Copycat Bubba’s 33 Bacon Burger Recipe at Home

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Bubba’s 33 Bacon Burger Copycat Recipe


Copycat Bubba’s 33 bacon burger with cheddar, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and sauce on a toasted bun.
Bring home that steakhouse-style bite with a juicy beef patty, smoky bacon, melty cheddar, and tangy burger sauce tucked into a buttery toasted bun.

If you love a big, juicy bacon burger with melty cheese, crisp toppings, and that classic steakhouse-style bite, this Bubba’s 33 Bacon Burger copycat recipe is for you. It’s hearty, smoky, cheesy, and easy enough to make at home without any fancy equipment.

This recipe is built for real home cooks. That means simple ingredients, clear steps, and plenty of tips so your burger turns out flavorful and satisfying the first time. If you’ve been craving a restaurant-style bacon cheeseburger, you’re in the right place.

About Bubba’s 33 and Why This Burger Stands Out

Bubba’s 33 is known for casual American comfort food, cold drinks, and crowd-pleasing favorites like pizza, wings, and burgers. Their menu leans into bold flavors and familiar dishes that feel fun and comforting at the same time.

The Bubba’s Bacon Burger stands out because it hits all the right notes. You get a thick, savory beef patty, crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, and fresh toppings tucked into a soft bun. It’s the kind of burger that smells amazing the second it hits the table. The bacon brings that smoky crunch, the beef is rich and juicy, and the cheese ties it all together in one warm, messy, delicious bite.

That balance is what makes it iconic. It’s not trying to be too fancy. It’s just a really good bacon cheeseburger, done in a way that keeps people coming back.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Bacon Burger Recipe

  • Easy to make with basic grocery store ingredients
  • Restaurant-style flavor without leaving the house
  • Perfect for cookouts, family dinners, or game day
  • Customizable for different toppings and dietary needs
  • Beginner-friendly with step-by-step instructions

And honestly, there’s something extra satisfying about making a burger at home that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.

Ingredients

Serving size: 4 burgers

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: About 40 minutes

For the burgers:

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, preferably 80/20
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 8 slices bacon
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 burger buns
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened, for toasting buns

For the toppings:

  • 4 leaves lettuce
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • Pickle chips

For the burger sauce:

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

These numbers are estimates and can vary based on the exact brands and toppings you use.

  • Calories: 780
  • Protein: 39g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fat: 53g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 1180mg

How to Make This Bubba’s 33 Bacon Burger Copycat

Step 1: Cook the bacon

Start with the bacon so it’s ready when the burgers are done. You can cook it in a skillet over medium heat or bake it in the oven at 400°F on a foil-lined sheet pan. Cook until crisp, about 15 to 20 minutes in the oven or 8 to 12 minutes on the stovetop, depending on thickness.

Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Set it aside. If you want that extra diner-style flavor, save just a tiny bit of bacon fat in the skillet for the burgers.

Step 2: Mix the sauce

In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, and smoked paprika. Mix until smooth. Taste and adjust if needed. Want it tangier? Add a touch more mustard. Like it sweeter? Add a little more relish.

Step 3: Shape the burger patties

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Try not to pack the meat too tightly. A loosely formed patty stays more tender.

Press a small dent in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps keep the burgers flat while they cook, instead of puffing up like little meatballs.

Season both sides with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 4: Prep the buns and toppings

Wash and dry the lettuce. Slice the tomato and red onion. Set out the pickles. Butter the cut sides of the buns lightly so they’re ready to toast.

Step 5: Cook the burgers

Heat a large skillet, cast iron pan, or grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes on the first side without pressing them down. Flipping too early or smashing them can push out the juices.

Flip the burgers and cook another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness and desired doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover loosely so the cheese melts.

Food safety note: Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the burger for the most accurate result.

Step 6: Toast the buns

While the burgers finish cooking, toast the buns cut-side down in a clean skillet or on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes until golden. This small step makes a big difference. A toasted bun holds up better and adds great texture.

Step 7: Build the burgers

Spread a generous spoonful of sauce on the bottom bun. Add lettuce, then the cheeseburger patty, then 2 slices of bacon. Top with tomato, red onion, and pickles. Add more sauce to the top bun if you like, then close it up.

Serve right away while the burger is hot, the cheese is melty, and the bacon is still crisp.

