The Hungry Jack’s Bacon Deluxe burger holds a special place in the hearts—and stomachs—of Australians. As one of the flagship items on the Hungry Jack’s menu (Australia’s equivalent to Burger King), the Bacon Deluxe is renowned for its indulgent flavor, double cheese, and unmistakable flame-grilled beef patty layered with crispy bacon, pickles, and creamy, tangy sauces. It’s a burger that has achieved near-iconic status in the fast-food culture of Australia, and its legacy as a go-to comfort food inspired the creation of this elevated, homemade version.
The Bacon Deluxe is more than just a fast-food item—it represents a culinary touchstone of casual dining in Australia. With its introduction in the mid-1990s, it quickly became a standout amid an increasingly competitive fast-food landscape. The Burger King franchise originally launched in Australia under the Hungry Jack’s name due to trademark complications—Burger King was already in use. Over time, Hungry Jack’s developed a strong and independent identity, with exclusive offerings such as the Bacon Deluxe that aren’t typically found in Burger King outlets elsewhere in the world. It became synonymous with the brand, defining what Hungry Jack’s stood for: bold, indulgent, satisfying food made quickly and served hot.
This homemade version of the Hungry Jack’s Style Bacon Deluxe Burger isn’t just a copycat—it’s a gourmet tribute. At its heart, this burger emphasizes what makes the original great: flame-grilled meat, melty cheese, crunchy bacon, and a zingy sauce. But it does so by using elevated ingredients and chef-driven techniques, allowing you to recreate and even enhance the experience of biting into a real Bacon Deluxe—without driving to a drive-thru.
One crucial element of crafting an authentic-tasting Bacon Deluxe at home is the beef. The original always promises “Beef That’s Better”—a nod to the flame-grilled cooking style that imparts a signature smoky aroma and charred flavor. Following this philosophy, the recipe uses an 80/20 blend of ground beef, which strikes the perfect balance between savory richness and juicy tenderness. Each patty is hand-formed so that it remains thick and juicy yet not too heavy, seasoned modestly with only salt and pepper to let the natural beef flavor shine.
Equally important is the bacon. In fast food, bacon can sometimes be overly processed or undercooked. In this version, we call for high-quality thick-cut smoked bacon, cooked until perfectly crispy. It acts as both a texture enhancer and a flavor booster, offering a salty, crunchy contrast to the soft, melty cheese and tender beef.
Speaking of cheese, a standout feature of the Bacon Deluxe is its pairing of two kinds—cheddar and Swiss. This combination might seem subtle, but it’s brilliant. The cheddar adds sharpness and melts beautifully over the hot patty, while the Swiss lends a creamy, nutty undertone that balances the saltier elements of the burger.
A carefully crafted special sauce ties everything together. Mayonnaise gives creaminess, while ketchup, Dijon mustard, and sweet pickle relish add tang, depth, and a little sweetness. This sauce is layered generously on both the top and bottom buns—just like the original—and serves as the flavor-binding element that elevates the overall complexity of the burger.
To remain authentic, the rest of the ingredients follow the Hungry Jack’s order of assembly. Fresh iceberg lettuce adds a crisp crunch, ripe tomatoes offer freshness and acidity, and bread & butter pickles lend sweetness and tang. The bun—preferably rich, slightly sweet brioche—makes the perfect pillowy vessel, toasted just enough to give texture and warmth without overpowering the fillings.
What truly elevates this burger from fast-food clone to gourmet homage, however, is the approach to cooking. While the original Bacon Deluxe is cooked en masse in restaurant kitchens, this homemade version encourages conscious cooking: forming the patties gently, toasting buns deliberately, and layering toppings with care. These thoughtful steps ensure that every bite is balanced, with no one ingredient overwhelming the others.
While fast food prioritizes consistency and efficiency, your home kitchen allows for customization and quality. Want extra sauce? You’re in charge. Need to make it gluten-free or incorporate grass-fed beef or plant-based patties? No problem. The beauty of preparing the Bacon Deluxe at home is that you can adapt it to your preferences without sacrificing the comfort and nostalgia that define this burger.
The Hungry Jack’s Style Bacon Deluxe Burger is more than just a recipe—it’s a culinary experience that pays tribute to a beloved classic. It celebrates the original’s formula while honoring the art of good cooking. In doing so, it fills a unique space between comfort food and gourmet innovation, giving home cooks the tools to recreate something deliciously iconic—and undeniably satisfying. Whether you’re a former Aussie living abroad, a burger aficionado seeking authenticity, or simply someone who loves a well-crafted bite, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
After all, sometimes great cooking is less about reinventing the wheel and more about celebrating what we already love—and doing it even better.
Hungry Jack’s Style Bacon Deluxe Burger
Ingredients
For the Burger Patties & Bacon:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend) for the best juicy texture
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt to season beef patties
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon high-quality smoked bacon recommended
For the Burger Assembly:
- 4 pieces brioche-style burger buns lightly toasted
- 4 slices cheddar cheese sharp cheddar for stronger flavor
- 4 slices Swiss cheese adds creaminess and a hint of nuttiness
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce shredded finely
- 1 medium ripe tomato sliced into rounds
- ¼ cup pickles thinly sliced bread & butter pickles
For the Special Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise full-fat for richness
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard adds complexity to the sauce
- 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
Instructions
- Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and relish. Stir until well combined. Cover and chill until needed — allowing time for the flavors to meld improves the taste.
- Form and Season the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 6 oz each). Gently form into patties just slightly larger than your burger buns. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Keep the rendered fat in the pan if pan-searing the burgers for extra flavor.
- Cook the Burger Patties: Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C). Cook the patties for 4 minutes per side for medium, flipping once. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar and a slice of Swiss on each patty and cover to melt the cheese.
- Toast the Buns: Split the buns and lightly toast them cut-side down on the grill or in a hot dry skillet for 1–2 minutes until golden and warm.
- Assemble the Bacon Deluxe: Spread a generous spoonful of the special sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Starting from the bottom: place a small handful of shredded lettuce, followed by the tomato slice, pickle slices, cheesy patty, 2 slices of crispy bacon, and top with the upper bun. Lightly press to secure.
Notes
- For an extra punch of flavor, grill the patties over real charcoal or wood for a smokier taste that mirrors Hungry Jack’s flame-grilled signature.
- You can substitute brioche buns with potato rolls for a softer texture, or use gluten-free buns for dietary adaptation.
- Make the special sauce in advance and refrigerate—it stays fresh for up to 3 days and enhances over time.