Bacon Beer Cheese Burger

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Layer juicy beef patties onto fresh buns, then pile on smoky diced bacon and a velvety cheddar beer cheese sauce. The sauce begins with butter and flour cooked gently, then combined with milk and a splash of light beer until smooth. Add the shredded cheese for richness, and finish with bacon for a savory kick. Garnish with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and red onion for fresh texture. Each bite offers a blend of creamy sauce, hearty beef, and smoky bacon—perfect for satisfying a hearty craving.

Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:08:01 GMT
A close up of a bacon beer cheese burger. Save
A close up of a bacon beer cheese burger. | lilicooks.com

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.
A close up of a bacon beer cheese burger. Save
A close up of a bacon beer cheese burger. | lilicooks.com

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.

A close up of a bacon beer cheese burger. Save
A close up of a bacon beer cheese burger. | lilicooks.com

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.

Bacon Beer Cheese Burger

Smoky bacon, creamy beer cheese, and beef patties make these burgers savory and rich in every bite.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Overall Time
20 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Dinner

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

01 6 beef burger patties (e.g., BUBBA burgers)
02 6 burger buns
03 8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
04 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 3/4 cup whole milk
07 1/4 cup light beer
08 6 slices cooked and diced bacon
09 Lettuce, tomato, and red onion (optional, for toppings)

Steps

Step 01

Prepare the burger patties according to the instructions on the package.

Step 02

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour, whisking until the mixture is golden brown.

Step 03

Gradually whisk in the milk and light beer. Reduce the heat to low, stirring until fully combined.

Step 04

Slowly mix in the shredded Cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 05

Add the diced bacon to the sauce and stir to combine. Adjust the consistency by adding more flour (1 tablespoon at a time) for a thicker sauce or more milk (1 tablespoon at a time) for a thinner sauce.

Step 06

Place a cooked burger patty on the bottom half of a bun. Add your desired toppings (e.g., lettuce, tomato, red onion), drizzle generously with the bacon beer cheese sauce, and top with the other half of the bun.

Required Tools

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter)
  • Contains gluten (flour, buns, beer)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 680
  • Fats: 42 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 38 g