Ultimate Cheeseburger
Ultimate Cheeseburger is a medium American recipe that serves 2. 910 calories per serving. Recipe by benjamins.kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 37 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 1 hr 4 min
Cost: $14.49 total, $7.24 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 ratio, divided into two 1/2‑lb patties)
- 1 tsp Salt (Kosher salt preferred)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly cracked)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce (Adds umami; optional if avoiding soy)
- 4 slices White Cheddar Cheese (Two slices per patty, fully cover the meat)
- 4 strips Bacon (Thick‑cut, cooked until crisp)
- 2 pieces Brioche Burger Buns (Split and lightly toasted)
- 1 large Onion (Thinly sliced, caramelized)
- 1 cup Mushrooms (Sliced button or cremini mushrooms)
- 1 tbsp Butter (For sautéing onions and mushrooms)
- 2 tbsp Water (Helps melt cheese without burning)
- 2 tbsp Raising Cane Sauce (Or any favorite burger sauce)
- 1 cup Tater Tots (Optional side, baked or fried)
Instructions
Season the Ground Beef
In a small bowl combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and soy sauce. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the ground beef and gently pat it in.
Time: PT2M
Form Patties with Indent
Divide the meat into two equal portions (about 1/2 lb each). Shape each into a round patty about 3/4 in thick. Press a shallow thumb‑size divot in the center of each patty to prevent puffing.
Time: PT5M
Cook Bacon and Reserve Fat
Place bacon strips in the cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium. Cook until crisp, about 5 minutes, turning once. Transfer bacon to a paper‑towel‑lined plate and set aside. Keep the rendered bacon fat in the pan for the burgers.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Caramelize Onions
Add butter to the skillet with the bacon fat, then add the sliced onion. Cook over medium‑low heat, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and sweet, about 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium‑low
Sauté Mushrooms
In a separate small pan, melt a little butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms, season with a pinch of salt, and sauté until browned and moisture evaporated, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Cook Burger Patties
Increase the skillet heat to medium‑high. Place the patties (with the indent side up) into the hot bacon‑fat‑coated skillet. Cook without moving for 4‑5 minutes until a crust forms.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Flip, Season, and Melt Cheese
Flip the patties, season the second side with a pinch of salt and pepper, then place two slices of white cheddar on each patty. Add 2 tbsp water to the pan, cover with the lid, and let steam for 2 minutes until cheese melts.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Toast Buns (Optional)
If desired, lightly toast the split brioche buns cut‑side down in the same skillet for 30 seconds until golden.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium
Assemble the Burger
On the bottom bun spread a spoonful of Raising Cane sauce, add a strip of bacon, place a cheese‑topped patty, spoon caramelized onions over the cheese, add sautéed mushrooms, drizzle a little more sauce, then top with the bun. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Time: PT5M
Serve with Tater Tots
Plate the assembled burgers and serve alongside baked or fried tater tots.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 910
- Protein
- 45 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 55 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains pork, Not vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground Turkey, Plant‑based ground meat
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Onion Powder: Finely minced fresh onion
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari, Worcestershire sauce
- Instead of White Cheddar Cheese: American cheese, Sharp cheddar
- Instead of Bacon: Turkey bacon, Smoked pancetta
- Instead of Brioche Burger Buns: Potato buns, Gluten‑free buns
- Instead of Onion: Shallots
- Instead of Mushrooms: Portobello slices
- Instead of Butter: Olive oil
- Instead of Raising Cane Sauce: Thousand Island dressing, Spicy mayo
- Instead of Tater Tots: French fries
Equipment Needed
- Cast Iron Skillet or Grill Pan
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
- Lid (fits skillet)
- Tongs
- Toothpick (optional)
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Press a thumb‑size divot in each patty to prevent puffing.
- Use the rendered bacon fat to sear the burgers for flavor and non‑stick cooking.
- Add a splash of water and cover the pan to steam‑melt the cheese quickly.
- Do not press the patty while cooking; it releases juices and dries the burger.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Season the meat just before forming patties; salt draws out moisture if left too long.
- Bacon fat adds smoky depth and helps achieve a crisp crust.
- Let the cooked patties rest for 2 minutes before assembling to retain juices.
Troubleshooting
Patty forms a ball instead of staying flat.
Make sure to press the thumb‑size divot before cooking; also avoid over‑mixing the meat.
Cheese does not melt fully.
Add a splash of water and cover the pan to create steam; lower the heat slightly if the cheese browns before melting.
Onions burn before caramelizing.
Cook over medium‑low heat and stir frequently; add a pinch of sugar if needed to aid caramelization.
Burgers are dry.
Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness and avoid pressing the patty while cooking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store assembled burgers (without buns) in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Freezer: Separate cooked patties and cooked bacon; freeze in zip‑top bags for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave assembled burgers at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Caramelize the onions a day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Cook the bacon strips ahead of time; reheat briefly before assembling.
- Prepare the Raising Cane sauce or any burger sauce in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the double cheeseburger with bacon in American cuisine?
The double cheeseburger with bacon became iconic in the United States during the fast‑food boom of the 1970s, symbolizing indulgent comfort food. It reflects American love for layering flavors—meat, cheese, and smoky bacon—into a handheld meal that’s both satisfying and portable.
What are traditional regional variations of American burgers that include caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms?
In the Pacific Northwest, burgers often feature earthy mushrooms and sweet caramelized onions, while Southern styles may add pickles and BBQ sauce. The combination of mushrooms and onions adds a gourmet twist that’s popular in upscale diners across the country.
How is a homemade double cheeseburger with bacon traditionally served in American diners?
Traditionally it is served on a toasted brioche or potato bun, stacked with two beef patties, melted cheese, crisp bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and a dollop of sauce. It’s usually accompanied by fries or tater tots and a cold soda.
On what occasions or celebrations is the double cheeseburger with bacon commonly enjoyed in the United States?
It’s a staple at casual gatherings like backyard barbecues, sports‑watch parties, and weekend family meals. Many restaurants feature it as a “cheat‑day” special for birthdays or holiday brunches.
What makes the double cheeseburger with bacon special or unique in American cuisine?
The layering of two juicy patties, smoky bacon, and the umami boost from caramelized onions and mushrooms creates a complex flavor profile that goes beyond a standard burger. Cooking in bacon fat adds richness that’s hard to replicate with plain oil.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this double cheeseburger with bacon at home?
Common errors include over‑mixing the meat, pressing the patty while it cooks, and skipping the thumb‑size indent which leads to a puffed‑up burger. Also, adding cheese too early without steam can cause it to burn instead of melt.
Why does this burger recipe use a splash of water and a lid to melt the cheese instead of just letting it sit on the heat?
The water creates steam that quickly melts the cheese evenly without scorching, while the lid traps the steam. This technique prevents the cheese from sticking to the pan and keeps the patty juicy.
Can I make the double cheeseburger with bacon ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cook the patties, bacon, caramelized onions, and mushrooms ahead. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet and assemble just before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the burger patties are done cooking?
The exterior should be a deep brown crust with a slight caramelization, and the interior should be pink‑red in the center for medium‑rare or fully brown for well‑done. The thumb‑size indent should stay shallow and not balloon.
What does the YouTube channel benjamins.kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel benjamins.kitchen focuses on straightforward, home‑cooked comfort food recipes with an emphasis on technique tips and budget‑friendly ingredients for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel benjamins.kitchen's approach to American burger cooking differ from other cooking channels?
benjamins.kitchen emphasizes using pantry staples like bacon fat for flavor, practical tricks such as the thumb‑indent for flat patties, and minimal equipment, whereas many other channels rely on specialty grills or elaborate toppings.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
