Hey there, Jason Griffith here! Get ready to experience a flavor mashup that’s truly genius. Today, we’re taking two beloved comfort foods—the classic American burger and the iconic Reuben sandwich—and combining them into one incredible creation: the Reuben Bacon Burger! Imagine a juicy beef patty loaded with crispy bacon, tangy sauerkraut, gooey Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, all nestled in a toasted bun. This isn’t just a burger; it’s a nostalgic flavor trip with a delightful new twist.
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it takes familiar, comforting flavors and presents them in an exciting new way. The distinct tang of sauerkraut, the richness of melted Swiss cheese, and the savory crunch of bacon are all classic Reuben elements that pair surprisingly well with a beef burger. The creamy, zesty Thousand Island dressing ties everything together perfectly, creating a harmonious and utterly satisfying bite. It’s a fantastic way to impress guests with something unique, or simply treat yourself to an elevated burger night. If you’re into unique takes on classic sandwiches, you might also like how I turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip—it’s equally as delicious and fun!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create your incredible Reuben Bacon Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is great for juicy burgers)
- 1/2 cup sauerkraut, well-drained
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- 4 hamburger buns (rye buns would be an amazing choice if you can find them!)
- Thousand Island dressing
- Butter (for toasting buns)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: While beef is traditional for a burger, you could experiment with ground corned beef (finely ground) mixed with beef for an even more authentic Reuben flavor, or even a blend of beef and pork.
- Sauerkraut: Ensure the sauerkraut is well-drained to prevent your burger from becoming soggy. You can also give it a quick rinse if you prefer less tang.
- Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese is classic for a Reuben and melts beautifully. Provolone or Gruyère could be alternatives, but Swiss offers that distinct flavor.
- Bacon: Cook your bacon to your preferred crispiness. The extra crunch adds a great textural element.
- Hamburger Buns: Traditional hamburger buns work perfectly, but if you want to lean into the Reuben theme, look for rye buns for an authentic flavor pairing. Pumpernickel buns would also be unique.
- Thousand Island Dressing: A good quality store-bought dressing works great for convenience. You can also make your own by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, a dash of Worcestershire, and a pinch of paprika.
- Butter: Using butter to toast the buns gives them a golden, rich flavor. You can also use a dry skillet for a less rich toast.
- Optional Additions: A slice of grilled pastrami or corned beef could be added on top of the patty for extra Reuben authenticity.
Steps for the Recipe
- Prepare Burger Patties: Divide the 1 lb ground beef into 4 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a burger patty, about 1/2-inch thick. Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook Burgers: Heat a grill or a large skillet (cast iron works wonderfully) over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the burger patties on the cooking surface. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or adjust the cooking time to reach your desired level of doneness.
- Warm the Sauerkraut: While the burgers are cooking, in a separate small skillet, gently heat up the well-drained sauerkraut over medium-low heat until it is warmed through. This only takes a few minutes.
- Toast the Buns: Spread a thin layer of butter on the cut sides of the hamburger buns. Place the buttered buns face-down in a clean skillet (or on the grill) over medium heat. Toast for 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the burger patties are cooked, immediately place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each hot patty. If using a skillet, you can cover it briefly to help the cheese melt. If on the grill, the residual heat will work.
- Add the Bacon: On top of the melted Swiss cheese, place 2 slices of cooked bacon on each patty.
- Assemble the Burgers: Now for the grand assembly! Spread a generous amount of Thousand Island dressing on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Place the burger patty (with melted cheese and bacon) on top of the dressing.
- Top the burger patty with a spoonful of the warmed sauerkraut.
- Place the top half of the bun on your stacked creation.
- Serve: Serve the Reuben Bacon Burgers hot with your favorite side dishes. Get ready to enjoy this incredibly delicious and unique burger!
Tips for Success
- Drain Sauerkraut Well: This is crucial to prevent a soggy bun. Press out as much liquid as possible.
- Toast Your Buns: Don’t skip this step! It adds flavor, texture, and creates a barrier against moisture.
- Hot Patty, Melted Cheese: Place the cheese on the patty immediately after cooking while it’s still hot to ensure a perfect melt.
- Balance Flavors: Thousand Island and sauerkraut are strong flavors. Adjust the amounts to your personal preference.
- Quality Ingredients: Using good quality ground beef, fresh buns, and a flavorful Swiss cheese will elevate the overall experience.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The Reuben Bacon Burger is a hearty meal in itself. For sides, classic diner-style fries or crispy potato chips would be perfect. A simple green salad or coleslaw would also offer a nice contrast to the richness. For other cheesy, crowd-pleasing options, you might also like my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter or my amazing Beer Cheese Dip that disappears in minutes. As for drinks, a crisp lager, an iced tea, or even a root beer would be excellent companions to this unique burger.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This burger is definitely best enjoyed fresh and hot, when the cheese is perfectly melted and the bun is toasted. Assembled burgers do not store well due to the moist components. However, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time: cooked bacon can be stored in the fridge for a few days. Burger patties can be formed ahead of time and cooked just before serving. Sauerkraut can be warmed when ready to assemble. It’s always best to toast buns and assemble fresh.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the creative and delicious fusion of this Reuben Bacon Burger, you’ll find plenty more exciting inspiration on Chef Maniac!
- For another fantastic, cheesy party snack, check out my Crockpot Nacho Dip that always disappears!
- And if you’re looking for another quick and easy meal that feeds a crowd, These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are always a huge hit!
Final Thoughts
The Reuben Bacon Burger is a testament to how classic flavors can be reinvented in exciting and incredibly delicious ways. It’s hearty, full of character, and offers a delightful surprise with every bite, bringing the best of two worlds together in one perfect sandwich.
I hope you give this unique burger a try and let me know how you like this delicious fusion! What other classic sandwich flavors do you think would make a great burger? Share your ideas and culinary adventures in the comments below, or tag us on social media. And don’t forget to keep following Chef Maniac for more delicious inspiration! Happy grilling!
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