Indulge in an elevated twist on a classic with our simple and delicious bacon cheddar Wagyu burger recipe. Wagyu ground beef‘s exceptional marbling and extraordinary texture is the star of this mouthwatering meal, heightened by the smoky, salty bacon and creamy cheddar cheese incorporated directly into the burger mix.
Perfect for a quick midweek meal or to impress friends at your next barbecue, these Wagyu burgers are sure to satisfy and leave everyone craving seconds. The delectable quality of our Wagyu ground beef brings these burgers to a whole new level, without any additional effort needed.
Grill or cast-iron skillet for burgers
A staple of summer cookouts big and small, coal or gas grills are the classic method of preparing burgers with beautifully-developed grill lines. However, some cooks argue that using a cast-iron skillet for burgers is the better way to go. Due to the grates that create those distinctive grill lines, when the burger fat begins to melt it drips down into the grill. With that fat goes a lot of the savory flavor, resulting in a higher likelihood of dry or overcooked patties. With a flat top or cast-iron skillet, however, fat is rendered out directly into the pan when the burgers are seared. That flavor is reabsorbed into the meat, helping create a mouthwatering crust. In general, a grill will provide more of a smokey and charred flavor profile, while a skillet will create a juicer and fattier taste. Either method of cooking will lead to amazing-tasting burgers, especially when using Wagyu ground beef, so it will ultimately come down to your preferences, how many dishes you want to clean, and what cookware you have access to.How to know when burgers are done:
As you get close to reaching your burger’s cook time, insert a meat thermometer directly into the center of the patty while it is still on your grill or skillet. You will then be able to easily decide if your burger is ready to be removed based on its internal temperature and the level of doneness you are looking for. The ideal temperatures for varying levels of doneness are:
- Medium-rare: 135º - 140º (57º - 60º C)
- Medium: 145º - 150º (63º - 66º C)
- Well-done: 160º - 165º (71º - 74º C)
Remember that the meat will continue to cook after it is removed from the heat. Factor in an increase of about 5º after removal when determining cook times.
Choosing the best Wagyu burger toppings
Although this flavor-packed burger doesn’t need additional toppings to make it incredible, a few of your favorite fixings can add new layers of flavor and texture that take your meal to the next level. The sharpness of the cheddar cheese beautifully complements the buttery, tender Wagyu beef, and the smoky bacon adds a balancing salty flavor. We recommend trying toppings that enhance this already-existing profile.
Try caramelized onions, slow-cooked to perfection, to create golden-brown ribbons of sweetness that delightfully contrast against the savory and salty notes of the beef and bacon. Tangy barbecue sauce can also add a touch of sweetness while bringing in some acidity to brighten up each bite. Or stick to the classics with a crispy piece of lettuce and a thin slice of tomato to add depth of textures and temperatures while bringing more color to your plate.
Bacon Cheddar Wagyu Burger Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Grill or cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 6 oz Morgan Brook Farm Wagyu ground beef
- 2 tbsp Shredded Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1.5 strips Smoked bacon
Instructions
- Start by purchasing Wagyu ground beef from Morgan Brook Farm. This recipe is for one 6-ounce patty. Multiply all ingredients listed by the number of burgers desired when buying for this meal.
- Cook and dice your favorite local smoked bacon and set to the side.
- Hand-mix the Wagyu ground beef, the diced bacon, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully incorporated. We recommend for this recipe using Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar, another Vermont food brand we love.Be careful not to over-mix your ingredients! This can cause the meat to break down, ruining the texture of your burgers.
- Set aside your ground beef mix, allowing it to reach room temperature while you preheat your grill or cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat.
- Form your patty and place it on the pan or grill. If cooking multiple burgers, we suggest using a cooking scale to ensure each patty is the same size.
- Cook your burger for about 3 and a half minutes on each side for a medium rare burger, flipping only once mid-way through. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Remove the burger from the pan or grill and let it rest on a room-temperature surface for about 3-4 minutes. Loosely cover with tin foil to capture the juices. This is an essential step that locks in those delicious juices.
- Use your favorite bun and toppings to build your burger and enjoy!
