The Garlic & Butter Bacon Buford from Checkers features a juicy beef patty topped with crispy bacon, melted butter-infused garlic sauce, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes, all nestled within a toasted, buttery bun for a savory and satisfying bite.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Spatula
- Bacon cooker or skillet
- Saucepan (for garlic butter sauce)
- Basting brush
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Toaster or bun toaster
- Tongs
- Squeeze bottle (for sauce, optional)
- Food prep gloves
- Serving tray or plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 8 slices bacon
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 2 roma tomatoes
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional, for added richness)
Ensure to use high-quality ground beef with a good fat content to keep the patty juicy and flavorful. Fresh garlic is essential for creating the rich and aromatic butter-infused garlic sauce that defines the sandwich's distinct taste. Opt for thick-cut bacon to achieve a crisp texture that contrasts well with the soft, toasted buttery buns. Using ripe roma tomatoes and freshly shredded lettuce will enhance the sandwich's freshness and balance the richness of the butter and bacon. Your homemade Garlic & Butter Bacon Buford copycat from Checkers will be most delicious when all ingredients are fresh and prepared with attention to detail.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Season ground beef with salt and black pepper; form into 4 burger patties.
- Cook bacon slices in a skillet or bacon cooker until crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Mince garlic cloves.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat; add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Set garlic butter aside.
- Toast hamburger buns on toaster or griddle until golden; set aside.
- Grill burger patties to desired doneness, flipping once with a spatula.
- Slice tomatoes on a cutting board using a chef’s knife.
- Brush each toasted bun with garlic butter using a basting brush.
- (Optional) Spread mayonnaise on bottom buns.
- Assemble burgers: Place lettuce, tomato slices, beef patty, and bacon on each bun.
- Drizzle additional garlic butter sauce over patties using a spoon or squeeze bottle.
- Top with remaining bun halves.
- Serve immediately on a tray or plate, using tongs if needed.
Substitution
The Garlic & Butter Bacon Buford copycat burger combines a juicy beef patty with crispy bacon and a rich garlic butter sauce, delivering the signature savory flavors of the original Checkers favorite. If fresh garlic or unsalted butter is unavailable, garlic powder mixed into softened salted butter can serve as a convenient substitute without sacrificing too much flavor. When cooking bacon, using a skillet or bacon cooker ensures even crispness and reduces grease splatter compared to grilling. Toasting the buns lightly on a griddle or toaster enhances texture and prevents sogginess when layering ingredients. You can also customize your burger by adding mayonnaise to keep the burger moist or swapping lettuce with crunchy iceberg for a different texture.
Tips
When forming your beef patties, avoid overworking the meat to keep them tender and juicy; season generously with salt and pepper just before grilling. Cook bacon until crisp but not burnt by monitoring closely, then drain excess grease on paper towels to prevent sogginess. Melt butter over low heat and add minced garlic only until fragrant, typically around one minute, to avoid burning and bitterness in your garlic butter sauce. Use a basting brush to evenly coat the toasted buns with garlic butter for enhanced flavor and texture, and assemble your Garlic & Butter Bacon Buford promptly to ensure it's served hot and fresh.
Nutritions
The Garlic & Butter Bacon Buford from Checkers provides a rich source of protein from its 1 lb ground beef and 8 crispy bacon slices, supporting muscle repair and energy. The garlic butter sauce adds heart-healthy fats and antioxidants from garlic, while the fresh lettuce and roma tomatoes contribute dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, promoting digestion and immune function. Your meal's combination of toasted buttery buns and optional mayonnaise increases calorie density, offering energy but requiring mindful portion control for balanced nutrition. Overall, this burger delivers a satisfying blend of macronutrients and antioxidants, ideal for those seeking a flavorful yet indulgent protein-rich option.
Storage
Store leftover Garlic & Butter Bacon Buford components separately for optimal freshness; wrap cooked burger patties and crispy bacon in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours. Use a sealed container or plastic wrap for sliced tomatoes and shredded lettuce and keep them chilled to maintain texture. Reheat patties gently on a grill or stovetop to preserve juiciness, and toast buns briefly before assembling your burger again to enjoy your savory sandwich at its best.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option while maintaining juiciness by adding a small amount of olive oil. Swap out Roma tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the burger with a tangy, concentrated flavor. Consider using a smoked paprika or chipotle powder in the garlic butter sauce for a smoky twist that complements the crispy bacon. Instead of mayonnaise, try a garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo to add an extra layer of flavor and creaminess to your burger.
Allergies
The Garlic & Butter Bacon Buford contains common allergens such as dairy from the unsalted butter and mayonnaise, which may affect those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. Bacon and beef can trigger reactions in individuals with meat sensitivities or certain protein allergies. You should carefully review these ingredients if you have allergies to dairy, pork, or specific preservatives often found in processed meats.
Why this recipe?
The Garlic & Butter Bacon Buford menu from Checkers restaurant offers a unique blend of savory garlic and rich butter flavors perfectly complementing crispy bacon, creating an indulgent taste experience. This menu item is popular due to its bold seasoning, satisfying texture, and balanced saltiness that appeals to bacon lovers and fast-food enthusiasts. You can recreate the Garlic & Butter Bacon Buford at home by carefully mimicking its signature seasonings and cooking techniques, making it a rewarding culinary challenge. Trying this copycat recipe allows you to enjoy Checkers' flavor profile fresh and customized to your taste preferences.