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A hand holds a cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, bacon, pickles, onion, and melted cheese, with onion rings in the background.
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Classic Bacon Cheeseburger

Eight strips of thick-cut bacon for four burgers, melted American over 80/20 beef that was never touched until the crust was ready. The backyard classic, done correctly.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time32 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 serving (1 burger per serving)
Calories: 1186kcal
Author: Brittany Lauren

Ingredients

For the Patties

  • 2 lbs ground beef 80/20
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp coarse black pepper

For the Build

  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 4 soft hamburger buns
  • 4 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 12 dill pickle slices
  • 4 leaves green leaf lettuce
  • 1 medium tomato sliced thin
  • 1/2 white onion sliced thin or in rings

Instructions

Cook the Bacon

  • Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat or on a wire rack in a 400°F oven until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
    Cooked bacon strips in a white skillet on a wooden surface, viewed from above.

Preheat the Grill

  • Preheat grill to medium-high (around 400-450°F). Carefully clean and oil the grates with a folded oil-dipped paper towel and tongs.

Form the Patties

  • Divide beef into 4 portions (about 8 oz each). Handle minimally. Press each into a 3/4-inch thick patty. Press a thumb indent into the center of each.
    Four raw ground beef patties with a dimple in the enter of each placed on a wooden cutting board, set on a dark wood surface.

Season

  • Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper immediately before grilling.

First Side

  • Place patties over direct heat. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the crust sets and the patty releases cleanly from the grate.
    Four raw beef burger patties are cooking on a grill over open flames.

Flip and Finish

  • Flip once. Cook 3-4 minutes more. Add American cheese in the last 60-90 seconds and close the lid to melt. Pull at 160°F internal temp, or youre desired tamp.
    Four beef patties topped with melted cheese are cooking on a grill with visible grill marks and rising smoke.

Toast the Buns

  • Toast bun halves cut-side down for 60-90 seconds until lightly golden.
    Several hamburger bun halves are toasting on a grill, with visible grill marks and a slight char from the heat below.

Assemble

  • Spread 1 tbsp mayo on both cut sides of each bun. Layer: lettuce, tomato, onion, patty with cheese, two strips of bacon, dill pickles. Cap and serve immediately.
    Four open-faced burgers with various toppings—cheese, bacon, pickles, tomato, lettuce, and onion—arranged on a wooden cutting board.

Notes

  • Season patties right before grilling, not in advance. Salting early draws out moisture. - The thumb indent prevents doming. Do not skip it.
  • Refrigerate cooked patties up to 3 days. Reheat in a covered skillet with a splash of water.
  • Cooked bacon keeps separately for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 1186kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 57g | Fat: 93g | Saturated Fat: 33g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 37g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 235mg | Sodium: 2038mg | Potassium: 986mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1605IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 351mg | Iron: 7mg