So juicy and tasty, this bacon-wrapped burger recipe will make you wonder how you ever ate burgers any other way.
Bacon wrapped burgers are an easy way to take your burger game to the next level. The combination of juicy beef patties enveloped in smoky, salty bacon is truly delicious. While most people grill bacon cheeseburgers, baking them in the oven is a convenient and tasty alternative.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make incredible bacon wrapped burgers baked right in your oven. From choosing ingredients and forming patties to proper cooking techniques, let’s get cooking!
Benefits of Oven-Baked Bacon Burgers
Cooking burgers in the oven offers some nice advantages compared to stovetop or grill methods
- No splattering grease – Baking contains the mess for easy cleanup
- Even doneness – The oven distributes heat evenly to prevent burning
- Hands-off – Just pop them in the oven and you’re free to prepare other parts of the meal
- Year-round – No need to wait for ideal grilling weather to enjoy burgers
- Added flavor – The bacon fat permeates the beef for intensified taste
Tips for Choosing the Right Ingredients
The components you select make all the difference for oven-baked bacon burgers. Follow these tips:
- Lean ground beef – Choose 90% lean or higher ground beef. The leanness prevents grease pools and results in juicier burgers.
- Thick-cut bacon – Thicker bacon holds up better during baking. Look for bacon around 1/16 inch thick.
- Soft burger buns – Choose bakery-fresh buns like brioche or challah. They contrast nicely with the crispy bacon.
- Seasonings – Incorporate dry seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper directly into the beef for maximum flavor distribution.
How to Wrap Bacon Around Burgers
Wrapping the raw patties with uncooked bacon is the key technique. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Form ground beef into patties, roughly 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Make an indent in the center to prevent bulging as they cook.
- Lay bacon strips flat and stretch them slightly lengthwise.
- Wrap each patty completely with a strip of bacon, overlapping the edges underneath the burger.
- Secure the bacon in place by piercing with a toothpick or skewer. Make sure the wrap is snug.
- Repeat the process with the remaining patties and bacon.
Oven Baking Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked bacon burgers
Prep the Oven and Pan
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Form the Patties
- Gently form ground beef into 4 equally sized patties, about 3/4 inch thick.
- Make an indent in the center of each patty. This prevents them from bulging as they cook.
Season the Beef
- In a small bowl, combine desired seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the patties.
Wrap with Bacon
- Completely wrap each seasoned patty with a slice of bacon.
- Secure the bacon with a toothpick or skewer.
Bake the Burgers
- Place the bacon wrapped patties on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until the beef reaches 160°F internally.
Rest and Serve
- Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes before assembling sandwiches. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Serve on buns and add desired toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and condiments.
Handy Oven-Baking Tips
- Use a foil-lined pan for easy cleanup
- Add seasonings directly to the beef before forming patties
- Space patties apart on the pan to prevent sticking
- Gently flip patties halfway through baking time
- Allow burgers to rest for 5 minutes before assembling sandwiches
- Add cheese slices during the last 2 minutes of baking to melt
Fun Topping Ideas for Bacon Burgers
After baking. finish off your burgers with delicious toppings like
- Melted cheddar, Swiss, provolone or pepper jack
- Crispy fried onion rings
- Tangy barbecue sauce
- Spicy sliced jalapeños
- Sweet caramelized onions
- Avocado or guacamole
- Chili or sriracha spiked mayo
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Bacon jam or bourbon bacon sauce
Classic Side Dishes for Bacon Burgers
Serve your oven-baked bacon cheeseburgers with traditional sides like:
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw, potato salad or pasta salad
- Baked beans, grilled veggies or crispy onion rings
- Tortilla chips and guacamole or salsa
- Mac and cheese or cheesy scalloped potatoes
Or opt for lighter sides like:
- Garden salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli florets
- Fresh fruit salad with mint
- Air fried zucchini fries
Safety Tips
To safely enjoy oven-baked bacon burgers:
- Wash hands before and after handling raw meat.
- Use separate cutting boards for raw beef.
- Cook beef patties to an internal temp of 160°F.
- Never eat raw or undercooked ground beef.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I bake bacon burgers?
Bake at 400°F for best results. The higher heat helps render the bacon fat and cook the burgers quickly.
How long should I bake bacon wrapped burgers?
Plan for 18-22 minutes of baking time, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness and continue baking until the beef reaches 160°F internally.
Can I freeze uncooked bacon burgers?
Yes, wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Should I precook bacon before wrapping it?
No, wrapping raw bacon allows the flavor to permeate the beef patties as it renders while baking.
What’s the best cheese for bacon burgers?
Cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack and provolone are all tasty melted options for bacon burgers.
Make the Best Bacon Burgers of Your Life
With these helpful tips, tricks and step-by-step instructions, you can achieve incredible oven-baked bacon cheeseburgers right at home. Perfectly juicy, well-seasoned beef enveloped in crispy, smoky bacon is so satisfying. Serve them up with classic sides for an easy, mouthwatering meal anytime.
How To Wrap Meat In Bacon
The easiest way to wrap meat in bacon is to create a weaved lattice pattern like a pie. By doing this you create a flat surface with built-in binding. You won’t need a toothpick or anything else to hold each bacon slice on the burger this way.
For most bacon wrapped burger recipes, do this with four strips of bacon. Place two of them next to each other, then lift one up and place a strip going the other way. Repeat to finish the pattern.
Cover the ground beef stuffed with cheddar cheese with bacon one piece at a time as you work your way around the circle.
When you’re ready to cook the bacon-wrapped burger recipe, make sure the side with the loose ends goes on the grill first. This cooks them very quickly so they sear to each other like glue. If you dont they shrink away from the burger patty and fall off.
How To Stuff The Cheese Inside
To make the cheese stuffed burgers, start by making the patties.
In a large bowl mix together the ground beef, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Split it into 8 evenly sized pieces, roughly 2 ounces each.
Flatten out each of the patties and placing one down on each of the woven bacon strips. Next, add the cheddar cheese slices and push them down into the meat.
I recommend cutting the cheddar cheese about ¼” inch thick right off an 8 ounce block. Depending on the block you might need one or two pieces.
This is my favorite method because it creates that thick melty center. If you use deli-sliced cheese, this bacon-wrapped burger recipe doesn’t taste as good with it.
After adding the cheese, place the second flattened half on top of the burger. Pinch the ends together all the way around, and then press down on top to hold the burger together.