BEST BACON RANCH CHEESEBURGER RECIPE

I’ll never forget the summer barbecue where my cousin, bless his heart, tried to grill burgers with one hand while balancing a toddler on the other, resulting in some…charred patties. That day, we salvaged the meal by piling everything onto those hockey pucks that were *supposed* to be hamburgers with crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and a mountain of cheese, and you know what? It was a hit! That happy accident sparked my quest to create the ultimate Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger, and I’m here to tell you, my friend, you’re about to experience burger bliss.

Get Ready for the BEST Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger You’ve Ever Made!

Alright, friend, let’s talk burgers. Not just any burger, but the kind of burger that makes your eyes roll back in your head with pure, unadulterated joy: The Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger. We’re talking juicy, flavorful patties, crispy, smoky bacon, creamy, tangy ranch dressing, and a blanket of melted cheese. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. And I’m going to guide you through every step, so even if you’re a little nervous in the kitchen, you’ll end up with a burger that’ll make you feel like a culinary rockstar. Trust me, you’ve got this!

Why This Recipe Works

So, what makes *this* Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger recipe stand out from the crowd? It’s all about the details. We’re not just slapping ingredients together; we’re building layers of flavor and texture that complement each other perfectly. Here’s the breakdown:

• The Patty Perfection: We’re going to show you how to create the juiciest, most flavorful burger patty imaginable. No more dry, crumbly hockey pucks!
• Bacon Bliss: Crispy bacon is a must, and we’ll discuss the best ways to achieve that perfect crispy-chewy texture.
• Ranch Revelation: Homemade ranch dressing takes this burger to a whole new level. We’ll provide a simple, delicious recipe that you can customize to your liking.
• Cheese, Please!: The right cheese can make or break a burger. We’ll talk about the best cheese choices for a Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger and how to melt them to gooey perfection.
• Bun Brilliance: Don’t underestimate the importance of the bun! We’ll discuss the best types of buns for this burger and how to toast them for added flavor and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger:

For the Burger Patties:

• Ground Beef: 80/20 ground beef is ideal for juicy burgers. The higher fat content adds flavor and helps keep the patties moist. Aim for about 1.5 pounds.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth to the patties.
• Garlic Powder: For a subtle but essential flavor boost.
• Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder adds a complementary savory note.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the patties to perfection.
• Optional: A dash of smoked paprika can add a delicious smoky flavor.

For the Bacon:

• Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is my personal preference, but any type of bacon you enjoy will work. You’ll need about 8-12 slices, depending on how much you love bacon (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love bacon?).

For the Ranch Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: The base of our creamy ranch dressing. Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds tang and richness to the ranch.
• Buttermilk: Thins out the dressing and adds a characteristic tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
• Dried Dill: A classic ranch ingredient that provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Dried Parsley: Another essential herb for ranch dressing.
• Garlic Powder: For a subtle garlic flavor.
• Onion Powder: To complement the garlic powder.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the dressing to taste.
• Optional: A pinch of dried chives can add a pop of color and flavor.

For the Cheese:

• Cheese Slices: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a combination of your favorites. I recommend using a cheese that melts well. About 4-6 slices.

For the Buns:

• Burger Buns: Brioche buns, sesame seed buns, or potato buns are all excellent choices. Pick something sturdy that can hold up to all the juicy goodness.

Optional Toppings:

• Lettuce: Shredded lettuce adds a refreshing crunch.
• Tomato: Sliced tomatoes provide a juicy, acidic contrast.
• Onion: Red onion or caramelized onions can add a pungent or sweet flavor.
• Pickles: Dill pickles offer a tangy, salty bite.

Let’s Make Some Magic: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, friend, time to get cooking! Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with the most amazing Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger you’ve ever tasted.

Step 1: Prepare the Ranch Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This is a great step to do ahead of time!

Pro Tip: For an extra creamy ranch, use an immersion blender to blend the dressing until smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

There are several ways to cook bacon, but here are my two favorites:

• Oven-Baked Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bacon slices in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. This method is great for cooking a large batch of bacon evenly.
• Pan-Fried Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease. This method is faster, but requires more attention.

Safety Tip: Bacon grease is hot! Be careful when handling it and dispose of it properly.

