If you’re craving a bacon cheeseburger but want something a little more elevated, this Bacon Cheeseburger with Black Pepper Aioli is the answer. Juicy beef patties, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and a creamy homemade aioli with a peppery kick come together on soft brioche buns.

It’s everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—just dressed up with restaurant-worthy flavor. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour, making it just as weeknight-friendly as it is weekend indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic bacon cheeseburger flavors with a gourmet twist
Black pepper aioli = creamy, tangy, and bold
Ready in under an hour
Easy to customize with extra toppings

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground beef (80/20) – juicy, flavorful, and perfect for burgers.
Cheddar cheese – sharp and melty.
Bacon – crispy, smoky, and salty.
Black pepper aioli – mayo, lemon, garlic powder, and lots of cracked pepper.
Brioche buns – buttery and soft.
Optional toppings – lettuce, tomato, or onion for freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bacon – Fry until crispy, drain on paper towels, and crumble.
Form patties – Shape beef into 2 patties, season with salt.
Cook patties – Heat oil in a skillet, cook 4–5 minutes per side (or to preferred doneness).
Make the aioli – Whisk mayo, lemon juice, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
Melt the cheese – Top patties with cheddar in the last minute of cooking.
Toast the buns – Lightly toast for texture and flavor.
Assemble – Spread black pepper aioli on buns, layer cheeseburger patty, bacon, then top bun.
Serve hot – Add optional toppings if desired.

Chef Tips & Variations

Cheese swap: Try Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack.
Extra flavor: Add caramelized onions or avocado slices.
Make it spicier: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the aioli.
Grill option: Cook patties on the grill for a smoky flavor.

Storage & Freezing

Refrigerator: Store leftover patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Uncooked patties can be frozen for up to 2 months. Stack them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet or oven. Avoid microwaving to keep texture juicy.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Cheeseburger with Black Pepper Aioli is proof that comfort food can be both simple and gourmet. The homemade aioli takes it to the next level, while crispy bacon and melty cheddar make it truly irresistible. Whether you serve it at a weekend BBQ or for a quick family dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a side salad for a balanced meal. Pair with a cold craft beer or a refreshing lemonade.

Bacon Cheeseburger with Black Pepper Aioli

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

approximately 1200

kcal

Ingredients

1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
2 Brioche Buns
4 slices Cheddar Cheese
6 strips Bacon
1/4 cup Mayonnaise
1 tbsp Lemon Juice
1 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
Salt to taste
Oil for cooking

Directions

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain. Crumble when cool enough to handle.
Form ground beef into two patties. Season with salt.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
While patties are cooking, prepare the black pepper aioli. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, black pepper, and garlic powder.
In the last minute of cooking, place two slices of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
Lightly toast the brioche buns.
Spread black pepper aioli on both halves of each bun.
Assemble the burgers: Bottom bun, cheeseburger patty, crumbled bacon, top bun.

Notes

Adjust cooking time of patties based on desired level of doneness.
Add other toppings as desired (lettuce, tomato, onion).
Can substitute different cheeses.