The Vegan Western Bacon Cheeseburger from Carl’s Jr. is my old FAST FOOD FAVORITE! The smoked bacon, sweet BBQ sauce, and crispy onion rings make it unbeatable!
This was, without a doubt, my favorite fast food burger of all time. I don’t know how many of these my stoned and drunk behind ate, but it was a lot. There’s just something so perfect about the combination of bacon, BBQ sauce and onion rings. It’s really an amazing trio!.
I had one of these when I first thought about where my food came from, which I thought was funny. I was slightly inebriated and pondered how many animals had to die for my burger. But I only knew about cows and pigs. I think I was too stupid to know that cheese came from chickens back then. No matter what, I became a vegetarian when I got high. That was a long time ago, and I’m sure I could have made the switch faster if we had some of the great vegan food we have now. That and watching some slaughterhouse footage, but I digress!.
That’s more proof that vegans don’t have to give up their favorite foods. In fact, I like this burger a lot more than the one at Carl’s Jr., but then again, anything homemade is better than fast food!
For this burger I recommend using my Rice Paper Bacon recipe. Obviously go for store-bought if you like, but I really like the way these work on this burger. They get nice and crispy, but then a little softer and chewier where it touches the bbq sauce. When I ate one yesterday I was seriously blown away by the texture!.
These onion rings are pretty standard, but they don’t have any dairy in them! I can’t believe how few onion rings are vegan. These are the only vegan onion rings I can find in stores and none of the restaurants I’ve been to serve them. But these are pretty easy to throw together. I do recommend using some crushed up oyster crackers instead of breadcrumbs, but they will work too!.
You can fry these, but you can also bake or air fry them if you’d rather. To air fry, spray some cooking spray on the breaded onion rings. Then air fry at 380 F for about 12 – 15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Spray cooking spray on the breaded rings and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or cooking spray. In order to bake them, Turn the pan over every six minutes and bake at 400 F for 16 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
It doesn’t matter how you cook them; just remember to salt them while they are still hot!
You can find vegan friendly BBQ sauce at most grocery stores, but I really like making my own. It’s super quick and easy, and you can tailor it to your tastes. Vegan honey is what I used, but maple syrup or something similar would work just as well.
You can use store-bought plant-based meat like Impossible or Beyond as I usually do. I recommend making your patties from 3 oz. of meat. This will give us a nice thin patty. I also suggest forming the patties by smashing them with a Burger Iron in between some Burger Paper. This will result in a smashed patty which means more browning which means more FLAVOR!.
For the cheese, I suggest using vegan American slices. I like So Delicious and Follow Your Heart the best!.
Veggie burgers have become increasingly popular over the years as more people adopt vegetarian, vegan, or flexitarian diets. While veggie burgers are traditionally meatless, some people enjoy topping them with bacon for extra flavor and texture. This combination of a veggie patty and bacon has been dubbed “The Hypocrite” in some circles. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of The Hypocrite, reasons people order it, and debate whether it deserves the judgmental name.
The Origins of The Hypocrite
It’s unclear exactly when the term “The Hypocrite” was first used to describe a veggie burger topped with bacon. The earliest usage appears to be around 2010 on internet forums and blogs focused on vegetarianism. The name implies that by topping a veggie burger with meat, the eater is being hypocritical about their vegetarian or flexitarian claims.
The Hypocrite gained more widespread attention in a 2021 Reddit post on r/food titled “A veggie burger with bacon on top, or as it’s known in sandwich circles ‘The Hypocrite.'” The post received over 50000 upvotes and sparked debate about the ethics of pairing faux meat with real meat.
While some individuals and restaurants have embraced the cheeky name, others in the vegetarian community dislike the term for shaming people’s food choices. Despite the controversy, The Hypocrite endures as the most common nickname for a veggie burger with bacon
Why Do People Order The Hypocrite?
There are several reasons why some vegetarians, flexitarians, and carnivores enjoy ordering veggie burgers topped with bacon:
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For the flavor contrast – Bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that complements the umami savoriness of veggie patties. The crunchy bacon texture also balances the softer patty interior.
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To ease the transition to vegetarianism – For those attempting to cut back on meat, bacon provides a familiar taste while allowing them to incorporate more vegetables.
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When dining in mixed company – If some people are ordering meat burgers while others want veggie burgers, The Hypocrite allows for a hybrid option.
