The Story Behind the Candied Bacon and Cheddar Burger
Few things in life bring as much joy as a perfectly crafted burger—and the Candied Bacon and Cheddar Burger takes that joy to an entirely new level. This gourmet burger combines rich, savory beef, sharp melted cheddar, and the magic of sweet and smoky candied bacon, all nestled between soft, buttery brioche buns. The result is a decadent yet balanced bite that excites the palate.
The inspiration for this burger comes from the classic American barbecue tradition, where bold flavors take the stage. However, this burger adds a modern gourmet twist, blending sweet, salty, smoky, and spicy elements to create an exceptional burger experience.
The Appeal of Candied Bacon
Bacon is already a beloved topping for burgers, but candied bacon takes it one step further. By coating thick-cut bacon with brown sugar and a touch of cayenne pepper before baking, you get a perfect blend of crunchiness, sweetness, and a slight hint of heat. The sugar caramelizes as it cooks, creating a crispy coating that enhances the smoky, salty essence of the bacon.
Candied bacon is not just a fantastic burger topping—it’s an addictive snack in its own right. The contrast between the crispy, sugary shell and the tender, salty interior makes for an incredibly satisfying bite, and it pairs beautifully with the richness of the beef and the sharpness of the cheddar.
The Importance of a Juicy Burger Patty
The foundation of any great burger is the patty. In this recipe, an 80/20 ground beef blend (80 percent lean meat and 20 percent fat) is the ideal choice. This fat ratio ensures a juicy, flavorful burger with a tender bite. Too lean, and the burger risks becoming dry and tough. Too fatty, and it can become greasy. The seasoning for the burger remains simple—just kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper—allowing the natural flavor of the beef to shine through.
One key technique used in this recipe is creating a small indentation in the center of each patty before cooking. This trick prevents the burger from puffing up as it cooks and helps it maintain an even thickness, ensuring a more consistent cooking result.
The Power of Sharp Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is a classic burger choice, but sharp cheddar specifically adds a bolder, more pronounced cheese flavor that holds its own against the sweetness of the candied bacon. Aged cheddar has a deeper, nuttier complexity, which enhances the overall balance of the burger. When melted over the hot beef patty, the cheddar creates a creamy, gooey layer that ties all of the flavors together.
For those who love an even more intense cheesiness, experimenting with extra-sharp cheddar or smoked cheddar can further accentuate the burger’s depth of flavor.
Why Brioche Buns?
The choice of bun is just as critical as the ingredients inside, and brioche buns are the perfect vessel for this gourmet creation. Light and slightly sweet, but sturdy enough to hold up to the juiciness of the patty and the richness of the toppings, brioche enhances the overall experience of the burger. A brief toast on the grill or in a hot pan adds a subtle crunch and helps prevent the bun from becoming soggy.
For an alternative option, pretzel buns can provide a heartier twist, adding a bit of chewiness and a salty contrast that pairs beautifully with the candied bacon.
The Finishing Touches
A truly great burger isn’t just about the main ingredients—it’s also about the little details that add freshness, contrast, and texture. This recipe includes peppery arugula, which brings a fresh, slightly bitter bite to balance the sweetness and fattiness of the other elements. Thinly sliced red onions provide a mild sharpness and crunch that elevates each bite.
For extra creaminess, a light spread of mayonnaise on the bun is recommended, though this can be substituted with aioli, mustard, or even a smoky barbecue sauce for an additional layer of flavor.
Customizing Your Burger Experience
One of the best things about burgers is their versatility. This Candied Bacon and Cheddar Burger is already packed with flavors, but there are plenty of ways to customize it:
- Add a fried egg: The richness of a runny yolk complements the candied bacon beautifully.
- Include a smoky barbecue sauce: A smoky, slightly tangy sauce can deepen the burger’s complexity.
- Swap the cheese: Blue cheese or gouda can add entirely new dimensions to the flavor.
- Experiment with different greens: While arugula adds a peppery bite, crispy romaine or even coleslaw can provide a different texture and flavor.
The Candied Bacon and Cheddar Burger isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. It brings together a masterful combination of textures and flavors, from the crispiness of the candied bacon to the juiciness of the beef, the melty cheddar cheese, and the soft, buttery brioche bun. Whether you’re making it for a backyard barbecue, a special occasion, or just to treat yourself to something truly indulgent, this burger is guaranteed to impress.
Burgers are often seen as a casual food, but with the right ingredients and techniques, they can be transformed into gourmet masterpieces. This recipe proves that simple components—when carefully selected and thoughtfully prepared—can come together to create something truly exceptional. So fire up the grill, make a batch of candied bacon, and prepare yourself for the best burger experience of your life!
Candied Bacon and Cheddar Burger
Ingredients
Candied Bacon
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon Preferably applewood-smoked for extra flavor
- ¼ cup brown sugar Packed, dark or light
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper For a hint of heat
Burgers
- 1.5 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of fat and flavor
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese Aged cheddar provides the best flavor
- 4 pieces brioche buns Lightly toasted
Toppings
- 1 cup arugula For a peppery bite
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise Optional, for extra creaminess
- 1 large red onion Thinly sliced
Instructions
Candied Bacon
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cayenne pepper. Lay bacon slices on the wire rack and evenly coat with the sugar mixture.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized and crispy. Transfer to a plate and let cool (it will crisp further as it cools).
Burgers
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then form into 4 equal patties, slightly larger than the buns. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
- Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
- Top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese in the last minute of cooking, covering the grill or skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese.
- Lightly toast the brioche buns on the grill for about 30 seconds.
Assembly
- Spread mayonnaise (if using) on the bottom bun. Place the grilled patty with melted cheddar on top.
- Layer with candied bacon, arugula, and sliced red onions.
- Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a smoky barbecue sauce or a fried egg on top.
- Alternatively, swap the brioche bun for a pretzel bun for a heartier bite.