Easy Copycat Wendy’s Baconator Recipe (Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger)

The Wendy’s Baconator stands as the ultimate tribute to bacon lovers everywhere, and now you can recreate this legendary burger in your kitchen. This isn’t just another bacon cheeseburger; it’s an epic construction featuring two perfectly seasoned beef patties, six strips of crispy applewood smoked bacon, melted American cheese, and the perfect balance of mayo and ketchup.

The result is a burger so satisfying and indulgent that it puts ordinary bacon burgers to shame while saving you money and allowing complete control over ingredient quality.

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The Baconator – Easily the Best Wendys Burger

Every burger joint has a bacon burger, but only Wendy’s has the Baconator, and it is glorious. If you love bacon, and frankly, who doesn’t, then you have to get your hands on one of these. This is one of those epic bacon cheeseburgers served up with six pieces of crispy applewood smoked bacon.

Wendy’s Baconator is loaded with enough beef, American cheese, and savory bacon to satisfy even the biggest hunger. But there is no need to take a trip to your local Wendy’s when you can make a pretty good imitation at home with this copycat recipe.

Wendy’s Baconator Recipe Ingredients

To make a Baconator burger, here’s a list of what you need:

• Thick-cut applewood smoked bacon – Provides the signature sweet, smoky flavor that defines this burger
• Ground beef chuck (80/20 blend) – Delivers the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness
• Kosher salt – Enhances the natural beef flavors without overpowering
• American cheese slices – Melts perfectly and provides classic burger flavor
• Mayonnaise – Adds creamy richness and helps bind flavors together
• Ketchup – Contributes sweetness and acidity that balances the rich ingredients
• Kaiser rolls or brioche buns – Sturdy enough to hold all ingredients without falling apart

How to Make Wendy’s Baconator

If you wonder “how do you make a baconator?”, here are the recipe steps:

1. Cook the bacon until crispy using your favorite method. To bake bacon in the oven, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and bake for about 15 minutes on the middle tray on a metal rack set inside a rimmed baking tray.
2. Drain the bacon and cut each slice in half. 

3. Divide the ground beef into eight portions.
4. Wet your hands and form patties just slightly wider than the buns you are using to allow for shrinking during the cooking process. Although Wendy’s burgers are famously square, feel free to make round patties if it is easier for you. 
5. Put the patties on a parchment or plastic-lined baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap, and stick them in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.

6. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. For the best results, use a cast-iron or other heavy-bottomed pan to help maintain the temperature while cooking. 
7. Remove the patties from the fridge and sprinkle a good pinch of salt on both sides.
8. Add the butter or oil to the pan, swirl to coat, and cook the burgers in batches. It should take about four minutes on the first side and three to four minutes on the second side for each patty to cook through. Remember, it is safer to eat well-done burgers.
9. Toast the buns in the same skillet you used to cook the burgers to soak up some of the extra juice and flavor from the meat. Toast the buns until they are golden brown.
10. Assemble the burgers so that when finished, it is in this order from top to bottom:
    1. Place the bottom bun on a plate.
    2. Layer the warm patty, a slice of cheese, and three half-strips of crispy bacon slices on top of the bottom bun. The heat of the burger should gently melt the slices of American cheese.
    3. Repeat Step 2.
    4. Add a little ketchup and mayonnaise, and cover with the top bun. 

Tips for Making Wendy’s Baconator

• Make it a Triple Baconator. Is the regular Baconator just not big enough for you? Make it a triple by adding another layer of cheese, bacon, and beef. Or make it a Son of the Baconator using just one layer of cheese, bacon, and beef.
• Customize the Baconator. Add anything you like to the burger. Change the cheese to asiago, muenster, or even blue cheese crumbles. Spice it up with a few jalapeño slices or cool things down with creamy avocado.

What’s the Difference Between a Baconator and the Son of a Baconator?

What is On a Son of Baconator?

The Son of a Baconator has the same ingredients as a Baconator but uses smaller beef patties. 

Is the Son of a Baconator Smaller Than a Baconator?

Yes, the Son of a Baconator is smaller than the Baconator. According to Wendy’s menu, the Baconator has 960 calories while the Son of a Baconator has 630 calories. 

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Raw Patty Storage: Wrap formed patties individually and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 4 months
• Freezing Method: Freeze patties on a parchment-lined tray for 2 hours, then stack with parchment between layers in freezer bags
• Cooked Burger Storage: Store assembled burgers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the texture is best when fresh
• Reheating: Wrap in foil and warm in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or disassemble and reheat components separately

Love Wendy’s? Try these copycat recipes!

• Apple Pecan Salad
• Baconator Fries
• Breakfast Baconator
• Wendy’s Chili
• Wendy’s Frosty
• Wendy’s Taco Salad

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Check out more of my easy burger recipes and the best fast food recipes here on CopyKat!

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