Craving the ultimate burger experience? This garlic butter bacon cheeseburger delivers bold flavors with juicy beef patties, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a rich garlic butter drizzle. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for backyard BBQs, game nights, or a hearty weeknight dinner. The garlic butter adds a decadent twist that elevates this classic to gourmet status. Pair it with fries or a crisp salad for a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s fire up the grill (or skillet) and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: Garlic butter and bacon take this burger to the next level.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 25 minutes, no fancy skills needed.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
- Customizable: Swap cheeses or add your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Serves 4
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or American, for classic melt)
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4 brioche buns (or potato buns), toasted
For the Garlic Butter:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
Toppings (Optional):
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Pickles
- Ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or grill pan (or outdoor grill)
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Baking sheet (for bacon, if baking)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) on a baking sheet for 15 minutes. Set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Stir in minced garlic, parsley, and smoked paprika (if using). Set aside, keeping warm.
- Form the Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix and form into 4 equal patties (about ¼ lb each), making a slight indent in the center to prevent puffing.
- Cook the Burgers: Preheat a skillet or grill to medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until they reach 160°F (71°C) for medium. In the last minute, place a cheddar slice on each patty to melt.
- Toast the Buns: Brush bun insides with a bit of garlic butter and toast in the skillet or on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Assemble: Place lettuce, tomato, and onion (if using) on the bottom bun. Add the burger patty, 2 bacon slices, and a drizzle of garlic butter. Top with pickles and condiments of choice, then the top bun.
- Serve: Serve immediately with fries, coleslaw, or a side salad. Extra garlic butter can be served on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
- Pairings: Pair with sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a Caesar salad.
- Drinks: A cold IPA, root beer, or iced tea complements the rich flavors.
- Presentation: Serve on wooden boards with parchment for a rustic, diner vibe.
Pro Tips
- Juicy Patties: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture; avoid overmixing to keep patties tender.
- Bacon Hack: Bake bacon in the oven for even crispiness and less mess.
- Garlic Butter Boost: Make extra garlic butter for dipping fries or brushing on sides.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers stay juicy (160°F/71°C for medium).
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~650 kcal per serving (with bun and toppings)
- Servings: 4
- Macros (per serving, approximate):
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store cooked patties and bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store buns and toppings separately.
- Reheating: Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Microwave garlic butter briefly to remelt.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before cooking.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the bun and serve on lettuce or with a keto-friendly bun.
- Dairy-Free: Omit cheese and use vegan butter or olive oil for the garlic butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes, but turkey is leaner, so add 1 tbsp olive oil to the mix for moisture. Cook to 165°F (74°C).
What’s the best cheese for this burger?
Cheddar or American for classic melt, or try gouda or pepper jack for a twist.
Can I grill the burgers outdoors?
Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, following the same steps.
Recipe Card
Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~650 kcal per serving
Ingredients:
For Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
For Garlic Butter:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise
Instructions:
- Cook bacon until crispy; drain and set aside.
- Melt butter; stir in garlic, parsley, and paprika. Set aside.
- Mix beef with Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form 4 patties.
- Cook patties on a skillet or grill 3-4 minutes per side. Add cheese in the last minute.
- Brush buns with garlic butter; toast 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, patty, bacon, garlic butter, and toppings.
- Serve with fries or salad.
