Sriracha Candied Bacon Cheeseburger with Melted Brie

Sriracha candied bacon, brie cheese, caramelized onions and a spicy Sriracha BBQ sauce top this decadent ultimate cheeseburger.

What does the ultimate cheeseburger look and taste like? Imagine sweet-and-spicy candied bacon layered with creamy brie, buttery caramelized onions, peppery arugula and a Sriracha-spiked BBQ glaze over a juicy, seasoned beef patty. This is a bold, balanced burger—sweet, smoky, spicy and rich—all in one bite.

This cheeseburger combines several contrasting textures and flavors: crisp candied bacon, silky melted brie, soft caramelized onions, fresh arugula and a tangy spicy BBQ sauce. It’s built to be the centerpiece of a backyard cookout or a special weeknight dinner when you want something a little more adventurous than a standard burger.

The Ultimate Cheeseburger Ingredients

Below are the ingredients grouped for convenience. Quantities are for four cheeseburgers.

• 6 slices Sriracha candied bacon (prepare ahead)
• Caramelized onions:
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup thick-sliced onions
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Sriracha (for the patties)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 8 oz brie cheese, sliced or broken into pieces to melt
• 4 hamburger buns
• Sriracha BBQ sauce:
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha
• 1 cup fresh arugula

Notes on ingredients

Make the Sriracha candied bacon in advance and keep it warm or reheat briefly before assembling. Use good-quality ground beef (80/20) for juicy patties. If you prefer less heat, reduce the Sriracha in the patty mix and sauce.

Directions

1. Prepare the candied bacon. Make Sriracha candied bacon ahead of time and set aside.
2. Caramelize the onions. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add thick-sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and soft, about 25–30 minutes. Reduce heat if onions brown too quickly.
3. Make the Sriracha BBQ sauce. Stir together 1/4 cup BBQ sauce and 1 tablespoon Sriracha. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness to your preference.
4. Form the patties. While the onions caramelize, combine 1 lb ground beef, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Sriracha, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently to combine and form into 4 even patties.
5. Grill or pan-sear the burgers. Cook the patties over medium-high heat for about 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Two minutes before the burgers are done, top each patty with roughly 2 oz brie so it has time to soften and melt.
6. Assemble the burgers. Spread Sriracha BBQ sauce on the bottom halves of the buns, then top with a handful of fresh arugula. Place the hot brie-topped burger on the arugula, then add a generous spoonful of caramelized onions and 1½ slices of candied bacon. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.

Serving and variation ideas

These burgers shine with simple sides: warm potato wedges, a crisp salad, or grilled corn. For a milder version, substitute cheddar or gouda for brie. To add brightness, squeeze a little lemon over the arugula before assembling or add sliced pickles for contrast.

Tips for success

• Do not overwork the meat when mixing seasonings—gentle handling keeps patties tender.
• Let the patties rest for a couple of minutes off the heat before assembling to keep juices in the burger.
• Caramelize onions low and slow for the best sweetness and texture; avoid burning by stirring and adjusting heat as needed.

Nutrition (approximate per burger)

Calories: 925 kcal | Carbohydrates: 40 g | Protein: 43 g | Fat: 64 g | Saturated Fat: 28 g | Sodium: 2223 mg

Pick one up, take a big bite and enjoy the blend of sweet, spicy and savory that makes this a memorable, indulgent burger.