy Bacon Burgers

Each ingredient has a specific purpose. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

For the Burger Patties:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20) – The 80% lean, 20% fat blend is ideal for burgers. The fat keeps them juicy and helps form a flavorful crust in the pan.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Gives the patties a gentle aromatic base without overpowering the meat.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the beef.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Enhances the smokiness and works in harmony with the bacon.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Crucial for bringing out the meat’s natural flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds light heat and rounds out the seasoning.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – A mild touch of heat if you like a slight kick.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – A classic addition that provides umami and moisture.

For the Bacon and Cheese:

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon – Cooked until crispy. Thick-cut bacon holds its shape and texture better on burgers.
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese – Melts smoothly and provides sharp, creamy contrast to the beef.

For the Buns:

• 4 brioche buns – Soft, slightly sweet buns that toast beautifully. Their richness complements the savory fillings.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Melted and brushed onto the cut sides of the buns before toasting. This creates flavor and prevents sogginess.

Optional Toppings:

• Green leaf lettuce or romaine – Adds freshness and crunch. Avoid iceberg, which can wilt quickly.
• Sliced tomato – Choose ripe but firm tomatoes for clean slices that won’t fall apart.
• Pickles – Dill pickles add a little acidity and cut through the richness of the meat and cheese.
• Ranch dressing, ketchup, or mustard – Use what you prefer. Ranch brings creaminess; ketchup adds tang and sweetness.

How to Make Crispy Bacon Burgers: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

Start by preparing the bacon so it’s ready to top the burgers when you need it.

• Place the bacon strips in a cold skillet (cast iron works best) and turn the heat to medium.
• Let the bacon cook slowly. As it heats up, it will begin to sizzle and shrink.
• Flip the bacon every few minutes using tongs. Cook until it’s deeply golden and crisp — about 8–10 minutes depending on thickness.
• Once done, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
• Set aside. You can crumble it or leave the slices whole for layering.

Tip: If making a large batch, you can also cook bacon in the oven. Place it on a foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer, bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, then drain.

2. Prepare the Burger Patties

• Place the ground beef in a medium mixing bowl.
• Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and Worcestershire sauce.
• Mix gently with clean hands or a fork. Don’t overmix — just enough to incorporate the seasonings evenly.
• Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each).
• Shape each portion into a patty about ¾ inch thick. Use your thumb to press a shallow dent into the center of each patty — this helps them cook evenly without puffing up in the middle.

3. Cook the Burger Patties

• Wipe out the skillet you used for the bacon (or use a clean one). Place over medium-high heat.
• Once the skillet is hot, add the patties, spacing them out evenly.
• Let them cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes. A deep brown crust should form on the bottom.
• Flip the patties gently with a spatula. Cook the second side for another 3–4 minutes.
• In the final minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the skillet with a lid. This helps the cheese melt smoothly.
• Check doneness: For medium, aim for an internal temp of 160°F. If you prefer well-done, cook a bit longer.

Tip: Don’t press down on the patties while they cook — that squeezes out juices and dries them out.

4. Toast the Buns

• While the patties rest, toast your brioche buns.
• Melt the butter in a small pan or microwave it in a bowl.
• Brush the cut sides of each bun (tops and bottoms) lightly with melted butter.
• Place the buns cut-side down in a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
• Toast for about 1–2 minutes or until golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them — they can brown quickly.

5. Assemble the Burgers

Once all your components are ready, it’s time to build:

1. Bottom bun
2. Optional spread: ranch dressing or ketchup
3. Lettuce leaf
4. Burger patty with melted cheddar
5. Crispy bacon (whole or crumbled)
6. Tomato slice
7. Pickles (if using)
8. Top bun

Serve immediately while the patties are hot and the buns are crisp.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Crispy Bacon Burgers

Crispy Bacon Burgers are great on their own or served with classic sides. Here are a few ideas:

• With Fries: Serve with hand-cut fries, sweet potato wedges, or baked potato rounds.
• As Sliders: Make smaller patties and use slider buns for parties or appetizers.
• With a Simple Salad: A side of greens or coleslaw helps balance the richness.
• Burger Bar Style: Offer toppings like sautéed onions, jalapeños, or barbecue sauce so everyone can build their own.

To keep things clean and practical:

• Wrap the bottom half of the burger in parchment or wax paper for easier handling.
• Add a burger pick or skewer through the center to hold stacked toppings in place.

Storing Crispy Bacon Burgers

• Cooked Patties: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat for best texture.
• Cooked Bacon: Store separately in a sealed bag or container. Reheat in a dry skillet or toaster oven to restore crispness.
• Assembled Burgers: Not recommended for storage — buns can get soggy. Always assemble just before eating.
• Freezing Option: You can freeze uncooked patties (with or without seasoning). Separate with parchment paper and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Cold Beef: Cold ground beef holds together better during shaping and cooking.
• Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much breaks down the meat’s texture, making patties tough.
• Indent the Patties: A thumbprint in the center prevents burgers from doming.
• Toast the Buns Last-Minute: This keeps them from going soft too soon.
• Let the Patties Rest: After cooking, rest them for 3–5 minutes to keep juices inside.
• Cook Bacon Low and Slow: Avoid burning the fat—crispy bacon comes from patience.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	~620 kcal
Total Fat	41g
Saturated Fat	15g
Cholesterol	120mg
Sodium	830mg
Carbohydrates	28g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	5g
Protein	35g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Crispy Bacon Burger FAQs

Q: Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, but keep in mind leaner meats dry out faster. Add a bit of olive oil or grated onion to help with moisture.

Q: What’s the best pan for cooking burgers?
Cast iron is ideal for even searing and holding heat. Nonstick pans work too, but may not form the same crust.

Q: Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes, shape and season them in advance, then refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before cooking.

Q: What’s the best cheese for burgers?
Sharp cheddar melts well and adds bold flavor. You can also try pepper jack, Swiss, or gouda depending on your taste.

Conclusion

Crispy Bacon Burgers are a reliable, flavor-packed option for any burger night. With simple steps, easy-to-find ingredients, and customizable toppings, this recipe is suited for quick dinners, cookouts, or anytime you’re craving a classic.