Bacon wrapped burgers are a surefire way to take your burger game to the next level. The combination of juicy flavorful beef patties enveloped in crispy salty bacon is truly mouthwatering. While most people grill bacon burgers, baking them in the oven is an easy and convenient alternative with delicious results.
In this simple guide, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of baking incredible bacon wrapped burgers right in your oven. From choosing the right ingredients to proper cooking techniques, let’s get cooking!
Benefits of Oven-Baked Bacon Burgers
Cooking burgers in the oven offers some nice perks compared to stovetop or grill methods:
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No splattering grease – Baking contains the mess for easy cleanup
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Perfect doneness – The oven distributes heat evenly and prevents burning
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Hands-off – Just pop them in and you’re free to prepare other parts of the meal
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Year-round – No need to wait for ideal grilling weather to enjoy burgers
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Added flavor – The bacon fat permeates the beef for intensified taste
Tips for Choosing Ingredients
The components you select make all the difference for oven-baked bacon burgers. Follow these tips:
Lean Ground Beef
Choose 90% lean or higher ground beef. The leanness prevents grease pools in the oven and results in juicier, more flavorful burgers.
Thick-Cut Bacon
Thicker bacon holds up better during baking. Look for bacon about 1/16 inch thick or ask your butcher for recommendations.
Soft Buns
Select bakery-fresh buns like brioche, potato, or challah. They provide a nice contrast to the crispy bacon.
Seasonings
Incorporate dry seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper directly into the beef for maximum flavor distribution.
How to Wrap Bacon Around Burgers
Wrapping raw patties with uncooked bacon is key. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Form ground beef into patties, roughly 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Make an indent in the center to prevent bulging as they cook.
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Lay bacon strips flat and stretch them slightly lengthwise.
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Wrap each patty completely with a strip of bacon, overlapping the edges underneath the burger.
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Secure the bacon in place by piercing with a toothpick or skewer. Make sure the wrap is snug.
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Repeat process with remaining patties and bacon.
Oven Baking Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked bacon burgers:
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Prep oven and pan: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
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Form patties: Gently form ground beef into 4 equally sized patties about 3/4 inch thick. Make an indent in each patty.
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Season beef: In a small bowl, combine desired seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle seasoning evenly over patties.
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Wrap bacon: Wrap each seasoned patty completely with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
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Bake: Place bacon wrapped patties on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until beef reaches 160°F.
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Rest: Let burgers rest for 5 minutes before assembling sandwiches.
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Serve: Serve on buns and add desired toppings like ketchup, mustard, pickles, lettuce, tomato and cheese.
Cooking Tips
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Use foil-lined pan for easy cleanup
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Add seasonings directly to beef before forming patties
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Prevent sticking by spacing patties apart on pan
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Flip patties gently halfway through baking
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Allow burgers to rest before assembling sandwiches
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Add cheese slices during last 2 minutes of baking to melt
Bacon Burger Topping Ideas
After baking, finish off your burgers with fun toppings like:
- Melted cheddar, Swiss, provolone or pepper jack
- Crispy fried onion rings
- Tangy BBQ sauce
- Spicy jalapeños
- Sweet caramelized onions
- Avocado or guacamole
- Chili or sriracha mayo
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Bacon jam or bourbon bacon sauce
Sides for Bacon Burgers
Serve oven-baked bacon cheeseburgers with classic sides like:
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw, potato salad or pasta salad
- Baked beans, grilled veggies or onion rings
- Chips and dip
- Mac and cheese or cheesy scalloped potatoes
Or opt for lighter sides like:
- Garden salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli florets
- Fruit salad sprinkled with mint
- Air fried zucchini fries
Safety Tips
To safely enjoy oven-baked bacon burgers:
- Wash hands before and after handling raw meat
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw beef
- Cook beef to an internal temperature of 160°F
- Never eat raw or undercooked ground beef
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I bake bacon burgers?
Bake at 400°F for best results. Higher heat helps render bacon fat and cook burgers more quickly.
How long should I bake bacon wrapped burgers?
Check for doneness after 18 minutes, then bake up to 22 minutes until beef reaches 160°F.
Can I freeze uncooked bacon burgers?
Yes, wrap them well in plastic then foil and freeze up to 4 months. Thaw in fridge before baking.
Should I precook bacon before wrapping?
No, wrapping raw bacon around the patties allows the flavor to permeate the beef as it renders.
What’s the best cheese for bacon burgers?
Cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack or provolone are all tasty melted on bacon burgers.
Make Your Best Bacon Burgers Yet
With these helpful tips, tricks and how-to steps, you can achieve incredible oven-baked bacon cheeseburgers right at home. Perfectly juicy, seasoned beef enveloped in crispy, salty bacon is so satisfying. Serve them up with classic sides for a mouthwatering meal anytime.