I love a burger that feels indulgent but comes together on a weeknight, and this Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger is exactly that — rich garlic butter, crisp bacon, and melty cheese over a juicy patty. I’ve made this dozens of times on both cast-iron and the grill, dialing in a simple compound butter and timing the bacon so everything finishes at once. If you enjoy bold flavor with classic technique, you’ll find this recipe very satisfying. Garlic butter bacon cheeseburger rollups are a fun spin if you like party-sized versions.
Why Make This Recipe
- Big, savory flavor: garlic butter and bacon add layered richness that elevates a basic cheeseburger.
- Quick weeknight option: prep and cook in about 25–30 minutes using a skillet or grill.
- Crowd-pleaser: great for backyard barbecues, game day, or a simple family dinner.
- Flexible and adaptable for diets: easy swaps for gluten-free or lower-fat versions.
- Personal insight: I love this burger because the compound garlic butter is simple but makes every bite feel restaurant-level.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 10 minutes (including garlic butter).
- Cook time: 12–15 minutes (bacon and patties cooked concurrently).
- Total time: 22–25 minutes.
- Servings: 4 burgers (using 1 lb / 450 g 80/20 ground beef).
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Method: Pan-sear or grill patties, crisp bacon in oven or skillet, melt cheese under a lid, finish with garlic-parsley compound butter.
For related comfort-food twists, try this Parmesan garlic turkey bacon lasagna idea: Parmesan Garlic Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this recipe on cast-iron and on a gas grill to compare crust and smoke flavor. Timing the bacon in the oven at 400°F allowed me to cook patties on the stovetop without crowding the pan so everything finished hot and crispy. I learned that a small butter dollop melts best if you rest the patties for 2 minutes after flipping and then top them.
How to Make Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger
Start by making a simple garlic butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Form four 4-ounce (115 g) patties from 1 lb (450 g) 80/20 ground beef, gently handling the meat and making a shallow dimple in the center of each patty. Cook bacon until crisp (oven at 400°F / 200°C for 15–18 minutes works well) and keep warm. Sear patties in a hot skillet (medium-high; pan surface ~375–400°F) or on the grill for about 3–4 minutes per side for medium, adding cheese and covering for 1–2 minutes to melt. Finish each patty with a spoonful of garlic butter and assemble on toasted buns with bacon and your favorite toppings.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness; leaner blends can dry out quickly.
- Don’t overwork the meat: mix with minimal handling and form patties lightly to keep texture tender.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill to medium-high; a hot surface creates a better Maillard crust.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to target 160°F (71°C) internal for ground beef to ensure safety and consistent doneness.
- Crisp bacon on a rimmed baking sheet in a 400°F oven for even cooking and less splatter; try pairing with a quick skillet recipe like this rice skillet for a full meal: Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger
- Classic: serve on toasted brioche buns with shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles.
- Fancy: add caramelized onions and a smear of garlic aioli, then garnish with microgreens for a restaurant feel.
- Family-style: serve fries or a simple slaw and let everyone build their own burgers at the table.
- Occasion tip: make sliders for parties and keep the garlic butter warm in a small dish for guests to spoon on — pair with bold sides or try a garlic-butter chicken variation: Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken.
Storage and Reheating Guide
- Refrigerator: store cooked patties and bacon in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep buns separate to avoid sogginess.
- Freezing: freeze cooked patties in a single layer on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2–3 months. Freeze garlic butter in small portions (ice cube tray) for convenience.
- Reheating: thaw frozen patties overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen at 300–325°F (150–160°C) in the oven until warmed through (about 10–15 minutes), or reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water and a lid to retain moisture. Avoid microwaving buns; instead, toast briefly in the oven or on a skillet.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: use a certified gluten-free bun and check condiments for hidden gluten.
- Dairy-free: swap garlic butter for olive oil blended with garlic and herbs, and use dairy-free cheese slices.
- Lighter option: use 90/10 beef or a turkey burger, and grill instead of pan-frying to reduce added fat.
- Flavor twist: make smash burgers for extra crust, or top with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss for a richer profile similar to air-fried chicken flavors: Air-Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders.
Nutritional Highlights
- Protein-rich: each burger (4 oz patty) provides roughly 20–25 g of protein, supporting satiety and muscle maintenance.
- High in fat: the garlic butter and bacon increase saturated fat and calories — enjoy in moderation or lighten the recipe by reducing butter and using turkey bacon.
- Allergens: contains dairy (butter, cheese) and pork (bacon); buns contain gluten unless substituted. Adjustments are straightforward for common allergies.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dry patties: likely from overcooking or too-lean meat. Use 80/20 beef and stop cooking at 160°F internal. Rest patties 2 minutes before serving.
- Soggy bacon: cook bacon until crisp in the oven and drain on paper towels, or finish under the broiler briefly for extra crisp.
- Garlic butter burns: add garlic to softened butter rather than cooking garlic alone over high heat, and brush on off heat or at the very end to avoid bitterness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
A: Yes — compound garlic butter stores in the fridge for up to 7 days and freezes well for 3 months in small portions. Soften briefly before spreading or spooning onto hot patties.
Q: What’s the best way to get a good crust on the burger?
A: Dry the patty surface with a paper towel, preheat a cast-iron skillet until very hot (about 375–400°F on the surface), and don’t move the patty for the first 2–3 minutes to allow a proper Maillard crust to form.
Q: How do I keep buns from getting soggy?
A: Toast buns cut-side down in a dry skillet or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. Assemble just before serving and consider a thin barrier like lettuce or a smear of aioli to protect the bun from juices.
Q: Can I grill these instead of using a skillet?
A: Absolutely. Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 400–450°F), oil the grates lightly, and cook patties 3–4 minutes per side. Finish with cheese under a closed lid to melt, then top with garlic butter.
Conclusion
For another take or inspiration on garlic-butter-forward burgers, check this tested Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe – Heath Riles BBQ.
Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat
Description
An indulgent yet quick weeknight garlic butter bacon cheeseburger featuring rich flavors and simple techniques.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 lb (450 g) 80/20 ground beef
- 4 slices of cheese
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 slices of cooked bacon
- Sliced lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles (for serving)
Instructions
- Make garlic butter by mixing unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt.
- Form four 4-ounce (115 g) patties from the ground beef, making a shallow dimple in each.
- Cook bacon until crisp in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes.
- In a hot skillet or grill at medium-high heat (375–400°F), sear the patties for about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Add cheese on top of patties and cover for 1–2 minutes to melt.
- Finish each patty with a spoonful of garlic butter and assemble on toasted buns with bacon and desired toppings.
Notes
Store cooked patties and bacon in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Freeze cooked patties for 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg