How Long to Cook Bacon-Wrapped Burgers in the Oven: A Step-by-Step Guide
Bacon-wrapped burgers are a mouthwatering combination of two favorite comfort foods: juicy burgers and crispy bacon. Cooking them in the oven is a simple way to get evenly cooked patties and perfectly crisp bacon without the need for a grill. But to achieve that ideal balance—bacon that's crispy but not burnt, and burgers that are juicy but fully cooked—you need to pay attention to the timing and temperature.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making the perfect bacon-wrapped burger in the oven, from preparation to plating.
1. Preheat the Oven
Before you start assembling your bacon-wrapped burgers, it's important to preheat your oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
This temperature is a sweet spot for cooking bacon-wrapped burgers. It's hot enough to cook the burgers through while also allowing the bacon to render its fat and crisp up. If you set the oven too low, the bacon may end up rubbery; if you set it too high, you risk burning the bacon before the burgers are fully cooked. Preheating ensures even cooking from the moment the burgers go in the oven.
2. Prepare Your Burger Patties
Choosing the Meat:
Start with high-quality ground beef. 80/20 ground beef (which means 80% lean meat and 20% fat) is ideal for burgers, as the fat keeps the patties juicy during cooking. If you prefer leaner meat, that’s fine, but keep in mind that too little fat can make your burgers dry, especially in the oven.
Forming the Patties:
Form your patties based on the size of the burgers you prefer. Generally, a ¼ to ½ pound patty is a good size for bacon-wrapped burgers. Press the meat gently into rounds about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Make sure the patties are uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking.
Pro Tip: Use your thumb to create a small indent in the center of each patty. This prevents the burgers from puffing up in the middle while cooking and ensures they stay flat.
Seasoning the Patties:
For flavor, season the patties with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or steak seasoning. The bacon will also add flavor, but seasoning the meat is crucial for a well-rounded taste.
3. Wrap the Patties in Bacon
Now comes the fun part—wrapping the patties in bacon!
How much bacon to use: Typically, you’ll need two strips of bacon per burger to wrap it completely. You can use more if you’re feeling extra indulgent, but keep in mind that too much bacon might prevent it from crisping up properly.
How to wrap the bacon:
Take a strip of bacon and wrap it horizontally around the burger patty, tucking the ends underneath.
Then, take a second strip and wrap it vertically, making sure the entire burger is well-covered.
Securing the bacon: To keep the bacon in place, use toothpicks where the ends meet. Just remember to remove them before serving!
4. Place Burgers on a Baking Sheet
For best results, use a baking sheet with a wire rack. Lining the sheet with aluminum foil makes for easier cleanup, while the wire rack allows hot air to circulate around the burgers, helping the bacon crisp evenly on all sides.
Why use a wire rack? Without a rack, the burgers will sit in their own juices, which could make the bottom of the bacon soggy. The wire rack ensures that both the burgers and bacon cook thoroughly and evenly.
If you don’t have a wire rack, you can still cook the burgers directly on the foil-lined baking sheet. Just know that the bottom side of the bacon may not get as crispy.
5. Bake the Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Once your oven has reached 400°F (200°C), it’s time to bake the burgers.
Cooking Time: The bacon-wrapped burgers will need to bake for about 20-25 minutes. Cooking time can vary based on the size of the patties and the thickness of the bacon. For example:
¼ pound burgers should take about 20 minutes.
½ pound burgers will likely need closer to 25 minutes.
About halfway through the cooking time (around the 10-12 minute mark), flip the burgers to help the bacon crisp evenly on both sides. Be gentle when flipping so you don’t disturb the bacon or break the patties.
Checking for Doneness:
The internal temperature of the burgers is crucial for both food safety and texture. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. For ground beef, the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Insert the thermometer into the center of the patty, avoiding the bacon for an accurate reading.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut into the center of a burger to check for doneness. The meat should no longer be pink inside, and the juices should run clear.
6. Optional: Broil for Extra Crispiness
If your bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like by the time the burgers are done, you can switch your oven to the broil setting for the last 2-3 minutes.
Keep a close eye on the burgers during broiling, as the bacon can go from crispy to burnt very quickly.
If using the broiler, avoid cooking for more than 2-3 minutes and check the burgers often.
This step is optional, but it’s a great way to achieve that restaurant-quality crispness in your bacon.
7. Rest the Burgers
Once the bacon-wrapped burgers are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the patties, ensuring they stay juicy when you bite into them. It also gives the bacon a chance to firm up and get even crispier.
8. Serve Your Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Now comes the best part—serving! There are endless ways to enjoy bacon-wrapped burgers:
Classic toppings: Lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese (cheddar or American cheese melt wonderfully on burgers).
Gourmet toppings: Try avocado, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or blue cheese crumbles for an upscale twist.
Sauces: Ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, or aioli are all great options.
You can serve the burgers on a toasted bun, or for a low-carb option, wrap them in lettuce or serve them over a salad.
Conclusion
Cooking bacon-wrapped burgers in the oven is an easy way to achieve a juicy, flavorful patty with crispy bacon. By following the steps of preheating, seasoning, wrapping in bacon, and baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, you'll have perfectly cooked burgers. The key is to cook them evenly, check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), and finish with a quick broil for extra crispiness. Letting the burgers rest ensures they stay juicy and delicious. If you’re craving more delicious flavors, why not explore new tastes at Mimi’s Kabob? Order now or visit Mimi’s Kabob to savor some of the best dishes in town!
