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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

Last updated: July 24, 2026

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The McDonalds Bacon Challenge

Recipe by Epic Meal Time

A massive fast‑food style burger loaded with 25 strips of crispy bacon on a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder. Inspired by the Epic Meal Time challenge to spend $50 on bacon, this over‑the‑top burger is a crunchy, salty, and unforgettable indulgence.

MediumAmericanServes 1

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
3m
Prep
17m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$37.82
Total cost
$37.82
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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

Safety Warnings

  • Hot bacon fat can cause severe burns; use tongs and keep a splatter guard.
  • Ensure the beef patty reaches 160°F to avoid foodborne illness.
  • Handle raw bacon with clean hands and wash surfaces thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the bacon‑loaded Quarter Pounder in American fast‑food culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of bacon‑heavy burgers in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is the bacon‑monster Quarter Pounder traditionally served in American fast‑food restaurants?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is a bacon‑loaded burger like this associated with in American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes the $50 Bacon Monster Quarter Pounder special or unique in American fast‑food cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the bacon‑monster Quarter Pounder at home?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe cook the bacon in a skillet instead of using a microwave like the original video showed?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make the bacon‑monster Quarter Pounder ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the bacon‑monster Quarter Pounder is done?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Epic Meal Time specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Epic Meal Time's approach to extreme burger challenges differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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