Tips for the Best Restaurant-Style Bacon Cheeseburger

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for a juicy burger. Lean beef can dry out fast.
  • Don’t overwork the meat. Think of it like biscuit dough. Less handling usually gives a better texture.
  • Toast the buns. It keeps the burger from getting soggy.
  • Cook bacon ahead of time if you want dinner on the table faster.
  • Let the burger rest for 1 to 2 minutes before serving so the juices settle.

Easy Home Kitchen Shortcuts

If you want to make this easy bacon burger recipe even simpler, here are a few time-saving ideas.

  • Oven bacon: Bake a full batch at once for easy cleanup.
  • Pre-sliced cheese and pre-washed lettuce: Small shortcuts help on busy nights.
  • Store-bought burger sauce: Use it if needed, though the homemade version tastes fresher.
  • Griddle method: A flat-top or large cast iron pan makes cooking multiple burgers easier.
  • Air fryer bacon: Great if you don’t want to turn on the oven. Cook at 350°F until crisp, checking often.

You can also turn this into a burger bar for parties. Set out buns, sauces, toppings, and cheese, and let everyone build their own. It’s easy and fun, especially for game day.

Allergy-Friendly and Preference-Based Swaps

This section matters because everyone’s table looks a little different. The good news is that this copycat burger is easy to adapt.

Gluten-free:

  • Use gluten-free burger buns.
  • Double-check that your bacon, condiments, and relish are gluten-free.
  • You can also serve the burger in a lettuce wrap if you want a lighter option.

Dairy-free:

  • Skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheddar slices.
  • Use dairy-free butter or toast the buns dry.
  • Check the bun label to make sure it does not contain milk.

Egg-free:

  • Swap the mayonnaise in the sauce for an egg-free mayo.
  • Most other ingredients are easy to keep egg-free, but always check labels.

Low-carb or keto:

  • Skip the bun and serve the burger in lettuce wraps.
  • Use a no-sugar-added ketchup for the sauce.
  • Add extra bacon, pickles, and onion for flavor without many carbs.

Paleo-style:

  • Use a bunless burger or serve over lettuce.
  • Choose sugar-free bacon that fits your preferences.
  • Make a paleo sauce using compliant mayo and ketchup.
  • Skip processed cheese or use a paleo-friendly topping like avocado.

Turkey burger version:

  • Use ground turkey instead of beef.
  • Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the meat to help with moisture.
  • Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Vegetarian:

  • Use a plant-based burger patty.
  • Swap bacon for plant-based bacon or crispy fried onions.
  • Keep the same toppings and sauce, adjusting for dairy or egg needs if necessary.

Vegan:

  • Use a vegan burger patty and vegan bacon.
  • Use vegan cheese slices or skip the cheese.
  • Make the sauce with vegan mayo.
  • Use vegan buns and check every label carefully.

Onion-sensitive or nightshade-sensitive:

  • Skip the onion and use shredded lettuce for extra crunch.
  • If avoiding tomatoes, try sliced avocado or extra pickles instead.
  • For nightshade-free needs, skip ketchup and paprika in the sauce and use a simple mayo-mustard blend if tolerated.

What to Serve with a Bacon Burger

Need a few side ideas? Here are some easy favorites:

  • French fries
  • Sweet potato fries
  • Onion rings
  • Coleslaw
  • Potato salad
  • Dill pickles
  • Baked beans

If you want the full restaurant-at-home feeling, serve the burger with fries and an ice-cold soda or sweet tea. Simple, classic, and always a hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes. Shape the patties and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I grill these instead of using a skillet?

Absolutely. A grill adds a great smoky flavor. Just be sure to oil the grates lightly and cook to 160°F internal temperature.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar is a great choice for this style of burger, but American, pepper jack, or Swiss also work well.

How do I keep burgers juicy?

Use beef with enough fat, avoid overmixing, and don’t press the patties while they cook.

Final Thoughts

This Bubba’s 33 Bacon Burger copycat recipe brings that smoky, cheesy, burger-joint flavor into your own kitchen with ingredients you can find almost anywhere. It’s rich, filling, and perfect for nights when you want comfort food that really delivers.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you keep it classic, or add your own spin? Leave a comment and share it with friends and family who love a good homemade bacon cheeseburger.

Disclaimer

This recipe is a copycat recipe inspired by a popular restaurant dish. It is not the original recipe, and no knowledge of the actual proprietary recipe is implied or claimed. Bubba’s 33 is a trademark of its respective owner, and this post is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.

Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. This means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links on our site, at no extra cost to you.

Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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