
I still remember the first time I tasted this burger combination. I was visiting a small gastropub known for their innovative takes on classic comfort foods. One bite of their bacon blue cheese burger, and I was instantly hooked on the combination of flavors. The contrast between the sharp blue cheese and sweet caramelized onions was something I hadn't experienced before. When I got home, I was determined to recreate that perfect bite. It took several attempts to get the balance just right - the beef needed to be juicy but not too fatty, the bacon crisp but not burnt, and the onions needed that perfect caramelization. The brioche bun was a game-changer too, adding a buttery sweetness that brings everything together. Now, it's my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress guests or simply treat myself to something special.
Why I love this recipe
I love this burger recipe because it transforms the humble hamburger into something truly extraordinary without requiring professional culinary skills. The combination of textures is what makes it special - the juicy beef patty, the crispy bacon, the gooey melted cheese, and the soft brioche bun create a perfect bite every time. The flavor profile is complex yet familiar - the sweetness from the caramelized onions balances the sharp tanginess of the blue cheese, while the savory bacon adds a smoky depth. It's the kind of dish that makes people pause after the first bite to appreciate what they're tasting. I also love how customizable it is - you can adjust the amount of blue cheese depending on your preference or swap out toppings while keeping the core elements. Most importantly, it's a crowd-pleaser that brings people together - nothing beats the satisfaction of watching friends and family enjoy something you've prepared with care.
What You Need From Your Kitchen
- Ground beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful burgers
- Bacon: Provides smoky flavor and crispy texture contrast
- Brioche buns: Adds buttery sweetness that complements the savory burger
- Swiss cheese: Creates a creamy base layer of cheese that melts beautifully
- Blue cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor that balances the rich burger
- Onions: When caramelized, they add sweet depth to counter the savory elements
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds acidity and enhances the sweetness of the caramelized onions
Let's Make These Together
- Prep the ingredients
- Start by slicing your onions thinly and separating them into rings. Shape your ground beef into four equal patties, making them slightly larger than your buns as they'll shrink during cooking. Season the patties generously with salt and pepper, and add a dimple in the center with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up.
- Caramelize the onions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and cook slowly, stirring occasionally for about 20-25 minutes until they become golden brown. Add the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, then continue cooking for 5 more minutes until they're deeply caramelized and jammy. The slow cooking process brings out the natural sweetness.
- Cook the bacon
- While the onions are caramelizing, cook the bacon in a separate pan until crispy. This should take about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain, but save some of that flavorful bacon fat for cooking your burgers.
- Cook the burgers
- Heat the reserved bacon fat in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium doneness. In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of Swiss cheese and cover briefly to help it melt. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for food safety.
- Toast and assemble
- Butter the cut sides of your brioche buns and toast them until golden brown. Assemble your masterpiece with lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by the cheese-topped patty, bacon strips, caramelized onions, and blue cheese crumbles. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately while everything is still warm.

Switch Things Up
The first time I made these burgers, I was trying to impress my food-loving friends at a summer cookout. I'd been experimenting with cheese combinations and discovered that the sharp bite of blue cheese perfectly balances the sweetness of caramelized onions. I spent extra time on those onions, cooking them low and slow with a touch of brown sugar and balsamic - and it was so worth it! Everyone kept asking for the recipe. Now it's my signature burger, though sometimes I'll switch up the cheese or add mushrooms depending on what I have on hand.
Perfect Pairings
These indulgent Blue Cheese Bacon Burgers deserve equally impressive sides. Serve them with homemade sweet potato fries seasoned with smoked paprika, or classic crispy onion rings. For a lighter option, try a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing to cut through the richness. A cold craft beer - particularly an IPA or amber ale - complements the savory flavors beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, try a tart lemonade or a creamy chocolate milkshake for a classic diner experience.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these burgers on a grill instead of in a skillet?
Absolutely! These burgers work beautifully on a grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the patties for the same amount of time (about 4-5 minutes per side). You can even caramelize the onions in a cast iron pan placed directly on the grill. The smoky flavor from grilling will add another delicious dimension to these burgers.
- → Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
Yes! The caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bacon can be cooked a day ahead and reheated briefly before assembly. You can also form the patties several hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- → What's a good substitute for blue cheese if I don't like the strong flavor?
If blue cheese is too strong for your taste, you can substitute with crumbled feta, goat cheese, or even gorgonzola dolce which is milder than regular blue cheese. You could also simply increase the amount of Swiss cheese and skip the crumbled cheese entirely.
- → Can I make these burgers leaner with a different type of meat?
While 80/20 ground beef provides the juiciest results, you can use leaner ground beef (85/15 or 90/10), ground turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just be aware that leaner meats may cook faster and can become dry more easily, so adjust cooking time accordingly and consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to maintain juiciness.
- → How do I know when my burger is cooked to the right temperature?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. For beef burgers, 160°F (71°C) is considered safe for ground beef. If you don't have a thermometer, a medium-done burger will feel firm but still have some give when pressed in the center. Remember that burgers continue cooking a bit after being removed from heat, so you can take them off when they're a few degrees below your target temperature.
- → What sides go best with these burgers?
These gourmet burgers pair wonderfully with sweet potato fries, classic french fries, onion rings, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A creamy coleslaw also works great as a contrast to the bold flavors of the burger.
Conclusion
This Blue Cheese Bacon Burger is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The juicy beef patty provides a hearty base, while the crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch. Caramelized onions bring sweetness, and the combination of melted Swiss and crumbled blue cheese creates a creamy, complex flavor profile. The toasted brioche bun soaks up all those amazing juices while still holding everything together for the perfect bite every time.