Maple Bacon Waffle Burger (Printable)
Golden waffles sandwich juicy beef burgers with crispy maple bacon and sharp cheddar, topped with a sweet maple aioli for the ultimate sweet-savory combination.
# 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
# Directions:
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 ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender waffles.
02 - Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease with cooking spray or oil. Cook waffles according to manufacturer instructions until golden brown and crisp. You will need 8 waffles total (4 burgers with top and bottom). Keep cooked waffles warm in a low temperature oven until assembly.
03 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange bacon slices on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until partially cooked, then remove from oven and brush both sides generously with maple syrup. Return to oven for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until caramelized and crispy. Let cool slightly, then cut each slice in half.
04 - Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape into patties slightly larger than the waffles (they will shrink during cooking). Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
05 - Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook burger patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium doneness, or longer if preferred. During the final minute of cooking, place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each patty and cover briefly to melt.
06 - Combine mayonnaise, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Butter one side of each waffle. Place them buttered side down in a clean skillet over medium heat and toast until golden brown and slightly crisp, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
08 - Spread maple aioli on one toasted waffle. Layer with baby arugula, cheese-topped burger patty, maple bacon halves, and red onion slices. Top with a second waddle and press gently. Repeat for remaining 3 burgers. Serve immediately while warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination of sweet maple glazed bacon and savory beef creates an addictive flavor profile you wont find at any restaurant
- Crispy golden waffles replace the traditional bun, adding texture and a subtle sweetness that ties everything together
02 -
- The waffles absolutely must be fully crispy before assembling, otherwise theyll quickly become soft and difficult to eat
- Let the burgers rest for a couple minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute instead of running all over your hands
- Work efficiently once components are ready because timing matters for that perfect warm experience
03 -
- Cook your bacon on a wire rack over the baking sheet for even easier cleanup and better air circulation
- Make extra waffles ahead and freeze them, then just toast when ready to assemble