DIY Red Robin Bacon Cheeseburger: Recreate the Gourmet Experience at Home

Who doesn't love a juicy, flavorful burger from Red Robin? Their Bacon Cheeseburger is a classic for a reason: perfectly cooked patty, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and all the right toppings. But what if you could recreate that gourmet experience in your own kitchen? With this DIY recipe, you can enjoy a Red Robin-style Bacon Cheeseburger whenever you want, customized to your exact preferences.

Why Make It at Home?

• Control over Ingredients: Choose high-quality beef, fresh toppings, and your favorite cheese.
• Customization: Adjust the recipe to your liking, whether you want more bacon, a different cheese, or a special sauce.
• Cost-Effective: Making burgers at home can be more affordable than eating out, especially for a family.
• Fun Activity: Cooking together can be a great way to bond with family and friends.

What You'll Need

• For the Patty:
   
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Robin Seasoning or seasoned salt
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Bacon:
   
• 6 slices hickory-smoked bacon
• For the Toppings:
   
• 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
• 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite)
• Lettuce
• Tomato slices
• Mayonnaise
• Red onion rings (optional)
• Pickles (optional)
• Optional additions:
   
• BBQ Sauce
• Fried Egg

Let's Get Cooking!

1. Cook the Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Patties: Gently form ground beef into round patties, slightly larger than the buns. Season both sides with Red Robin Seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill or Pan-Fry the Patties: Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Grill or pan-fry the patties for 3-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired doneness.
4. Melt the Cheese: About a minute before the patties are done, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty and let it melt.
5. Toast the Buns: Toast the top and bottom of the sesame seed buns.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
    
• Spread mayonnaise on the toasted bottom bun.
• Add the grilled patty with melted cheese.
• Top with tomato slices, crispy bacon (arrange two slices in an X and one across the center for presentation!).
• Add lettuce, red onion rings, and pickles, if desired.
• Finish with the top bun.

Tips for the Perfect Red Robin Bacon Cheeseburger

• Use High-Quality Beef: The better the beef, the better the burger.
• Don't Overwork the Patties: Overworking the meat can result in tough burgers. Handle the ground beef gently when forming the patties.
• Season Generously: Don't be shy with the seasoning! It's what gives the burger its flavor.
• Crispy Bacon is Key: Nobody wants soggy bacon on their burger. Make sure it's nice and crispy.
• Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns prevents them from getting soggy and adds a nice texture.

Variations to Try

• Royal Red Robin Burger: Add a fried egg to your burger for extra richness.
• BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger: Mix BBQ sauce with mayonnaise for a smoky, tangy spread.
• Southern Charm Burger: Add brown sugar glazed, candied bacon, Whiskey River® BBQ Sauce, Cheddar, caramelized onions, lettuce and mayo on a toasted brioche bun.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the patties or use pepper jack cheese for a kick.

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your DIY Red Robin Bacon Cheeseburgers immediately with a side of steak fries and your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy the taste of a gourmet burger without leaving your home!