The Wild West Bacon Cheeseburger from Checkers/Rally's features a juicy beef patty topped with crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, crunchy onion rings, tangy barbecue sauce, and fresh lettuce, all nestled between a toasted sesame seed bun for a bold and satisfying western-inspired flavor.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Tongs
- Fryer or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon or fryer basket
- Cheese slicer or knife
- Sauce bottle or ladle
- Spatula
- Toaster or bun toaster
- Prep table/cutting board
- Knife
- Food-safe gloves
- Plate or serving tray
Ingredients
- 1/3 lb (150g) ground beef patty
- 2 slices bacon
- 1 slice cheddar cheese
- 2-3 frozen onion rings
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 1 large leaf iceberg lettuce
- 1 sesame seed hamburger bun
To recreate the Wild West Bacon Cheeseburger, choose fresh ground beef with at least 20% fat content for juiciness. Opt for thick-cut bacon to ensure a crispy texture after frying or grilling. Use sharp cheddar cheese slices for a rich melt, and select frozen onion rings that maintain their crunch after cooking. Fresh iceberg lettuce provides a crisp contrast to the smoky barbecue sauce and savory toppings. Your careful ingredient selection significantly impacts the authentic taste of this bold western-inspired burger from Checkers/Rally's copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle.
- Preheat fryer or deep fryer.
- Slice cheddar cheese if not pre-sliced.
- Slice lettuce leaf and prepare other toppings on cutting board.
- Toast sesame seed hamburger bun in toaster or bun toaster.
- Grill beef patty on grill/griddle using spatula.
- Fry bacon in grill/griddle or fryer until crispy; set aside.
- Fry frozen onion rings in fryer using fryer basket or slotted spoon; set aside on plate.
- Place cheddar cheese slice on cooked beef patty to melt.
- Wear food-safe gloves for assembly.
- Place lettuce leaf on bottom half of toasted bun.
- Set beef patty with melted cheese on top of lettuce.
- Place crispy bacon strips on cheese.
- Add fried onion rings on top of bacon.
- Drizzle barbecue sauce using sauce bottle or ladle over onion rings.
- Cover with top bun.
- Plate the assembled burger on plate or serving tray for serving.
Substitution
When recreating the Wild West Bacon Cheeseburger from Checkers/Rally's copycat menu, you can substitute frozen onion rings with fresh, thinly sliced onions fried until crispy, which adds a similar crunch and flavor. If cheddar cheese is unavailable, a sharp American or Colby Jack cheese works well to maintain the melty texture and tang. Use thick-cut bacon for a closer match to the original's smoky and crispy profile, but regular bacon can be crisped thoroughly as an alternative. When grilling the beef patty, avoid pressing it down to retain juiciness, and if you don't have a grill, a hot griddle or cast-iron pan will provide similar browning. Your bun can be toasted in a toaster or on the grill to add texture and prevent it from becoming soggy with the barbecue sauce.
Tips
Make sure your grill or griddle is properly preheated to ensure the beef patty cooks evenly and locks in its juices. Fry the bacon slowly to render the fat and achieve maximum crispiness without burning. When frying frozen onion rings, maintain the oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to prevent sogginess and achieve a golden crunch. Use food-safe gloves during assembly to keep your hands clean and avoid contaminating the fresh lettuce and bun.
Nutritions
The Wild West Bacon Cheeseburger from Checkers/Rally's provides approximately 700-800 calories, making it a substantial meal option. You get around 45 grams of protein from the beef patty and bacon, supporting muscle repair and growth. The burger contains roughly 40 grams of fat, including saturated fats from cheddar cheese and bacon, contributing to its rich flavor and texture. Fresh iceberg lettuce adds minimal calories but increases fiber and essential vitamins like vitamin A and K.
Storage
To maintain the Wild West Bacon Cheeseburger's freshness, store the beef patty, bacon, and cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator at or below 40degF (4degC). Keep the toasted sesame seed buns in a sealed plastic bag or container at room temperature to prevent them from becoming stale. If you want to save your assembled burger, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate immediately, consuming within 24 hours to preserve flavor and texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a slightly spicier kick that complements the smoky bacon. Swap the iceberg lettuce with crispy arugula to add a peppery freshness and more texture to your burger. Instead of frying onion rings, try caramelizing thinly sliced onions in a skillet for a sweeter, softer topping. For an alternative cooking method, sear the beef patty in a cast-iron skillet to develop a richer crust and enhance the meat's flavor.
Allergies
The Wild West Bacon Cheeseburger contains common allergens such as dairy from cheddar cheese and gluten from the sesame seed bun. Bacon and barbecue sauce may also contain preservatives or additives that could trigger sensitivities in some individuals. You should exercise caution if you have allergies to sesame seeds, dairy, gluten, or certain preservatives.
Why this recipe?
The Wild West Bacon Cheeseburger from Checkers/Rally's restaurant features a bold combination of crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a perfectly seasoned beef patty that delivers a satisfying flavor profile. People appreciate its unique smoky barbecue sauce that enhances the savory taste, making it a standout option on the menu. Your taste buds will enjoy the hearty, flavorful experience that balances smoky, cheesy, and savory elements in every bite. Trying a copycat recipe allows you to recreate this popular burger's rich flavors at home, saving money while enjoying a crave-worthy meal tailored to your preferences.