Step 3: Prepare the Burger Patties

In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough patties. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties, about ¾ inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.

Burger Patty Tip: For even cooking, make sure your patties are uniform in thickness.

Step 4: Cook the Burger Patties

There are also several ways to cook burger patties, but here’s my go-to method:

• Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for more well-done.
• Pan-Frying: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for more well-done.

During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese to each patty and cover the skillet or grill to allow the cheese to melt. If you’re looking for something with a similar flavor but with even more cheese, you should check out my Smashburger Quesadillas.

Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the patties are cooked to your desired doneness. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns. You can toast them in a toaster, in a skillet, or on the grill. Toasting the buns adds flavor and texture and helps prevent them from becoming soggy.

Bun Tip: Spread a little butter on the cut sides of the buns before toasting for extra flavor.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

Now for the fun part! Spread a generous amount of ranch dressing on the top and bottom buns. Add the lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles (if using) to the bottom bun. Top with a cheeseburger patty, crispy bacon slices, and the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Assembly Variation: For a slightly different flavor profile, try adding caramelized onions or a drizzle of barbecue sauce.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger

Want to take your Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the burger. Invest in good quality ground beef, bacon, and cheese for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overmix the Patty Mixture: Overmixing can result in tough patties. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined.
• Don’t Press Down on the Patties While Cooking: Pressing down on the patties releases the juices, resulting in dry burgers.
• Let the Patties Rest Before Serving: Let the patties rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as avocado, jalapeños, or a fried egg.
• Make it a Meal: Serve your Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger with a side of french fries, onion rings, or a salad. For a potato option, consider Cheesy Ranch Potatoes With Smoked Sausage.

Variations on the Classic

The beauty of the Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the patty mixture or use Pepper Jack cheese for a spicy kick. Or maybe you’d enjoy a Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito.
• Bacon Ranch Turkey Burger: Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
• Bacon Ranch Veggie Burger: Use a veggie burger patty and add your favorite vegetarian bacon substitute.
• Bacon Ranch Chicken Sandwich: Use grilled chicken breast instead of a burger patty.

Serving Suggestions

A Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your burger experience:

• Classic Sides: French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or potato salad are all classic burger sides.
• Healthy Sides: A side salad, steamed vegetables, or fruit salad can provide a lighter and healthier option.
• Unique Sides: For a more adventurous side dish, try sweet potato fries, grilled corn on the cob, or even a small cup of Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup.

Make-Ahead Tips

Want to get a head start on your Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger? Here are a few make-ahead tips:

• Ranch Dressing: The ranch dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Burger Patties: The burger patties can be formed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Bacon: The bacon can be cooked ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Bacon Ranch Cheeseburgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the burgers in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Keep in mind that the bun may become soggy during storage.

Storage Tip: To prevent the bun from becoming soggy, store the burger patty, bacon, and toppings separately and assemble the burger just before reheating.

Conclusion

So there you have it, friend! My ultimate guide to making the BEST Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger. From the juicy, flavorful patties to the crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and gooey cheese, this burger is a flavor explosion in every bite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger. Now go forth and create burger magic! You’ve got this!

Best Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger

This Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger recipe creates a juicy and flavorful burger with crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheese. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 800

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 pounds 80/20 ground beef
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8-12 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4-6 slices cheddar cheese
• 4 burger buns brioche, sesame seed, or potato
• Lettuc e
• Tomato slices
• Red onion slices
• Dill pickles

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Skillet
• Paper towels
• Grill or skillet
• Spatula
• Toaster or grill
• Meat thermometer

Method

 

1. Prepare the Ranch Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Bacon: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bacon slices in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. Alternatively, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain on paper towels.
3. Prepare the Burger Patties: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties, about ¾ inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty.
4. Cook the Burger Patties: Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Grill or pan-fry the patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for more well-done. During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese to each patty and cover to melt.
5. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns in a toaster, skillet, or on the grill.
6. Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous amount of ranch dressing on the top and bottom buns. Add the lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles (if using) to the bottom bun. Top with a cheeseburger patty, crispy bacon slices, and the top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Don’t overmix the patty mixture. Customize toppings to your liking. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to the patty mixture or use Pepper Jack cheese. Ranch dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Burger patties can be formed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Leftover burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.