There’s something truly magical about biting into a burger that’s been carefully crafted, where each layer tells its own story. This Candied Bacon Maple Cheddar Burger takes me back to a summer road trip I once took with my family through the charming countryside of Vermont. We had no particular destination in mind, just the open road and a desire to discover hidden gems along the way.
One afternoon, after a morning of winding through scenic backroads and admiring the rolling hills dotted with dairy farms, we stumbled upon a small, family-run diner. It wasn’t much to look at from the outside—just a weathered building with a simple sign that read “Homestyle Eats”—but the smell wafting through the open door was irresistible. We were greeted by the kind of warmth that only exists in places where food is made with love and care.
As we settled into a booth by the window, I noticed a chalkboard menu featuring their specialty: a maple bacon cheeseburger. Intrigued by the combination of sweet and savory, I couldn’t resist ordering it. The first bite was pure bliss. The sweetness of the maple syrup-glazed bacon perfectly complemented the sharpness of the cheddar cheese, while the juicy beef patty was seasoned to perfection. Each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors that left a lasting impression on me.
When I returned home, I couldn’t stop thinking about that burger. I knew I had to recreate it, adding a few personal touches along the way. Thus, the Candied Bacon Maple Cheddar Burger was born. The recipe combines the smoky, crispy goodness of applewood smoked bacon, candied with brown sugar and a touch of pepper, with the rich flavor of sharp cheddar cheese. The BBQ sauce, infused with maple syrup and a hint of heat from hot sauce, ties everything together, creating a burger that’s both indulgent and comforting.
What I love most about this burger is how it captures the essence of that unforgettable day—simple, yet special, and full of the kind of flavors that make you feel right at home, no matter where you are. Whether you’re grilling in your backyard or enjoying a casual dinner with friends, this burger is sure to become a favorite.
Preparing Candied Bacon Maple Cheddar Burger
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Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut applewood smoked bacon
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons hot sauce (e.g., Chipotle Tabasco)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 burger buns, toasted if desired
Directions
- Start by preparing the candied bacon. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with foil. Set a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
- Mix the brown sugar and black pepper in a small bowl. Arrange the bacon slices on the rack and evenly coat them with the sugar mixture.
- Bake the bacon for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once done, allow the bacon to cool on the rack.
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions, sea salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
- Prepare the BBQ sauce by combining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and garlic powder in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring often. Let the sauce cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with sea salt and black pepper. Form the mixture into 8 equal patties.
- Grill the patties over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, until they reach your desired doneness.
- Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and allow it to melt before removing the burgers from the grill.
- Assemble the burgers by spreading BBQ sauce on the buns, then layering each with a burger patty, caramelized onions, and candied bacon. Top with the remaining bun halves and serve.
Storing Suggestion
Store any leftover candied bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cooked burger patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet or microwave before serving. BBQ sauce can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Cooking Tips
If you prefer your bacon crispier, increase the baking time by a few minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning. For a smokier flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika to the BBQ sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these burgers with sweet potato fries or a fresh side salad. A cold, crisp lager or a glass of iced tea would pair nicely with the rich flavors of the burger.
Ingredient Substitutions
If applewood smoked bacon is unavailable, you can use any thick-cut bacon. For a spicier kick, substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack. For a lower-calorie option, use ground turkey instead of beef.
Seasonal Variations
During the summer, add fresh slices of tomato and lettuce to the burger for extra freshness. In the fall, consider topping the burger with a slice of grilled apple to complement the maple flavor.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (cheddar cheese) and gluten (burger buns). For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cheese. To make the recipe gluten-free, opt for gluten-free buns or serve the burgers in lettuce wraps.
FAQ:
Can I make the BBQ sauce in advance?
Yes, the BBQ sauce can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it slightly before using it.
What type of beef is best for these burgers?
For juicy burgers, use ground beef with an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio. This balance ensures flavorful and tender patties.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar complements the maple bacon, you can experiment with Swiss, blue cheese, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
How do I keep the bacon crispy after cooking?
To maintain crispiness, let the candied bacon cool completely on the wire rack. Avoid stacking the slices until they are fully cooled.
Can I cook the burgers on a stovetop instead of a grill?
Yes, you can cook the patties in a hot skillet over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, similar to grilling.
What other toppings can I add to these burgers?
You can add toppings like avocado slices, pickles, jalapeños, or even a fried egg to elevate the flavor and texture of the burgers.
Candied Bacon Maple Cheddar Burger
Ingredients
- 1 pound applewood smoked bacon thick cut
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons hot sauce e.g., Chipotle Tabasco
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 pounds ground beef preferably 80/20
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 burger buns toasted if preferred
Instructions
- Begin with preparing the candied bacon.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil and place a baking rack on top (a cooling rack works well too).
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and black pepper.
- Arrange bacon strips on the rack. Evenly sprinkle the sugar mixture over the bacon.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the pan halfway through the cooking time.
- Once done, take the pan out of the oven and let the bacon cool on the rack.
- In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the onions are golden and tender.
- Combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring often. Allow the sauce to cool.
- Mix the ground beef with salt and pepper in a bowl. Divide into 8 portions and shape into patties.
- Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Top each burger with a slice of cheddar cheese and let it melt. Remove from the grill and assemble with BBQ sauce, caramelized onions, and candied bacon.