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To indulge in moderation – Some view a mostly veggie burger with just a bit of bacon as a moderate option when they crave a meaty flavor.
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For the novelty – Particularly for carnivores, the combination piques curiosity. The Hypocrite lets them try a veggie patty preparation in a more familiar format.
The Great Hypocrite Debate
The ethics of whether a veggie burger deserves to be sullied with bacon has sparked lively debate online and in restaurants. Here are some of the arguments on both sides:
In Defense of The Hypocrite:
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Vegetarians already compromise when dining out. Cutting back on meat is still an improvement.
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An occasional indulgence in bacon supports moderation over strict restriction for some people.
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People should not be shamed for their food choices. Moralizing food leads to unhealthy relationships.
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Adding bacon introduces more people to veggie patties who might otherwise avoid them.
Arguments Against The Hypocrite:
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Topping a veggie burger with meat is unnecessarily contradictory. Order a meat burger instead.
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It perpetuates meat-centric attitudes that plant-based foods require animal products to be complete.
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The hypocrite label reinforces stigma against vegetarianism and flexitarianism.
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Production of commercial bacon still supports factory farming, undermining the environmental benefits.
There are good points on both sides of this debate. In the end, whether to order The Hypocrite comes down to personal preferences and values.
Tips for Ordering The Hypocrite
If you want to sample a veggie burger topped with bacon, here are some tips to get the best flavor:
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Choose a veggie patty with lots of spice and umami punch to stand up to the bacon like black bean or beet burgers.
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Opt for a thinner 2-3 strips of high-quality, thick-cut artisanal bacon rather than cheap thin bacon that will overwhelm the patty.
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Ask for the bacon on the side and add it yourself so you control the bacon-to-veggie ratio with each bite.
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Request the bacon be cooked extra crispy to provide crunch and maximize the texture contrast.
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Pair sharp cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack with The Hypocrite to complement the bacon.
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Add avocado, caramelized onions, or a fried egg for more luscious flavors and textures.
Homemade Hypocrite Recipes
You don’t have to go to a restaurant to enjoy The Hypocrite. Here are some recipe ideas to create your own at home:
Black Bean Veggie Burger with Maple Pepper Bacon
Top black bean patties with maple pepper bacon, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle mayo on brioche buns.
BBQ Jackfruit Burger with Candied Bacon
Pile pulled jackfruit tossed in BBQ sauce with candied bacon strips, cheddar, and crispy fried onions.
Quinoa Burger with Bacon Jam
Spread quinoa-chickpea patties with smoky bacon onion jam and melted Swiss cheese.
Beet Burger BLT
Serve homemade beet-lentil burgers topped with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and garlic mayo.
Southwest Veggie Burger with Candied Jalapeños and Bacon
Mix bacon bits and candied jalapeños into guacamole for a spicy topping.
While The Hypocrite may be controversial, it’s also tempting for both meat eaters and flexitarians. When made thoughtfully with high-quality ingredients, it can be an indulgent treat. The crunchy, fatty bacon balances the earthy veggie patty for a satisfying texture and flavor combo. If you’re craving a meaty crunch on your veggie burger, don’t shy away from ordering The Hypocrite next time you dine out or cook veggie burgers at home.
other recipes you’ll dig
Best Vegan Bacon Ranch Cheese Burger- WFPB Oil-Free Wheat-Free
FAQ
What’s the difference between an impossible burger and a veggie burger?
What is Burger King’s Impossible burger made of?
Is the Impossible Whopper still available?
How do you cook a veggie burger with Fakin’ Bacon?
First, cook the veggie burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side, until heated through and browned. Next, place the Fakin’ Bacon in the skillet and cook on both sides for 3-5 minutes per side, until heated through and browned. Set the Fakin’ Bacon aside after cutting it in half.
What are BBQ bacon burgers?
BBQ Bacon Burgers are a BBQ burger recipe with smoky bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy onion rings smothered in a honey BBQ sauce. It’s sweet, tangy, and delicious! Memorial Day is coming up, so you know what that means? Freshly grilled burgers to kick off summer! I can already smell the charcoal heating up.
Is there Bacon in the hamburgers?
Warning: there will be bacon. Take on these two large hand-seasoned, 100% beef hamburger patties piled high with four slices of crispy bacon, two slices of American cheese, melted cheddar cheese, ketchup and mayonnaise all served on a toasted bakery-style bun.
What is a vegetable Burger?