The first time I sank my teeth into a Burger King Bacon Melt, it was nothing short of a revelation. The flavors burst in my mouth, each bite taking me closer to what I can only describe as fast-food nirvana. This unforgettable experience sparked my quest to craft the perfect homestyle version of this BK masterpiece.
Table of Contents
How to make Burger King Bacon Melt
The Burger King Bacon Melt is a limited-time burger that combines a juicy flame-grilled beef patty with crispy bacon, topped with melted cheese and served in a toasted bun.
Ingredients
For the patties:
- 1/2 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 mix for juiciness)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (for grilling)
For assembly:
- 4 slices of American cheese
- 8 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1/4 cup onions, sliced and roasted or grilled
- 2-4 tablespoons Stacker Sauce (Adjust based on preference; homemade recipe below)
- 2 sesame seed buns
Stacker Sauce (Homemade version):
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon relish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- A pinch of paprika
Instructions
Preparing the Stacker Sauce:
- Make the Stacker Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of paprika. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and uniform. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside for later use.
Preparing the Patties:
- Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form them into patties—season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Patties: Heat canola oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef patties. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on each patty to let it melt.
Roasting/Grilling the Onions:
- Roast/Grill Onions: In a small pan or on the grill, cook sliced onions until they’re softened and have a nice char or caramelized edge. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Assembling the Burger:
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the sesame seed buns on the grill or in a toaster for a better texture and flavor.
- Stack the Ingredients: Spread a generous amount of the homemade Stacker Sauce on the bottom bun. Place one cheese-topped patty on the bottom bun, followed by half of the cooked bacon strips. Add a second cheese-topped patty and the remaining bacon.
- Add Onions and Top Bun: Place the grilled onions on top of the bacon and close the burger with the top bun.
Tips for Perfecting Your Burger King Bacon Melt:
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Cheese Melt: Ensure your patties are hot when you add the cheese so it melts beautifully.
- Bacon Crispiness: Cook your bacon to your desired level of crispiness before adding it to the burger.
- Sauce Flavor: Adjust the amounts of the Stacker Sauce ingredients based on your taste preference. Adding more or less of any component can make the sauce your special creation.
- Plating: Presentation matters! Even though it’s a homemade version of a fast-food favorite, taking care when assembling your burger ensures it looks as good as it tastes.
What to serve with
The Burger King Bacon Melt, with its rich layers of beef, cheese, and crispy bacon, is a fulfilling meal in itself. However, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the dining experience, balancing the flavors and textures for a complete fast-food indulgence at home.
- Classic French Fries: Nothing beats the classic burger combo with crispy, golden French fries. Whether you prefer them thin and crispy, thick and fluffy, or crinkle-cut, fries are a must-have side for any burger meal. Season them with garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite spice mix for an extra flavour kick right after frying.
- Onion rings offer a delightful alternative to traditional fries. Their crispy exterior and tender, sweet onion inside provide a contrast in texture and flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory notes of the Bacon Melt.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the rich burger. The acidity and crispness cut through the fat, cleansing your palate between bites. You can make a simple coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and a dash of mustard.
- Fried Pickles: Consider serving fried pickles for a side that’s a bit out of the ordinary. Their crispy coating and zesty interior can add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your meal, not to mention an irresistible tanginess that complements the smoky, cheesy burger.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Try serving sweet potato fries with your Burger King Bacon Melt for a sweeter alternative to traditional French fries. Their natural sweetness and vibrant color make them a visually appealing and tasty side dish. Sprinkle them with cayenne pepper or cinnamon sugar for an extra flavor boost.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Cheese lovers might enjoy adding mozzarella sticks to the side. The gooey, melted cheese encased in a crispy breadcrumb coating is a decadent treat that pairs wonderfully with the meaty, bacon-packed burger.
- Garden Salad: A simple garden salad works wonders for a lighter side dish that adds a touch of freshness to the meal. Mix leafy greens with various vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. A light vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the Bacon Melt without overpowering it.
- Beverages: Consider serving iced tea, lemonade, or your favorite soft drink to wash down the flavoursome meal. These beverages offer a refreshing respite from the savory, hearty fare. For an adult twist, a light beer or a glass of chilled white wine can complement the burger beautifully.
