Maple Glazed Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

This burger is truly the definition of sweet-and-savory perfection! Forget everything you thought you knew about a classic cheeseburger, because today I’m bringing you a version that is absolutely unreal. We’re taking juicy beef patties, melting glorious cheddar on top, and layering it all with crispy beef bacon that has been perfectly glazed with maple syrup and soy sauce. The hint of sweetness mixed with the smoky, salty bacon and savory beef is a flavor explosion that makes this burger a total showstopper. Trust me, this is the simple, 22-minute recipe that your grill (or skillet!) has been waiting for, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet & Savory Sensation: The maple-soy glaze on the bacon is a magical combination, adding a sticky, salty sweetness that takes this burger from good to game-changer.
• Quick Comfort Food: You can have this gourmet-level burger ready on your table in just over 20 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight win or a speedy weekend cookout.
• The Perfect Bite: We’re using soft, slightly sweet brioche buns and a homemade mayo-mustard spread to hold all that incredible texture—from the crisp bacon to the melted cheese and fresh veggies—together beautifully.

Ingredients

All you need for this Maple Glazed Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe are a few simple ingredients and just a little bit of time! Yes, it’s that easy. But first, gather up these essentials:

• Brioche Burger Buns: These are key! Their rich, slightly sweet flavor and soft texture perfectly complement the savory fillings. Lightly toasting them adds a nice structural integrity to the burger.
• Beef Burger Patties: The hearty, savory foundation of our entire meal. Seasoning these well with salt and pepper is essential to bring out their incredible flavor.
• Beef Bacon or Turkey Bacon: This is where the magic happens! When glazed with maple syrup, the crispy, salty bacon provides the signature flavor contrast that defines this recipe.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully over the hot patty, adding that essential sharp, gooey, salty richness we all crave in a cheeseburger.
• Maple Syrup: The sweet component of our simple glaze; it caramelizes beautifully when brushed onto the bacon. Make sure to use pure maple syrup for the best flavor!
• Soy Sauce: Adds a necessary salty, umami depth to the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup perfectly.
• Olive Oil: Used to help cook the patties, preventing sticking and ensuring a nice, even sear.
• Red Onion: Sliced thin, it provides a crucial sharp, raw crunch to cut through the richness of the cheese and bacon.
• Tomato: Adds a juicy, fresh burst of acidity and moisture.
• Lettuce Leaves: The cool, crisp texture is essential for balancing the warm ingredients.
• Mayonnaise & Mustard: These are whisked together for a simple, creamy, and tangy spread that ties all the layers together.

Note: The exact measurements for these ingredients, along with the full, printable directions, will be found right under this article in the recipe card!

How to Make the Maple Glazed Beef Bacon Cheeseburger

Step 1: Prep the Glaze and Bacon

In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and soy sauce until fully combined. This is our addictive glaze! Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook your beef or turkey bacon until it’s perfectly crisp. In the very last minute of cooking, brush the bacon lightly with the glaze to coat and caramelize. Remove the bacon and set it aside to keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Patties and Melt the Cheese

Add the olive oil to the same skillet. Cook the burger patties for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness, making sure to season them generously with salt and pepper. During the final minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty, cover the skillet, and let that cheese melt into gooey perfection.

Step 3: Toast the Buns and Make the Sauce

While the cheese is melting, lightly toast your brioche buns either in the skillet (using the leftover bacon/patty drippings for extra flavor!) or in a warm oven until they are just golden. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and mustard to create your simple, creamy spread.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve!

Spread the mayo-mustard sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer with the fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion. Next, carefully place the cheesy burger patty on top, followed by two slices of that glorious, sticky maple-glazed bacon. Cover with the top bun and serve these beauties immediately while they’re hot!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Over-Glaze the Bacon: You only need to brush the glaze on during the last minute of cooking. If you add it too early, the sugar in the maple syrup can burn before the bacon is fully crisp.
• Use Good Quality Brioche: A high-quality brioche bun is worth the splurge here. It provides the perfect balance of sweetness and stability for a loaded burger.
• Season Generously: Remember to season the burger patties with salt and pepper right before they hit the pan. This is your main chance to build deep savory flavor.
• Customize the Cheese: If cheddar isn’t your thing, Monterey Jack, provolone, or Swiss cheese all melt beautifully and would work perfectly in this recipe.

How to Serve

This Maple Glazed Beef Bacon Cheeseburger is practically a meal in itself, but a great burger deserves a fantastic sidekick!

• Classic Pairing: Serve with a generous side of crispy seasoned French fries, sweet potato wedges, or crunchy onion rings.
• Keep it Light: Pair with a simple, refreshing cucumber and tomato salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the burger.
• Condiment Bar: While the mayo-mustard spread is delicious, you can set out extra condiments like dill pickle chips, extra sliced jalapeños, or even a spicy BBQ sauce for people to customize their own build.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover cooked patties or bacon, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store toppings and buns separately so nothing gets soggy!

Freezing

Cooked burger patties can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. I don’t recommend freezing the bacon once it has been glazed, as the texture can change.

Reheating

Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep them juicy, or in the oven at $300^\circ\text{F}$ ($150^\circ\text{C}$) until warmed through. The bacon can be quickly reheated in the same skillet or briefly in a microwave to re-crisp.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular ground beef for the patties?

Absolutely! For the best results, aim for an 80/20 ratio (80% lean, 20% fat) to ensure your patties stay juicy and flavorful while cooking. If you’re forming them yourself, make sure to press a small dimple into the center of the patty—this prevents it from puffing up into a dome shape while cooking.

2. How can I make the maple glaze spicier?

That’s a fantastic idea! To give the glaze a nice little kick, you can whisk in a pinch of cayenne pepper, or about $1/4$ teaspoon of Sriracha or hot sauce, when you mix the maple syrup and soy sauce together. The heat will cut through the sweetness beautifully!

3. What can I use instead of brioche buns?

If brioche isn’t available, the next best choices would be a potato roll, which has a similar soft texture and slight sweetness, or a sturdy pretzel bun. Avoid overly flaky rolls, as they won’t hold up to all the delicious layers we’re packing inside this burger!

4. Can I cook the patties on a grill instead of a skillet?

Definitely! Grilling adds an incredible smoky flavor that is perfect for this burger. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for the same amount of time (4–5 minutes per side) and place the cheese on top during the last minute. Keep a close eye on the bacon if you grill it, as the maple glaze can cause flare-ups if it drips directly onto the flame.