The Bacon Cheddar Burger from Fuddruckers features a juicy, flame-grilled beef patty topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon strips, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and tangy pickles, all nestled within a toasted, buttery bun for a savory and satisfying bite.
Equipments
- Grill (flame grill)
- Grill spatula
- Cheese slicer (for cheddar cheese)
- Bacon cooker or skillet/frying pan
- Bacon press (optional)
- Toaster or grill for buns
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Food prep containers (for lettuce, tomato, pickles)
- Bun brush (for buttering buns)
- Meat thermometer (optional)
- Assembling tray or plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Sharp cheddar cheese slices
- Bacon strips
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- Ripe tomato slices
- Pickle slices
- Burger buns
- Butter (for buns)
- Salt
- Black pepper
When preparing the Bacon Cheddar Burger, use an 80/20 blend of ground beef to ensure the patty remains juicy and flavorful after grilling. Sharp cheddar cheese slices should be sliced evenly for perfect melting over the hot patty. Choose thick, crispy bacon strips for the ideal balance of crunch and savory taste. Fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and tangy pickles must be prepped and stored properly to maintain their crispness and freshness until assembly. Your copycat Bacon Cheddar Burger from Fuddruckers will capture the savory, satisfying flavors featured in the original with these ingredient tips.
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Form ground beef into burger patties.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper.
- Cook bacon strips in skillet or bacon cooker until crispy; set aside.
- Grill burger patties to desired doneness, flipping with spatula.
- Place sharp cheddar cheese slices on patties during last minute of grilling; melt cheese.
- Slice tomatoes and prepare lettuce leaves and pickle slices.
- Butter burger buns using bun brush.
- Toast buns on grill or toaster until golden brown.
- Assemble burger: bottom bun, lettuce, tomato slices, burger patty with melted cheddar, crispy bacon strips, pickle slices, top bun.
- Serve immediately on assembling tray or plate.
Substitution
The Bacon Cheddar Burger from Fuddruckers copycat menu offers a rich combination of flame-grilled beef, melted sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon that captures the restaurant's signature flavor. If you don't have a flame grill, a cast-iron skillet or grill pan can serve as an effective alternative for achieving a similar sear on your beef patty. When sharp cheddar slices aren't available, you can substitute with other firm cheeses like aged Colby or Gouda to maintain that robust cheese flavor. Bacon can be cooked in a skillet or baked in the oven if you lack a bacon cooker, and pressing the bacon with a heavy pan ensures even crispiness. Buttering buns before toasting enhances texture and taste, but using mayonnaise or olive oil can be a good substitute if butter is unavailable.
Tips
When forming your burger patties, avoid over-handling the meat to keep them tender and juicy; gently shape them slightly larger than the bun as they will shrink during grilling. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160degF (71degC) to ensure your beef is safely cooked while maintaining juiciness. Buttering and toasting the buns on the grill adds flavor and prevents sogginess from burger juices, improving the overall texture of your sandwich. Keep your crisp bacon strips warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a low oven while assembling the burgers so your final bite stays hot and satisfying.
Nutritions
The Bacon Cheddar Burger provides a rich source of protein from the 80/20 ground beef, supporting muscle repair and growth. Sharp cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, while crispy bacon contributes additional protein and fat. Fresh lettuce and ripe tomato slices offer dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, enhancing the burger's nutritional profile. Buttered and toasted buns supply carbohydrates for energy, making this burger a balanced meal when enjoyed as part of Your diet.
Storage
To store your Bacon Cheddar Burger leftovers, separate the components by placing the beef patty, cheddar cheese, and bacon strips in an airtight container, while keeping the lettuce, tomato, and pickles in separate containers to maintain freshness. Refrigerate all items promptly within two hours of cooking, ideally at or below 40degF (4degC), and consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and safety. When reheating, warm the patty and bacon in a skillet or microwave until hot, then reassemble with fresh or refrigerated vegetables and buns to preserve the best texture.
Variation or Alternatives
Try substituting the sharp cheddar cheese with smoked gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor profile that complements the smoky bacon. You can also mix finely chopped onions and garlic into the ground beef before forming patties to add depth to the meat's taste. For a healthier option, grill the bacon instead of pan-frying to reduce grease, and consider using whole wheat buns brushed lightly with olive oil instead of butter. To enhance juiciness, press the patties gently with your thumb to create a small indentation before grilling, which helps them cook evenly without puffing up.
Allergies
The Bacon Cheddar Burger contains common allergens such as dairy from the sharp cheddar cheese and butter on the buns, as well as gluten from the burger buns. If you have sensitivities to pork, the bacon strips could also pose an allergy risk. Be sure to check with your server or ingredient labels if you have any specific dietary restrictions.
Why this recipe?
The Bacon Cheddar Burger from Fuddruckers stands out for its juicy, hand-pattied beef combined with rich, melted cheddar and crispy bacon, delivering an indulgent flavor experience. Freshly baked buns and customizable toppings enhance the burger's appeal by offering a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Trying to make a copycat version at home allows you to recreate this signature taste while tailoring ingredients and cooking methods to your preferences. Your homemade burger can capture the same satisfying quality, making it both a fun and delicious culinary project.