- Dessert: Round off the meal with a simple dessert, such as milkshakes, brownies, or a slice of classic American apple pie. After indulging in the savory goodness of the Bacon Melt and its sides, a sweet treat is the perfect way to complete this all-American feast.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a homemade version of the Burger King Bacon Melt can be quite an adventure, especially if you’re looking to substitute some ingredients either for dietary reasons, to suit personal taste, or due to availability issues.
The Beef Patty
Traditional Ingredient: Ground beef
Substitutes:
- For a Healthier Option: Ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner alternative. They’re both lower in fat and can be seasoned heavily to match the flavor profile of beef.
- For a Vegetarian Option, a thick portobello mushroom cap, grilled or roasted, makes a great beef substitute. Alternatively, commercial plant-based ground meat products can mimic the texture and taste of beef with great success.
The Bacon
Traditional Ingredient: Pork bacon
Substitutes:
- For Healthier Options, Turkey bacon or chicken bacon can provide a similar smoky flavour with less fat content.
- For Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Smoky tempeh bacon or coconut bacon offers a crispy, savory alternative that aligns with a plant-based diet.
The Cheese
Traditional Ingredient: Processed cheese slices or cheddar
Substitutes:
- For Healthier Option: Opt for low-fat cheese slices or a stronger-flavored cheese like sharp cheddar, so you can use less without sacrificing taste.
- For Lactose-Free Option: There are many lactose-free cheeses available that melt well, such as those made from almond milk or soy milk.
- For Vegan Option: Vegan cheese slices have come a long way in flavor and meltability. Look for brands that cater specifically to melting for the best results.
The Bun
Traditional Ingredient: Sesame seed bun
Substitutes:
- For Healthier Option: Whole grain or whole wheat buns provide more fiber and nutrients.
- For Gluten-Free Option: Gluten-free buns are widely available in most supermarkets, or you could use large lettuce leaves for a low-carb wrap.
- For Low-Carb/Keto Option: Portobello mushroom caps or low-carb keto buns can be used as a substitute for conventional buns.
The Toppings and Sauce
Traditional Ingredients: Ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, pickles
Substitutes:
- For Healthier Options: Use low-fat or vegan versions of mayonnaise and opt for sugar-free ketchup. Dijon mustard can be a flavorful addition with no need for substitution.
- For Personal Flavor Twist: Add avocado or guacamole for creaminess, sriracha or hot sauce for heat, or a dash of BBQ sauce for sweetness and smokiness.
- For Vegan Option: Commercially available vegan mayonnaise and mustard (ensure it’s honey-free) are great. Homemade or store-bought vegan sauces can also add unique flavors.
Final Thoughts
Remember, balance is the key to choosing what to serve with your Burger King Bacon Melt. A combination of textures and flavors will ensure that your homemade fast-food experience is as satisfying and enjoyable as possible.
More Burger King Recipes:
- Copycat Burger King Mushroom Swiss Melt Recipe
- Copycat Burger King Stacker Sauce Recipe
- Copycat Burger King Melts Recipe

Ingredients
-
For the patties:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (for grilling)
For assembly:
- 4 slices of American cheese
- 8 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1/4 cup onions, sliced and roasted or grilled
- 2-4 tablespoons Stacker Sauce
- 2 sesame seed buns
Stacker Sauce (Homemade version):
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon relish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- A pinch of paprika
Instructions
-
Preparing the Stacker Sauce:
- Make the Stacker Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of paprika. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and uniform. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside for later use.
Preparing the Patties:
- Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form them into patties—season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Patties: Heat canola oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef patties. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on each patty to let it melt.
Roasting/Grilling the Onions:
- Roast/Grill Onions: In a small pan or on the grill, cook sliced onions until they're softened and have a nice char or caramelized edge. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Assembling the Burger:
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the sesame seed buns on the grill or in a toaster for a better texture and flavor.
- Stack the Ingredients: Spread a generous amount of the homemade Stacker Sauce on the bottom bun. Place one cheese-topped patty on the bottom bun, followed by half of the cooked bacon strips. Add a second cheese-topped patty and the remaining bacon.
- Add Onions and Top Bun: Place the grilled onions on top of the bacon and close the burger with the top bun.