The Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger from Wendy's features a juicy beef patty topped with smoky bacon, melted cheddar cheese, crispy fried onions, and tangy pub sauce, all nestled between a soft, toasted pretzel bun for a savory and satisfying flavor experience.
Equipments
- Grill or flat-top griddle
- Spatula
- Sauce bottle or squeeze bottle
- Deep fryer or countertop fryer
- Fry basket
- Tongs
- Bun toaster or toaster oven
- Cheese slicer or pre-sliced cheese
- Assembly tray or clean workspace
- Knife (for bun slicing, if needed)
- Food thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 6 slices smoky bacon
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 4 pretzel burger buns
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for toasting buns)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
When preparing the Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger, use an 80/20 ground beef blend to ensure juiciness and proper fat content. The smoky bacon should be cooked until crisp to complement the rich cheddar cheese and tangy pub sauce. Toast the pretzel buns with unsalted butter for a golden finish and enhanced flavor. Incorporate the smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce into the sauce mix for authentic savory notes. Your homemade Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger from Wendy's copycat menu will deliver a deliciously balanced taste and texture.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or flat-top griddle to medium-high.
- Form ground beef into four 4-oz patties; season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook bacon slices on griddle/fryer until crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Place beef patties on grill; cook 3-4 minutes per side until desired doneness (160°F internal).
- Top patties with cheddar cheese; cover briefly to melt.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and dill pickle relish to make pub sauce; transfer to squeeze bottle.
- Slice pretzel buns if needed; brush insides with melted butter.
- Toast buns on grill or toaster oven until golden brown.
- Fry crispy onions in deep fryer at 350°F until golden and crisp; drain.
- Assemble: bottom bun, pub sauce, beef patty with melted cheese, bacon slices, fried onions, top bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger from Wendy's copycat menu packs a smoky and savory punch with its blend of beef, bacon, cheddar, and crispy onions on a pretzel bun. If pretzel buns are hard to find, you can substitute with soft brioche buns or sturdy hamburger buns toasted with butter for a similar texture and flavor. When frying onions, a countertop fryer with a fry basket ensures even crisping, but a deep skillet and slotted spoon can work as alternatives. Your beef patties should reach an internal temperature of 160degF (71degC) for safe consumption, so use a reliable food thermometer during cooking. To keep assembly organized, set out all components on a clean tray or surface before building your burgers.
Tips
Ensure you use an 80/20 beef blend to maintain juiciness and flavor in your patties, cooking them to an internal temperature of 160degF for safety and optimal taste. When making the pub sauce, mix ingredients thoroughly and store it in a squeeze bottle for easy, even application during assembly. Toasting the pretzel buns with melted butter creates a crisp, flavorful base that prevents sogginess while enhancing the sandwich's texture. Use a food thermometer to avoid overcooking the patties and tongs to handle hot bacon and onions safely.
Nutritions
The Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger contains approximately 700-800 calories per serving, with a substantial amount of protein from the 4-oz beef patty and bacon. It provides around 45 grams of fat, primarily from the 80/20 ground beef and cheddar cheese, contributing to its rich flavor and satisfying texture. The pub sauce adds a moderate amount of carbohydrates and sodium, while the pretzel bun contributes dietary fiber and additional carbs. Your meal offers a hearty balance of macronutrients suitable for a protein-rich diet, but be mindful of the saturated fat and sodium content.
Storage
Store leftover cooked beef patties and bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep toasted pretzel buns separately in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. For best texture, reheat patties and bacon on a grill or skillet until warmed through and crisp onions separately in a hot oven or air fryer before assembling your burger again.
Variation or Alternatives
You can replace the sharp cheddar cheese with smoked gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Instead of frying the onions, try caramelizing them on the griddle to add a sweet, rich taste. Swap the pretzel buns for brioche buns to create a softer, slightly sweeter texture. For a healthier option, grill the bacon instead of frying to reduce grease and enhance smokiness.
Allergies
Your Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger contains common allergens such as dairy from the sharp cheddar cheese and mayonnaise, gluten from the pretzel buns, and eggs also present in the mayonnaise. The crispy fried onions may contain wheat or other allergens depending on preparation methods. Individuals with allergies to pork, gluten, dairy, or eggs should exercise caution when enjoying this menu item.
Why this recipe?
The Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger from Wendy's features a unique combination of smoky bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a savory pub sauce layered on a soft, toasted pretzel bun. Its rich flavors and satisfying textures create a gourmet experience that stands out from typical fast-food burgers. You can recreate this crave-worthy taste at home with fresh ingredients, saving money while indulging in a restaurant-quality meal. Copycat recipes allow fans to customize toppings and enjoy the bold flavors of Wendy's signature burger anytime.