Denny’s Bacon Slamburger Copycat Recipe
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| Sink into that diner-style bite with smoky bacon, melty cheese, and a juicy beef patty stacked on a buttery toasted bun. |
If you love a big, messy, diner-style burger, this Denny’s Bacon Slamburger copycat recipe is for you. It has juicy beef, crispy bacon, melted American cheese, a soft bun, and that classic breakfast-burger feel people crave at the restaurant. The best part? You can make it at home with simple ingredients and no fancy tools.
This recipe is built for home cooks in the USA who want an easy copycat burger recipe that tastes rich, savory, and satisfying. It’s perfect for weekend lunches, game day, or one of those nights when only a diner burger will do.
What Is the Denny’s Bacon Slamburger?
Denny’s is one of the most well-known diner chains in America. It’s famous for all-day breakfast, late-night comfort food, and big portions that hit the spot. The restaurant has built a loyal following over the years because it makes food that feels familiar, warm, and a little indulgent.
The Bacon Slamburger fits right into that story. It takes the idea of a diner burger and gives it the bold, comforting flavor people expect from a Denny’s meal. Think of a burger that smells smoky and buttery the second it hits the plate. The bacon is crisp and salty. The cheese melts into the beef. The bun is soft enough to soak up every bit of flavor.
This dish name is associated with Denny’s, so to be clear, this is a copycat-inspired recipe. We are not claiming to represent Denny’s or share its exact proprietary recipe. We’re simply making a homemade version inspired by the flavors many fans love.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Bacon Slamburger
- Easy to make with basic grocery store ingredients
- Big diner flavor without leaving the house
- Family friendly and easy to customize
- Great for beginners because the steps are simple and clear
- Perfect for burger night, cookouts, and casual dinners
I love recipes like this because they feel fun without being fussy. You don’t need a restaurant flat top or secret sauce stash. Just a skillet, a spatula, and a little confidence.
Ingredients
Serves: 4 burgers
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 35 minutes
For the burgers:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20 for best flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 slices bacon
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 burger buns
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened, for toasting buns
For the burger sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Optional toppings:
- Dill pickle slices
- Thin sliced red onion
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced tomato
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
These numbers are estimates and can change based on bun size, bacon brand, and toppings.
- Calories: 790
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fat: 56g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1160mg
How to Make This Denny’s Bacon Slamburger Copycat Recipe
Step 1: Cook the bacon.
Start with the bacon so it’s ready when the burgers are done. Place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned and crispy, turning as needed, about 8 to 10 minutes. Move the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.
If you prefer, you can bake the bacon at 400°F on a lined sheet pan for 15 to 20 minutes. That’s often easier and gives you less stovetop mess.
Step 2: Make the sauce.
In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, and onion powder. Mix until smooth. Set it aside. This simple burger sauce adds that creamy, tangy bite that helps bring the whole burger together.
Step 3: Form the burger patties.
Put the ground beef in a mixing bowl. Add the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Gently mix just until combined. Don’t overwork the meat. If you press and knead it too much, the burger can turn dense instead of juicy.
Divide the beef into 4 equal parts and shape them into patties about 1/2 inch thick. Press a small dent into the center of each one with your thumb. This helps keep the burgers from puffing up in the middle as they cook.
Step 4: Toast the buns.
Spread a little butter on the cut sides of each bun. Toast them in a clean skillet or on a griddle over medium heat until golden brown. This takes just 1 to 2 minutes. Don’t skip this step if you can help it. A toasted bun is like a raincoat for a juicy burger. It helps keep the bread from getting soggy too fast.
Step 5: Cook the burgers.
Heat a large skillet, grill pan, or flat griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the patties on the surface. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes on the second side.
During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on each patty so it 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 patty for the most reliable result.
Step 6: Build the burgers.
Spread the burger sauce on the bottom and top buns. Add the cheesy burger patty to the bottom bun. Top with 2 slices of bacon per burger. If you want extra crunch and freshness, add pickles, onion, lettuce, or tomato.
Place the top bun on and serve right away while everything is hot and melty.
