Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger – Girl Carnivore

Sick of boring, flavor-lacking burgers that leave you underwhelmed? Get ready to experience burger enlightenment with our over-the-top garlic butter bacon cheeseburger. This is a burger recipe for grown-ups: a juicy masterpiece built around a burger stuffed with compound butter, then topped with all the good stuff – aged cheddar, smoky bacon, caramelized onions, and roasted garlic aioli.

This garlic butter burger recipe is the best way to ramp up your beef recipes. Forget dry, one-note patties. This recipe is a fun twist on the classic bacon cheeseburger infused with a decadent garlic butter core. Each bite explodes with savory goodness, thanks to the rich butter, caramelized onions, and the sharp tang of aged cheddar. 

And let’s not forget the crispy bacon – the ultimate BFF of any great burger. One bite into this burger, and it’s oozing with butter. Your hands will be messy, and you’ll be licking your fingers.

What Is a Butter Burger?

Our riff on the fast food Sonic version, a butter burger is just like it sounds—a juicy burger stuffed with butter—compound butter, to be exact. We use this method with other burgers, like our harissa butter-stuffed lamb burger and Argentinean butter burger, as it adds a ton of great flavor to the meat. Not only does butter add a ton of flavor, but it also takes lean meat to the next level by adding fat. As a result, the burger becomes more flavorful and less dry. 

​Then, we grill the burgers with hickory wood chips for the ultimate smoky, savory burgers. You have the option of grilling the burgers on a charcoal grill or gas grill, which gives you total flexibility with this recipe.

Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Ingredients

• Ground Beef – You’ll need one pound ground beef for this recipe. Avoid lean ground beef or your burger will be too dry. Go for 80/20 for juicy results.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor and draws out moisture for a juicier burger.
• Roasted Garlic Butter – Adds rich, savory garlic flavor to the center.
• Cooked Bacon – Classic topping for salty, smoky contrast.
• Diced Onion – Sautéed for sweetness and depth, caramelized for a touch of softness. Use white or red onions.
• Butter – Browns the onions and adds richness.
• Cheddar Cheese – Sharp tang balances the richness and savory flavors. Use mild or sharp cheddar cheese. 
• Hamburger Buns – Choose high-quality buns to hold the burger without getting soggy. Brioche buns are our personal favorite. 
• Aioli & Arugula – Roasted garlic aioli adds moisture and complements flavors, while peppery arugula adds freshness.

How to Make a Burger Stuffed with Compound Butter

Making the Burgers:

• Divide your ground beef into 8 equal portions and gently press them into thin patties, about ¼ inch thick.
• Sprinkle a bit of salt on each patty for extra flavor.
• Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps them cook evenly.
• Plop a tablespoon of garlic butter into the center of half the patties.
• Top those buttered patties with the remaining plain patties and pinch the edges to close, like sealing a delicious package.
• Chill the burgers in the fridge for 2-4 hours. This helps them hold their shape, and the flavors come together nicely.

Getting the Grill Going (Charcoal or Gas):

• Get your grill fired up for direct heat grilling. Make sure the grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
• Once the coals are hot (or your gas grill is preheated), close the lid and adjust the vents to get the temperature between 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit. Hotter means better sear marks!

For a Charcoal grill: 

Prep your grill for direct heat. Light your charcoal in a charcoal chimney and when it is 70% ashed over, add it to your charcoal grill in the center. Using long tongs, spread the charcoal out for an even layer. 

Add the grill grates and cover the grill with the lid. Adjust the air vents and allow the grill to preheat to 450 – 500 degrees F. 

For a Gas Grill:

Preheat all the burners on your grill. Clean and oil the grates. Close the lid and allow the grill to preheat for about 10 minutes to a temperature of 450-500 degrees F. 

Grilling the Burgers

• While the grill heats up, grab a small cast iron skillet or griddle and preheat it on the grill. Sauté your diced onions until they turn golden brown and sweet.
• Once the onions are softening, add a pat of butter and mix it in. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning! You want them soft and caramelized, not charred.
• Season the outside of your burgers with salt and place them on the hot griddle. Cook for 2-4 minutes per side, depending on how you like your burgers done. 
• Because of the melty garlic butter, these burgers might cause some flames. Keep an eye on them and use a long spatula to flip and move them for even cooking. Don’t walk away!
• In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of your favorite cheese to each burger to melt it to gooey perfection.
• Once cooked, take the burgers off the heat and let them rest on a platter for a minute while you build your masterpiece.

Building Your Dream Burger:

• If you prefer warm buns, throw them on the grill for a quick toast.
• Place a bed of peppery arugula on the bottom of the toasted bun.
• Top it off with that juicy, cheesy garlic butter burger.
• Don’t forget the crispy bacon strips and those sweet caramelized onions!
• Spread a generous amount of roasted garlic aioli on the top bun for extra flavor.
• Pop on the bun, and devour your delicious creation!

What to Serve With Butter Bacon Burgers

These juicy burgers deserve classic sides! French fries are a must-have, and duck fat fries will take them over the top. But for a lighter option, try smoked potato salad or a simple side of grilled corn on the cob.

Leftovers & Reheating

Leftover burgers will stay good in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

You have a couple of reheating methods:

• The Stovetop Method: This is a great option if you want a quick reheat. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a pat of butter. Add your burger and cook for a few minutes per side or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it, or it will dry out.
• The Oven Method: This method is good if you want to reheat multiple burgers at once. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the burgers loosely in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet pan. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

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With this recipe, you can create the best bacon cheeseburgers you’ve ever tasted, all from the comfort of your own backyard.

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