Maple Bacon Waffle Burger (Printable)
Golden waffle buns with crispy maple bacon, juicy beef, and sharp cheddar for the ultimate sweet-salty brunch or dinner experience.
# Ingredient List:
→ Waffles
01 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
03 - 2 tsp baking powder
04 - ½ tsp baking soda
05 - ¼ tsp salt
06 - 1 ¼ cups whole milk
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Maple Bacon
10 - 8 slices thick-cut bacon
11 - 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
→ Burger Patties
12 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
13 - 1 tsp salt
14 - ½ tsp 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 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting waffles)
→ Maple Aioli
19 - ¼ cup mayonnaise
20 - 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
21 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
22 - Pinch of salt
# How to Make:
01 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix wet into dry ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
02 - Preheat waffle iron. Lightly grease, then cook waffles according to manufacturer's instructions until golden and crisp. You'll need 8 waffles (4 burgers, top and bottom). Set aside and keep warm.
03 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, then brush both sides with maple syrup. Return to oven for 3–4 minutes, until caramelized and crispy. Cool slightly, then halve slices.
04 - Form ground beef into 4 equal patties. Season with salt and pepper.
05 - Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook burgers 3–4 minutes per side for medium, topping each with a cheddar slice during the last minute to melt.
06 - Whisk together mayonnaise, maple syrup, Dijon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
07 - Butter one side of each waffle and toast lightly in a skillet until golden.
08 - Spread maple aioli on one waffle. Top with arugula, burger patty, maple bacon, and red onion. Close with a second waffle. Repeat for all servings.
09 - Serve immediately while warm.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- The contrast between crispy waffles and tender beef creates texture in every single bite
- Maple bacon bridges sweet and savory so nothing feels out of place
02 -
- Letting the waffle batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking makes them noticeably fluffier
- The bacon needs to cool slightly after glazing or it will slide right off your burger
03 -
- Place a paper towel under your cooling bacon to absorb excess grease before glazing
- Warm your maple syrup slightly for 10 seconds in the microwave so it brushes more easily