How to Cook Perfect Bacon Wrapped Burgers in the Oven

Bacon wrapped burgers are a delicious twist on the classic burger that takes this barbecue staple to new heights of flavor. By wrapping beef patties in bacon before cooking you infuse the meat with smoky salty, and sweet notes that complement the beef perfectly. While most recipes call for grilling these burgers, baking them in the oven is an easy and convenient cooking method that yields incredibly moist, tender, and flavorful results every time.

In this simple guide, we will walk through the entire process of baking bacon wrapped burgers in the oven, from forming the patties and wrapping them, to checking for doneness so your burgers turn out juicy and safe to eat. With a few basic ingredients and these easy steps, you can have these tasty burgers on the table in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients You Will Need

Baking bacon wrapped burgers requires just a handful of simple ingredients

• Ground beef (80% lean works best)
• Bacon (use regular sliced bacon)
• Burger buns
• Cheese slices (optional)
• Burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion etc.

For the beef patties, seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce etc can be added to taste. Avoid over-handling the beef when forming patties, and make indentations with your thumb on the tops to help the patties cook evenly and hold any toppings.

Preparing the Burgers and Bacon

Start by forming ground beef into patties of equal size and thickness, between 4 to 6 ounces each. Season the patties as desired on both sides with salt, pepper and other spices.

Lay out bacon strips on a cutting board or clean surface. Weave together 4 strips of bacon vertically and horizontally into a lattice pattern. Place each patty on top of the bacon lattice. Wrap the bacon around the patty, ensuring the strips overlap underneath to hold everything together. Tuck any loose ends under the patty.

Repeat with remaining patties and bacon slices. You can use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place if needed. Arrange burgers on a baking sheet or pan lined with foil or parchment paper.

Baking Process and Cook Times

Preheat oven to 375°F. Place baking sheet with bacon wrapped burgers on middle rack. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then flip burgers and bake 10-15 minutes more until bacon is sizzling and beef reaches minimum internal temperature.

• For medium-rare: 130°F internal temp, cook approximately 25-30 minutes total
• For medium: 140°F internal temp, cook approximately 30-35 minutes total
• For well done: 160°F internal temp, cook approximately 35-40 minutes total

If using a meat thermometer, insert into thickest portion of patty to check temperature. Always let burgers rest 5 minutes before serving.

Checking for Doneness

Since the beef patties are wrapped in bacon, visually checking for doneness can be tricky. Here are some tips:

• Use an instant read meat thermometer for the most accurate result. Insert into side of patty to check internal temp.

• Do a “poke test” by gently probing patty with finger – rare will feel soft and squishy, medium will have some resistance, well done will be firm.

• Check bacon visually – it should be sizzling, crispy and browned when burgers are properly cooked.

• Cut into a patty to check color – pink means undercooked while brown throughout means well done.

Letting burgers rest after baking allows juices to redistribute for juicy, flavorful meat. Resist the urge to cut into them immediately!

Serving Your Bacon Wrapped Burgers

Once baked and rested, your bacon wrapped burgers are ready to serve up. Place each patty on the bottom half of a burger bun and add desired toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, ketchup and more.

Flavor variations are endless – try adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions, pepperjack cheese, guacamole, barbecue sauce or whatever sounds good. The crispy bacon adds so much texture and flavor these burgers need little else to shine. Just dont forget the napkins!

Oven-Baked Bacon Wrapped Burgers FAQs

Should I use thin or thick cut bacon?

Thin sliced bacon is recommended, as it will be easier to wrap around the patties and cook evenly. Thick cut bacon may not crisp up fully in the oven.

What temperature is best for baking bacon burgers?

375°F is ideal, ensuring the bacon crisps up while the beef cooks through without drying out.

How long does it take to cook bacon burgers in the oven?

Cook times range from 25-40 minutes depending on doneness level. Flipping halfway through ensures even cooking.

Can I grill my bacon wrapped burgers instead?

Absolutely! Follow the same process for wrapping patties then grill for 8-12 minutes per side over medium heat until desired doneness.

How can I keep the bacon from unraveling?

Wrap the bacon tightly around patty and tuck ends underneath. Toothpicks can also secure the bacon during cooking.

Wrapping juicy beef patties in smoky bacon transforms an ordinary burger into a mouthwatering meal. Follow this simple oven-baked method for tender, flavorful burgers encased in crispy bacon. With a few basic ingredients and a hot oven, you can enjoy these crowd-pleasing burgers anytime.