Hickory Bacon Burgers

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Why I Love This Recipe

This is the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but still thoughtfully balanced. The smoky bacon and juicy beef deliver big flavor, while the sweet potato fries add crisp texture and just enough sweetness to keep the meal from feeling heavy.

It’s approachable enough for a family dinner but elevated enough to serve guests without hesitation.

Ingredients

Burgers

• 1½ lbs 80/20 ground beef

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 4 slices hickory-smoked bacon

• 4 slices sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or havarti (optional)

• 4 brioche buns, lightly toasted

• Butter lettuce or arugula

• Sliced tomato

• Thinly sliced red onion

Simple Burger Sauce

• ½ cup mayo

• 1 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tsp Dijon

• 1 tsp pickle juice

• Pinch smoked paprika

Sweet Potato Fries

• 1 bag frozen sweet potato fries

• Flaky salt

• Pinch smoked paprika

• Light sprinkle garlic powder

Optional Fry Sauce (Highly Recommend)

• ¼ cup mayo

• 1½ tbsp ketchup

• Splash pickle juice

• Tiny pinch paprika

Instructions

For the Burgers

1. Cook the bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat until crisp but still slightly tender. Transfer to paper towels and reserve a small amount of the bacon fat in the pan.

2. Gently form the ground beef into 4 patties about ¾-inch thick. Press a small thumbprint into the center of each patty to prevent puffing. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Heat the skillet to medium-high. If needed, lightly coat the pan with ½ teaspoon reserved bacon fat (no additional oil required).

4. Place patties in the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes.

5. Flip and cook an additional 3–4 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness (145°F for medium).

6. Add cheese during the final minute of cooking, if using, and loosely tent to melt.

7. Remove burgers from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes.

8. Lightly butter the brioche buns and toast cut-side down in the skillet until golden.

9. Spread burger sauce on the buns. Layer with greens, burger, bacon, tomato, and onion. Close with top bun and serve immediately.

For the Sweet Potato Fries

1. Preheat the air fryer according to package instructions (usually 375–400°F).

2. Arrange frozen sweet potato fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.

3. Cook according to package directions, adding an extra 2–4 minutes for additional crispness. Shake halfway through cooking.

4. Transfer fries to a bowl immediately after cooking. Toss with flaky salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder while hot.

5. Serve alongside burgers with fry sauce if desired.

Notes

• Don’t overwork the meat — that’s the fastest way to a tough burger.

• Want this to feel even more elevated? Add caramelized onions.

• Feeding kids: make one burger plain with lighter seasoning.