The Triple Baconzilla from Checkers features three juicy beef patties layered with crispy smoked bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy pickles, all nestled within a toasted, soft bun, delivering a hearty and savory burger experience.
Equipments
- Grill or flat-top griddle
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Cheese slicer (optional)
- Microwave or cheese melter (optional)
- Bun toaster or toaster/griddle
- Food scale (for portioning patties)
- Squeeze bottle or basting brush (for condiments, if used)
- Knife (for slicing pickles or buns, if needed)
- Holding/warming tray
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 6 slices smoked bacon
- 3 slices cheddar cheese
- 6-9 slices dill pickles
- 3 hamburger buns
When assembling the Triple Baconzilla, ensure the ground beef is evenly portioned into three patties using a food scale for consistent cooking. Use thick-cut smoked bacon to achieve the ideal crispiness that complements the juicy beef layers. Choose sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, melted texture that pairs well with the tangy dill pickles. Toast the buns lightly to maintain softness while preventing sogginess from condiments and toppings. Your copycat Triple Baconzilla from Checkers will capture the hearty, savory flavor profile that makes this burger a standout.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or flat-top griddle to medium-high heat.
- Divide ground beef into 3 equal portions; shape into patties, pressing gently to desired thickness.
- Season patties with salt and pepper (optional).
- Cook bacon on the griddle or in a pan until crispy; set aside on a holding tray.
- Toast hamburger buns on griddle, bun toaster, or in a toaster; set aside.
- Place beef patties on the preheated grill or griddle; cook until desired doneness, flipping once.
- Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking; cover briefly to melt cheese.
- Warm pickles (optional).
- Assemble the burger: place bottom bun on assembly surface.
- Layer one beef patty with melted cheese on bottom bun.
- Add 2 slices of crispy bacon over the beef patty.
- Stack second beef patty (with cheese) on top of bacon.
- Add 2 more slices of bacon.
- Stack third beef patty (with cheese).
- Add remaining bacon slices on top.
- Place 2-3 dill pickle slices over the bacon.
- Cap with top bun.
- Serve immediately, optionally cutting in half for presentation.
Substitution
The Triple Baconzilla from Checkers copycat recipe offers a robust combination of three beef patties, crispy smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, and dill pickles on a toasted bun, replicating the original's hearty flavor profile. If you cannot find smoked bacon, regular bacon or turkey bacon can be used as an alternative to maintain the intended smoky taste. When cheddar cheese is unavailable, sharp American cheese or a mild Colby Jack can substitute to achieve similar meltability and flavor. You can swap dill pickles with bread and butter or kosher pickles to adjust the tanginess to your preference. If a grill or flat-top griddle isn't accessible, a skillet or oven broiler can efficiently cook the patties and bacon without compromising texture.
Tips
Ensure your grill or flat-top griddle is properly preheated to medium-high to achieve perfect searing and even cooking of your beef patties. Use a food scale to portion the ground beef evenly for consistent patty thickness and uniform cooking times. When adding cheese, place it on the patties during the last minute of cooking and cover briefly to ensure it melts smoothly without overcooking the meat. Assemble the Triple Baconzilla while warm to maintain the burgers' juiciness and texture; warming your pickles is optional but can enhance their flavor and soften their bite, complementing your savory layers.
Nutritions
The Triple Baconzilla contains approximately 1,600-1,800 calories, primarily from its three 150g beef patties, six slices of smoked bacon, three slices of cheddar cheese, and three hamburger buns. This burger provides a substantial amount of protein, around 120-130 grams, supporting muscle repair and satiety. Your sodium intake may be high due to the smoked bacon and pickles, which should be considered if monitoring salt consumption. The burger also contains significant fats, including saturated fat from the beef and cheese, contributing to its rich and savory flavor profile.
Storage
To keep your Triple Baconzilla fresh, wrap the assembled burger tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you have leftover patties, bacon, or buns, store them separately in airtight containers to maintain texture and flavor. Reheat your burger on a grill or flat-top griddle on medium heat to retain its juiciness and crispiness without drying out the meat or bacon.
Variation or Alternatives
You can switch out cheddar cheese for pepper jack or Swiss to introduce a different flavor profile. Using turkey bacon instead of smoked bacon offers a leaner alternative while maintaining crispiness. Try grilling the patties over indirect heat for more even cooking or adding caramelized onions to enhance the savory taste. Consider lightly brushing the buns with garlic butter before toasting for an extra layer of richness.
Allergies
The Triple Baconzilla contains common allergens such as dairy from the cheddar cheese and gluten from the hamburger buns. The smoked bacon and ground beef may trigger sensitivity in individuals with meat allergies. Be mindful of your dietary restrictions and check ingredient labels if you have allergies to gluten, dairy, or pork products.
Why this recipe?
The Triple Baconzilla from Checkers is loved for its towering stack of crispy bacon, juicy beef patties, and melted cheese that deliver a rich, savory flavor. Its combination of indulgent ingredients creates a satisfying and memorable taste experience that appeals to bacon enthusiasts. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the ingredients to your preference, ensuring fresh, high-quality components. Your homemade Triple Baconzilla will replicate the bold flavors while saving money and guaranteeing freshness.