Tips for the Best Homemade Bacon Slamburger
- Use 80/20 beef for a juicy burger with good flavor
- Don’t press the burgers down while they cook or you’ll lose juices
- Toast the buns for better texture
- Cook bacon until crisp so it holds up inside the burger
- Use American cheese if you want that classic diner melt
If your first burger night feels a little messy, that’s honestly part of the fun. Some of the best burgers are the ones where you need extra napkins.
Easy Variations and Time-Saving Ideas
If you want to make this copycat Denny’s burger recipe even easier, here are a few helpful shortcuts.
Air fryer bacon:
Cook bacon in the air fryer at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness.
Oven bacon for a crowd:
Bake all the bacon on a sheet pan at 400°F. This is my favorite method when feeding several people.
Frozen burger patties:
You can use frozen beef patties in a pinch. Just make sure they reach 160°F in the center before serving.
Griddle method:
If you have an electric griddle or Blackstone-style flat top, this recipe gets even closer to that diner feel. It’s great for cooking the buns, bacon, and burgers all at once.
Make-ahead sauce:
The burger sauce can be mixed a day in advance and kept in the fridge in a covered container.
Allergy-Friendly and Diet Preference Swaps
One thing I always appreciate in a home recipe is flexibility. Not everyone at the table eats the same way, and a good burger night should work for more people.
Gluten-free:
- Use gluten-free burger buns
- Check your bacon and condiments to make sure they are certified gluten-free
- Serve the burger over lettuce if you prefer a bun-free option
Dairy-free:
- Use dairy-free cheese slices that melt well
- Toast buns with olive oil or a plant-based butter instead of regular butter
- Double-check the bun ingredients since some sandwich buns contain milk
Egg-free:
- Most of the burger itself is naturally egg-free
- Swap the mayonnaise in the sauce for an egg-free mayo
- Check your bun labels carefully
Low-carb or keto:
- Skip the bun and serve in lettuce wraps
- Use sugar-free ketchup in the sauce
- Add avocado for extra richness
Paleo-inspired:
- Serve the burger without cheese on lettuce
- Use a simple sauce made with paleo mayo and mustard
- Choose bacon with no added sugar if needed
Turkey burger version:
- Use ground turkey instead of beef
- Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F
- Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or a little olive oil to the turkey mix to help with moisture
Vegetarian version:
- Use a plant-based burger patty
- Use plant-based bacon and cheese
- Check the packaging for exact cook times and safe handling instructions
Lower sodium idea:
- Use reduced-sodium bacon
- Cut the added salt in the beef slightly
- Choose low-sodium cheese and condiments if available
What to Serve with a Bacon Slamburger
Need a full diner-style meal? Try serving your burger with one of these:
- French fries
- Seasoned potato wedges
- Onion rings
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
- Fresh fruit for a lighter side
If you want that true diner feeling, add a cold soda, iced tea, or a thick milkshake. That sweet-and-savory combo is hard to beat.
Storage and Reheating
Fridge:
Store cooked burger patties, bacon, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave them in short bursts, though the skillet keeps the texture better. Reheat bacon in a skillet, oven, or air fryer for the best crispness.
Food safety reminder:
Do not leave cooked burgers sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if it’s very hot outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these burgers on the grill?
Yes. Grill over medium-high heat and cook until the center reaches 160°F.
What cheese works best if I don’t have American?
Cheddar works well, but American cheese gives the most classic diner-style melt and flavor.
Can I make smaller burgers?
Absolutely. Just divide the meat into 6 patties instead of 4 and reduce the cook time a bit. Still check for 160°F.
Can I prep anything ahead?
Yes. The sauce can be made ahead, and the bacon can be cooked earlier in the day and reheated before serving.
Make This Denny’s-Inspired Burger at Home Tonight
This Denny’s Bacon Slamburger copycat recipe brings that classic diner comfort right into your kitchen. It’s smoky, cheesy, juicy, and simple enough for a regular weeknight. You don’t need a booth, a laminated menu, or a road trip to get that satisfying burger-and-bacon combo.
If you try 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 your version. And if you know someone who loves copycat burger recipes, send this post their way.
Disclaimer
This recipe is a copycat-inspired recipe and is not an official recipe from Denny’s. We do not claim to have any affiliation with Denny’s, and no knowledge of the actual proprietary recipe is implied.
Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. This means we may earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
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