The McDonalds Bacon Challenge
The McDonalds Bacon Challenge is a medium American recipe that serves 1. 1650 calories per serving. Recipe by Epic Meal Time on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $37.82 total, $37.82 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 piece Quarter Pounder Beef Patty (McDonald’s style, about 4 oz, thawed if frozen)
- 1 piece Sesame Seed Bun (Standard hamburger bun, toasted lightly)
- 1 slice American Cheese Slice (Melted on top of the patty)
- 25 strips Bacon Strips (Crispy, cooked in a skillet; approx. $34.70 total cost)
- 1 tablespoon Ketchup (Standard fast‑food ketchup)
- 1 teaspoon Yellow Mustard (Optional, for classic Quarter Pounder flavor)
- 3 slices Pickle Slices (Thinly sliced dill pickles)
- 2 rings Onion (Thin white onion rings)
Instructions
Preheat Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium‑high heat and let it warm for about 3 minutes until a drop of water sizzles.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 375°F
Cook Bacon Strips
Lay the 25 bacon strips in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Cook 2‑3 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until crisp and browned. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 375°F
Warm the Beef Patty
Using the same skillet (or a separate grill pan), add the Quarter Pounder patty. Cook 2‑3 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Place the cheese slice on top during the last minute to melt.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Assemble the Burger
On the bottom bun, spread ketchup and mustard. Add the cooked patty with melted cheese, then layer all 25 crispy bacon strips evenly. Top with pickle slices and onion rings, then cap with the top bun.
Time: PT2M
Serve Immediately
Serve the burger while hot. Pair with a strong coffee or a cold soda to cut through the richness.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 1650
- Protein
- 70g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 115g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: High protein, High fat, Not vegetarian, Not vegan, Gluten‑containing
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy, Pork, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Quarter Pounder Beef Patty: 80% lean ground beef patty, store‑bought burger patty
- Instead of Sesame Seed Bun: any soft hamburger bun, brioche bun
- Instead of American Cheese Slice: cheddar slice, Swiss slice
- Instead of Bacon Strips: turkey bacon, plant‑based bacon
- Instead of Ketchup: barbecue sauce, spicy mayo
- Instead of Yellow Mustard: Dijon mustard, spicy mustard
- Instead of Pickle Slices: relish, pickled jalapeños
- Instead of Onion: red onion rings, grilled onions
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Plate
- Paper Towels
- Knife
- Meat Thermometer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking bacon in batches to keep strips crispy
- Ensuring the beef patty reaches safe internal temperature
- Evenly distributing 25 strips of bacon to prevent structural collapse
Chef Tips from the Video
- Reserve a tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat to brush on the bun for extra flavor.
- Add a thin slice of sharp cheddar for a flavor boost without adding bulk.
- Serve with a strong, bitter coffee to cut through the intense salt and fat.
Troubleshooting
Bacon is soggy instead of crispy.
Cook bacon in a single layer without crowding; increase heat slightly and drain on paper towels.
Burger falls apart under the weight of bacon.
Toast the bun lightly to add structural strength and press the assembled burger gently to compact the layers.
Patty is undercooked.
Use a meat thermometer; cook until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover bacon strips in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cooked bacon can be frozen for up to 2 months; reheat in a skillet.
Room temperature: Assembled burger should be consumed within 2 hours; do not leave at room temperature longer.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook all bacon strips ahead of time and keep them warm in a low oven (200°F).
- Pat the cooked bacon dry with paper towels to retain crispness.
- The patty can be pre‑cooked and reheated briefly before assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the bacon‑loaded Quarter Pounder in American fast‑food culture?
Bacon has long been a symbol of indulgence in American cuisine, and adding it to a classic Quarter Pounder taps into the fast‑food tradition of “extra‑meat‑extra‑bacon” upgrades. This extreme version reflects the modern challenge‑driven food culture popularized by YouTube creators like Epic Meal Time.
What are the traditional regional variations of bacon‑heavy burgers in the United States?
In the Midwest, the “bacon‑cheeseburger” often includes multiple bacon strips and a thick cheese slice, while the West Coast favors smoked bacon and avocado. The Epic Meal Time version pushes the concept to an extreme with 25 strips on a single patty.
How is the bacon‑monster Quarter Pounder traditionally served in American fast‑food restaurants?
Typically it is served on a sesame‑seed bun with ketchup, mustard, pickles, and onions. The Epic Meal Time twist adds a massive stack of crispy bacon, making the burger taller than the bun and best eaten with a fork and knife.
What occasions or celebrations is a bacon‑loaded burger like this associated with in American culture?
Extreme bacon burgers are popular at food‑challenge events, bachelor parties, and “cheat‑day” celebrations where indulgence is the focus. They also appear in viral social‑media challenges.
What makes the $50 Bacon Monster Quarter Pounder special or unique in American fast‑food cuisine?
The sheer volume of bacon—25 strips—creates a texture that’s both crunchy and greasy, turning a standard fast‑food item into a spectacle of excess. It showcases the “more is better” mentality of modern food challenges.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the bacon‑monster Quarter Pounder at home?
Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which steams the bacon; undercooking the beef patty; and failing to toast the bun, which can cause the burger to collapse under the weight of the bacon.
Why does this recipe cook the bacon in a skillet instead of using a microwave like the original video showed?
Cooking in a skillet renders the fat and produces a true crispy texture, whereas microwaving often leaves bacon rubbery. The skillet method also allows you to control doneness and keep the bacon flat for stacking.
Can I make the bacon‑monster Quarter Pounder ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cook the bacon strips and patty ahead, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat briefly before assembling. The assembled burger should be eaten within 2 hours for safety.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the bacon‑monster Quarter Pounder is done?
The bacon should be uniformly crisp and golden‑brown, the patty should be fully cooked with melted cheese, and the bun should be lightly toasted. The final burger will tower with visible layers of bacon, giving a dramatic, messy look.
What does the YouTube channel Epic Meal Time specialize in?
The YouTube channel Epic Meal Time specializes in over‑the‑top, high‑calorie food creations, often featuring massive amounts of meat, cheese, and bacon, presented with humor and fast‑paced editing.
How does the YouTube channel Epic Meal Time's approach to extreme burger challenges differ from other cooking channels?
Epic Meal Time focuses on sheer excess and shock value, using outrageous ingredient quantities and comedic narration, whereas most cooking channels aim for balanced recipes or instructional clarity.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
