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Gourmet Cheeseburgers with Sweet Black Pepper Bacon Recipe

Gourmet Cheeseburgers with Sweet Black Pepper Bacon

Juicy ground chuck cheeseburgers are finished with sharp cheddar, caramelized sweet black pepper bacon, fresh vegetables, and a tangy three-ingredient burger sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sweet Black Pepper Bacon
  • 8 slices Thick-cut bacon
  • 2 tablespoons Packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Coarsely ground black pepper
Burgers
  • 1 1/2 pounds Ground chuck, preferably 80–85% lean
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 slices Sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 buns Hamburger buns
Toppings and Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow or Dijon mustard
  • 4 leaves Lettuce leaves
  • 1 tomato Large tomato, sliced
  • 1/2 onion Small red onion, thinly sliced
  • To taste Dill pickle slices

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment, then arrange the bacon in a single layer.
  2. Combine the packed light brown sugar and coarsely ground black pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over all eight bacon slices.
  3. Bake the bacon for 15–20 minutes, watching closely near the end because the sugar can burn. Transfer the crisp bacon to a rack or paper towels.
  4. Gently mix the ground chuck with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Form four patties about 3/4 inch thick, pressing a shallow indentation into the center of each.
  5. Grill or cook the patties in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side for medium, or until the center reaches 160°F.
  6. Place one slice of sharp cheddar on each patty during the final minute. Cover briefly so the cheese melts.
  7. Toast the cut sides of the buns. Stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow or Dijon mustard, then spread the sauce over the toasted bun halves.
  8. Assemble each burger with lettuce, tomato, red onion, the cheeseburger patty, and two slices of sweet black pepper bacon. Add dill pickle slices if desired, then serve immediately.

Notes

Use 80–85% lean ground chuck for moist burgers and a flavorful crust. Bake the sugared bacon separately for even caramelization and easier cleanup. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers and reheat the patty and bacon separately before assembling.