Ultimate Bacon Cheese Burger

Ingredients

• 500g good quality beef mince (around 20% fat)

• 8 rashers smoked streaky bacon

• 4 slices Cheddar cheese (or your favourite melting cheese)

• 4 brioche or classic burger buns

• 4 lettuce leaves (e.g., Cos or Iceberg)

• 1 large tomato, sliced

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 8-12 slices dill pickles

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Patties: Divide the beef mince into 4 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty, slightly wider than your burger bun, as they will shrink during cooking. Create a small indentation in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from bulging. Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.

2. Cook the Bacon: Heat a large frying pan or griddle over medium heat. Add the bacon rashers and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain excess fat. Keep the bacon fat in the pan if desired for cooking the burgers, or discard and add fresh oil.

3. Cook the Burgers: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or bacon fat) to the pan. Once hot, carefully place the burger patties in the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to your desired doneness. For the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty, cover the pan briefly (if you have a lid), and allow the cheese to melt.

4. Toast the Buns: While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast the cut sides of the burger buns on a separate dry pan, griddle, or under the grill until golden brown.

5. Assemble the Burgers: Spread your chosen condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise) on the toasted bun halves. On the bottom bun, layer a lettuce leaf, then a slice of tomato, and some red onion. Place the cheesy burger patty on top. Add two crispy bacon rashers, followed by dill pickle slices. Finish with the top bun.

6. Serve Immediately: Serve your ultimate bacon cheese burgers hot with your favourite sides.

Serving Suggestions

These burgers are fantastic served with a generous portion of crispy chips (fries), onion rings, a fresh coleslaw, or a simple green salad to cut through the richness.

Pairing Tips

The rich, savoury flavours of a bacon cheese burger demand a beer that can stand up to them. Here are some excellent choices:

• American Pale Ale (APA): Its moderate bitterness, citrusy hop character, and malty backbone cut through the fat and complement the savoury meat without overpowering it.

• IPA (India Pale Ale): For those who love hops, a West Coast IPA with its pronounced bitterness and piney, resinous notes provides a great contrast and cleanses the palate.

• Stout or Porter: The roasted malt notes and often creamy texture of a stout or porter can beautifully complement the charred beef and smoky bacon, creating a harmonious, comforting pairing.

• Lager (Premium or Craft): A crisp, clean lager can be a refreshing counterpoint, providing a palate cleanse between bites and letting the burger's flavours shine.