Maple Bacon Waffle Burger (Printable)

Crispy bacon, juicy beef patties, and sharp cheddar stacked between golden maple-glazed waffles for the ultimate sweet-savory brunch experience.

# What You'll Need:

→ Waffles

01 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
05 - ¼ teaspoon salt
06 - 1 ¼ cups whole milk
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Maple Bacon

10 - 8 slices thick-cut bacon
11 - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

→ Burger Patties

12 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
13 - 1 teaspoon salt
14 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Toppings

15 - 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
16 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
17 - 1 cup baby arugula or lettuce
18 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for toasting waffles

→ Maple Aioli

19 - ¼ cup mayonnaise
20 - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
21 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
22 - Pinch of salt

# How to Make It:

01 - Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender waffles.
02 - Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease. Cook batter according to manufacturer instructions until golden and crisp. You will need 8 waffles total (4 burgers with top and bottom). Keep cooked waffles warm while preparing remaining components.
03 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange bacon on foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. Remove and brush both sides with maple syrup, then return to oven for 3-4 minutes until caramelized and crispy. Cool slightly and halve each slice.
04 - Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and form patties. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Create a slight indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.
05 - Heat skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Place cheddar slice on each patty during the final minute of cooking to melt.
06 - Whisk mayonnaise, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and salt in small bowl until smooth and fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Butter one side of each waffle. Toast in skillet over medium heat until golden brown and slightly crisp, about 1-2 minutes per side.
08 - Spread maple aioli on one waffle. Layer with arugula, cooked burger patty, maple bacon halves, and red onion slices. Top with second waffle and press gently. Repeat for remaining servings.
09 - Serve immediately while waffles remain crisp and burgers are warm. Cut in half if desired for easier handling.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The maple bacon creates this incredible candy-like glaze that perfectly balances the juicy beef
  • Waffles as buns mean every bite has those perfect little syrup-catching pockets
  • It looks impressive but comes together faster than youd think
02 -
  • Dont skip toasting the waffles after cooking them, this step prevents them from getting soggy
  • Let the bacon cool slightly before assembling so it stays crispy
  • Work quickly once you start assembling so everything stays warm
03 -
  • Use a splatter guard when cooking the bacon, the maple syrup makes it extra bubbly
  • Warm your maple syrup slightly before brushing for easier application

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