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A juicy bacon beer cheese burger is my ultimate crowd-pleaser for game days and backyard gatherings. Between creamy homemade beer cheese and crispy bacon, every bite feels a little bit outrageous but completely worth it.
The first time I made these burgers was for friends during a playoff game. They disappeared faster than I could plate them and now they are always requested for celebrations.
Ingredients
- BUBBA burgers: these cook up juicy and have consistent quality so your burgers turn out right every time
- Buns: choose sturdy ones that hold up to melted cheese and sauce soft on the inside with slight crunch outside
- Cheddar cheese: sharp shredded cheddar melts easily and gives bold flavor go for blocks you shred yourself for smoothest results
- Butter: real unsalted butter for a rich silky cheese sauce
- Flour: all purpose flour creates the roux so your cheese sauce is creamy and not runny
- Milk: use whole milk if you can for thickness and a richer taste
- Light beer: beer amplifies the cheese flavor without overpowering it choose a mild style like pilsner
- Bacon: thick-cut bacon cooks up crispy and hearty chopped up it blends into the sauce for punch in every bite
- Toppings: lettuce tomato and red onion add crunch color and a touch of freshness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Burgers:
- Prepare BUBBA burgers following instructions on the box. Aim for a nice sear on both sides without pressing down so they stay juicy.
- Make the Beer Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for about two minutes until you see a nutty fragrance and a light golden color forming.
- Blend Milk and Beer:
- Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour in milk and beer whisking continually. This helps avoid lumps and blends everything smoothly.
- Melt Cheddar Cheese:
- Gradually add shredded cheddar into the warm mixture. Stir with a spatula so the cheese melts evenly and the sauce becomes silky and thick without lumps.
- Add Bacon:
- Pour in diced cooked bacon. Stir to distribute it through the sauce so you get a bit of bacon in every taste.
- Adjust Sauce Texture:
- If the sauce is too thick whisk in more milk a little at a time until ideal consistency. If too thin add a small scoop of flour and keep stirring to thicken.
- Assemble the Burgers:
- On each bottom bun layer a burger then spoon over warm bacon beer cheese sauce. Finish with your favorite crunchy toppings and cap with the bun.
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Shredding your own cheddar makes the cheese sauce unbelievably smooth it is my go to secret whenever I want that stretchy cheese moment that everyone comments on after the first bite I still remember my dad licking up the sauce when he first tried it
Storage Tips
Leftover burgers keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Cheese sauce can be stored by itself and reheated gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Assemble burgers just before serving for best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
No BUBBA burgers Use any high quality ground beef patty or substitute with turkey or plant-based patties for a different spin. Cheddar may be swapped for Monterey Jack or a smoky gouda for extra depth. If avoiding dairy canned evaporated milk and lactose free cheese work pretty well in a pinch.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve burgers alongside classic fries or crunchy coleslaw for a pub-inspired plate. For parties make slider versions and let guests build their own creations with a burger toppings bar.
Cultural and Historical Context
Beer cheese sauces hail from Midwest American bar food traditions combining two favorite flavors into one indulgent topping. Bacon burgers themselves are a beloved classic inspired by backyard cookouts and summer holiday celebrations uniting all generations at the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I thicken the beer cheese sauce?
For a thicker sauce, simply add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, stirring well after each addition until you reach the right consistency.
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of Cheddar?
Absolutely! Try Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Swiss for a different melt and flavor, adjusting to your taste preferences.
- → What toppings work well with this burger?
Crisp lettuce, sliced tomato, and red onion add freshness, but pickles or jalapeños can bring extra tang or heat.
- → What kind of beer is best for the cheese sauce?
A light beer brings subtle flavor that won’t overpower the cheese, but feel free to experiment with pale ales or lagers.
- → How can I prepare the burgers if I don’t have BUBBA burgers?
Shape ground beef into patties seasoned with salt and pepper, then cook them as desired—grilled, pan-seared, or broiled.
- → Is it possible to make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the sauce ahead, cool completely, then store in the fridge. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if needed.