The Guacamole Bacon Thickburger from Carl's Jr. features a juicy beef patty topped with creamy, fresh guacamole, crispy smoked bacon, melted cheese, and crunchy lettuce, all nestled inside a toasted, buttery bun for a satisfying blend of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese slicer (optional)
- Bacon tray or baking sheet
- Oven or microwave (for bacon)
- Mixing bowl (for guacamole)
- Spoon or masher (for guacamole)
- Toaster or skillet (for buns)
- Plate or tray
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 4 slices smoked bacon
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons diced tomato
- 2 tablespoons diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 leaves green leaf lettuce
Ensure you use ripe avocados to achieve the creamy texture essential for the guacamole topping, balancing it with fresh lime juice to prevent browning. Select high-quality smoked bacon for that signature smoky flavor, and season the ground beef generously with salt and black pepper to enhance its taste. Fresh, crisp green leaf lettuce adds the necessary crunch, while lightly toasting the buns with butter contributes to the overall buttery richness. You can prepare the bacon in the oven on a baking sheet to keep it evenly crispy without the mess. Your homemade Guacamole Bacon Thickburger from Carl's Jr. will deliver the perfect blend of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors, closely mimicking the iconic fast-food classic.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle.
- Shape ground beef into 4 patties.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper.
- Cook bacon on bacon tray in oven or microwave until crispy.
- Grill beef patties to desired doneness.
- Place cheddar cheese slices on patties; let melt.
- In mixing bowl, mash avocado with spoon or masher.
- Add lime juice, diced tomato, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and minced garlic to mashed avocado; mix for guacamole.
- Spread butter on hamburger buns.
- Toast buns on toaster or skillet until golden.
- Layer lettuce leaves on bottom buns.
- Place cheeseburger patties on lettuce.
- Top patties with crispy bacon.
- Spoon guacamole over bacon.
- Cover with top buns.
- Serve assembled burgers on plate or tray.
Substitution
The Guacamole Bacon Thickburger copycat recipe from Carl's Jr. combines a juicy beef patty, fresh guacamole, crispy smoked bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and crisp lettuce on a buttery toasted bun, delivering a rich and smoky flavor profile. If you don't have smoked bacon, regular bacon or turkey bacon can be substituted, though the smoky intensity may be milder. When making guacamole, you can customize the ingredients by adding jalapenos for heat or substituting lime juice with lemon juice if preferred. To ensure even cooking, use a grill or griddle for the patties and a baking sheet in the oven to crisp the bacon evenly. Your toasted buns can be prepared in a skillet with butter if you lack a toaster, maintaining that essential buttery crunch.
Tips
Ensure the beef patties are evenly shaped and not too thick to cook thoroughly and avoid undercooking in the center. Use fresh, ripe avocados for the guacamole to achieve the perfect creamy texture without browning quickly. Toast the buns with butter just before assembling to keep them warm and prevent sogginess from the guacamole. When cooking bacon, allow excess grease to drain on paper towels to maintain crispiness when added to your burger.
Nutritions
The Guacamole Bacon Thickburger delivers a substantial amount of protein from the 1 lb (450g) ground beef, essential for muscle repair and growth. Your meal also provides healthy fats from the avocado-based guacamole and smoked bacon, contributing to heart health and satiety. The inclusion of fresh vegetables like tomato, red onion, and lettuce adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, supporting digestion and immune function. With cheddar cheese and buttered buns, this burger offers some saturated fats, so balancing it with lighter meals throughout the day can help maintain overall nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover Guacamole Bacon Thickburger components separately to maintain freshness; keep cooked beef patties and bacon in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store guacamole in a sealed container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto its surface to prevent browning and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Toasted buns and lettuce should be stored at room temperature briefly, but for longer storage, keep buns in a sealed bag and lettuce wrapped in a damp paper towel inside the fridge to preserve texture.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap smoked bacon for crispy pancetta or turkey bacon to alter the smoky flavor while keeping the crunch. Try replacing cheddar cheese with pepper jack or Swiss for a sharper or nuttier taste. Mix diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce into the guacamole to add a spicy kick tailored to your preference. You can also grill the buns brushed with garlic butter to infuse a rich aroma and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Allergies
The Guacamole Bacon Thickburger contains several common allergens such as dairy from cheddar cheese and butter, and gluten from the hamburger buns, which may cause reactions for individuals with lactose intolerance or celiac disease. The presence of smoked bacon and avocado could also pose issues for those with meat or fruit allergies. You should consult ingredient labels carefully and consider any personal allergy sensitivities before enjoying this menu item.
Why this recipe?
The Guacamole Bacon Thickburger from Carl's Jr. captivates taste buds with its rich combination of creamy guacamole, crispy bacon, and a juicy beef patty, delivering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. You experience a perfect harmony of savory, smoky, and fresh elements that make every bite indulgent and memorable. Attempting a copycat version allows you to customize freshness and ingredient quality while recreating this iconic burger experience at home. The unique assembly and bold flavor profile offer a culinary challenge that guarantees a rewarding reward for your cooking skills.