Classic Bacon Cheeseburger

Weber Classic Bacon Cheeseburger

A classic bacon cheeseburger on a Weber grill combines smoky, caramelized bacon, juicy beef patties, melty cheese, and fresh toppings—delivering restaurant-quality flavor at home. Using a Weber grill enhances the burger with authentic grilled aroma and crust, making it a backyard favorite.

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🧠 Key Principles for a Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger

1. High-Heat Searing:

   • Essential for forming a Maillard crust, locking in juices.

2. Bacon Integration:

   • Crisp and smoky bacon adds texture and savory depth.

3. Cheese Melt Timing:

   • Cheese should melt on hot patties just before removing from the grill.

4. Burger Build:

   • Balance flavors: salty, smoky, creamy, fresh, and acidic.

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🥩 Ingredients (Serves 4)

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Ground beef	1 lb (450 g)	80/20 ratio for juiciness
Bacon strips	8 slices	Thick-cut for crispness
Cheese slices	4	Cheddar, American, or your favorite
Hamburger buns	4	Brioche or potato buns recommended
Lettuce	4 leaves	Crisp, iceberg or romaine
Tomato	1 large	Sliced ¼ inch thick
Onion	1 small	Red or white, sliced thin
Pickles	Optional	Sliced
Salt & pepper	To taste	Season generously
Olive oil or melted butter	For brushing buns	Optional for toasting
Optional sauces	Ketchup, mustard, mayo	Customize to taste

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🔥 Step-by-Step Weber Grill Method

1. Preheat the Grill

• Direct heat: High (~450–500°F / 230–260°C)

• For charcoal: wait until coals are white-hot

• Optional: Add wood chips for smoky flavor

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2. Prepare the Patties

• Divide beef into 4 equal portions (~4 oz each)

• Lightly form patties (¼–½ inch thick)

• Indent center slightly to prevent puffing

• Season both sides with salt and pepper

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3. Grill the Bacon

• Place bacon on grill rack or griddle pan over medium heat

• Cook 4–5 minutes per side until crispy but not burnt

• Remove and set aside on paper towel to drain

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4. Grill the Burger Patties

• Place patties directly over high heat

• Grill 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (~130–135°F / 54–57°C)

• Adjust time for preferred doneness

• During the last minute, top each patty with cheese and close the lid to melt

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5. Toast the Buns

• Brush cut sides with olive oil or melted butter

• Toast 30–60 seconds on the grill until golden

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6. Assemble the Bacon Cheeseburger

1. Bottom bun

2. Lettuce leaf

3. Tomato slice

4. Burger with melted cheese

5. Crispy bacon strips

6. Onion slices and pickles

7. Sauce (ketchup, mustard, mayo)

8. Top bun

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🧠 Pro Tips for the Perfect Grill

1. 80/20 beef ratio: Fat ensures juiciness on high-heat grills.

2. Avoid pressing patties: Keeps juices inside.

3. Cheese placement: Add cheese 1 minute before done to melt perfectly.

4. Indirect heat for thick patties: Prevents burning outside while undercooked inside.

5. Rest burgers briefly: 2–3 minutes to redistribute juices.

6. Use a spatula with care: Flip once for optimal crust.

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🔥 Flavor Enhancements

• Smoky twist: Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder in beef mix

• Caramelized onions: Grill alongside patties for sweet depth

• Special sauces: Garlic aioli, barbecue sauce, or spicy mayo

• Cheese variations: Swiss, pepper jack, or blue cheese for bold flavor

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🥂 Pairing Suggestions

Beer: Pale ale, lager, IPA
Wine: Zinfandel, Shiraz, or light red blends
Sides: Grilled corn, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, potato salad

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⭐ Why Weber Bacon Cheeseburger Works

• The high-heat sear locks in juices and adds crust

• Grilled bacon adds smoky texture

• Cheese melts evenly for creamy indulgence

• Outdoor grilling enhances flavor with subtle smoke

• Balanced toppings provide freshness and crunch

OTHER RECIPES

WEBER GRILL RECIPE INGREDIENTS

• 6 slices bacon
• 2 pounds ground chuck (80% lean)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 6 thin slices extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
• 6 hamburger buns
• 6 crisp lettuce leaves
• 6 slices ripe tomato
• Ketchup, optional
• Mustard, optional

WEBER GRILL RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer the bacon onto paper towels to drain.

2. Gently shape the ground chuck into six burgers of equal size and thickness (about 3/4 inch thick). Season both sides of the burgers with salt and pepper.

3. Grill over direct medium heat (350°F to 450°F), with the lid closed as much as possible, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for medium, 8 to 10 minutes, turning once. Top each burger with a slice of cheese during the last minute or two of grilling time and allow the cheese to melt. During the last 30 seconds, grill the buns over direct medium heat until lightly toasted.

4. Serve the cheeseburgers hot on the toasted buns with a lettuce leaf and a slice of tomato, topped with a slice of the bacon. Serve with ketchup and mustard on the side, if desired.

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