Name: Gourmet Bacon Basil Burger
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 slices thick-cut bacon; 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves; 4 brioche or hamburger buns; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for toasting buns); Optional toppings: tomato slices, lettuce, red onion, aioli or mayo

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The Gourmet Bacon Basil Burger is an elevated twist on the classic burger, featuring a juicy beef patty layered with crispy bacon, fresh basil leaves, ripe tomatoes, and a creamy basil-garlic mayo. Served on a toasted bun, this burger delivers bold, herbaceous flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This burger blends comfort and sophistication—rich beef, savory bacon, and vibrant basil come together in a perfectly balanced sandwich. It’s simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful, making it ideal for backyard barbecues, casual dinners, or burger night done right.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 blend)
Salt and pepper
Bacon strips
Fresh basil leaves
Tomato slices
Garlic (minced)
Mayonnaise
Lemon juice
Burger buns (brioche or sesame)
Olive oil or butter (for toasting buns)

Directions

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with minced garlic, chopped basil, and lemon juice. Set aside.
Cook bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels.
Form ground beef into patties and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Grill or pan-sear patties over medium-high heat, 4–5 minutes per side or until desired doneness.
Toast the buns in a skillet or on the grill until golden.
Spread basil-garlic mayo on both sides of each bun.
Assemble each burger with patty, bacon, basil leaves, tomato, and top bun.
Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 burgers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add mozzarella or provolone cheese for extra richness.
Use turkey or plant-based patties for a lighter option.
Substitute arugula or spinach for basil.
Add caramelized onions or pickled red onions for contrast.
Swap garlic mayo with pesto mayo for deeper basil flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cooked patties and bacon separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Assemble burgers fresh to preserve texture. Buns are best toasted just before serving.

FAQs

What’s the best meat for burgers?

An 80/20 ground beef blend ensures juicy, flavorful burgers.

Can I make the basil mayo ahead?

Yes, it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What kind of bun should I use?

Brioche, sesame, or artisan-style buns all work well.

Can I cook the patties on the stovetop?

Yes, a cast iron skillet gives a great sear and flavor.

Can I grill the bacon?

Yes, grill it on foil or a grill pan until crisp.

Is fresh basil necessary?

Yes, for best flavor. Dried basil will not provide the same freshness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free buns to adapt the recipe.

Do I need cheese?

No, it’s optional—the flavor comes mainly from the basil mayo and bacon.

Can I use lettuce instead of basil?

Yes, but basil gives a unique aromatic twist.

Can I freeze the burger patties?

Yes, shape and freeze raw patties between parchment layers for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

The Gourmet Bacon Basil Burger takes classic ingredients and transforms them into something extraordinary. With juicy beef, crisp bacon, and fresh basil layered on a toasted bun, it’s a bold and flavorful burger that satisfies with every bite.

Gourmet Bacon Basil Burger

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The Gourmet Bacon Basil Burger is a savory, herbaceous twist on the classic burger, featuring crispy bacon, fresh basil, juicy beef patties, and melty cheese stacked high on a toasted bun.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling or Pan-Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
Season ground beef with salt and pepper, then form into 4 patties.
Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Grill or pan-fry patties for 3–4 minutes per side or until desired doneness. During the last minute, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover to melt.
While patties cook, lightly butter or oil the buns and toast them cut-side down until golden.
Assemble burgers: Place lettuce (if using) on the bottom bun, then a patty with melted cheese, crispy bacon, fresh basil, and any other desired toppings.
Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.