This isn’t just a sandwich—it’s a flavor explosion where two comfort food icons collide: the juicy cheeseburger and the crispy grilled cheese. Golden, buttery bread gives way to melted cheddar, savory beef, smoky bacon, and a creamy bang-bang sauce that delivers sweet heat with every bite. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate weeknight hero that feels indulgent but comes together with pantry staples.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍔 Burger + grilled cheese = next-level comfort
🧈 Crispy, shattery bread that melts in your mouth
🧀 Gooey cheese in every single bite
🌶️ Bang-bang sauce adds creamy, spicy-sweet magic
⏱️ 25 minutes start to finish—faster than takeout!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
For the Patties:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15)
Salt & black pepper to taste
For Assembly:
8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
4 slices cheddar cheese (or American for extra melt)
8 slices sourdough or brioche bread (thick-cut holds up best)
2–3 tbsp butter, softened (for grilling)
For the Bang-Bang Sauce:
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce (like Thai Kitchen)
1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
½ tsp garlic powder
Optional: 1 tsp honey or rice vinegar for balance
💡 Pro Tips:Don’t overwork the beef—keeps patties tender.Cook patties slightly thinner than regular burgers—they’ll nest inside the sandwich.Use room-temp butter for even browning.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Bang-Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and garlic powder. Set aside.
2. Cook the Beef Patties
Form beef into 4 thin patties (about ½-inch thick). Season with salt and pepper.
Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat: 3–4 minutes per side (until 160°F). Drain on paper towels.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay out 4 bread slices.
Spread 1 tbsp bang-bang sauce on each.
Layer in this order:
→ 1 beef patty
→ 1 slice cheddar
→ 2 bacon strips
→ Top with second bread slice
4. Grill to Golden Perfection
Heat griddle or skillet over medium heat.
Butter the outside of each sandwich generously.
Grill 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until deeply golden and cheese is melted.
5. Slice & Serve
Let rest 1–2 minutes (cheese sets slightly).
Slice diagonally and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
🥔 Classic sides: Crispy fries, tater tots, or dill pickle spears
🥗 Lighten it up: Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
🍺 Drink pairing: Cold lager, hard cider, or cherry cola
Make-Ahead & Customization Tips
Sauce ahead: Bang-bang sauce keeps 5 days in the fridge.
Milder version: Skip sriracha; use only sweet chili sauce.
Extra cheesy: Add a slice of provolone or pepper jack.
Vegetarian swap: Use black bean patties or portobello mushrooms
❤️ The Heart of the Sandwich
This dish proves that comfort food can be both nostalgic and exciting. It’s what you make when you want to turn an ordinary Tuesday into something worth savoring—one crispy, cheesy, bacon-studded bite at a time.
So fire up that skillet, spread that sauce, and grill with confidence. Because the best meals aren’t complicated—they’re bold, melty, and made with love.
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