Cheese Stick Bacon Cheeseburgers

If a juicy bacon cheeseburger with a cheesy surprise baked right in sounds like your kind of dinner, these Cheese Stick Bacon Cheeseburgers are about to become a favorite. Seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and a melty cheese stick come together in a burger that's packed with flavor from the very first bite.

There's something genuinely fun about biting into a classic burger and finding a gooey cheese center waiting inside. Add smoky bacon, a toasted bun, and your favorite toppings, and dinner suddenly feels a lot more exciting.

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Why These Burgers Win

These bring a fun twist to a total classic.

Extra Cheesy

A cheese stick tucked inside the beef melts into a rich, gooey center.

Loaded With Bacon

Crispy bacon adds smoky, salty flavor to every bite.

Juicy and Hearty

Seasoned ground beef keeps things satisfying all the way through.

A Hit With Kids and Adults

Everyone loves discovering that cheesy surprise.

Easy to Make Your Own

Swap in your favorite cheese, toppings, and sauces.

What Do They Taste Like?

These taste like a classic bacon cheeseburger with a serious cheesy upgrade. The beef is savory and juicy, the bacon's crisp and smoky, and the cheese melts into a rich, gooey pocket in the middle.

A toasted bun, tangy pickles, fresh lettuce, and a bit of burger sauce round it all out nicely.

What You'll Need

For the Burgers

• 1½ pounds ground beef, preferably 80/20
• 6 mozzarella or cheddar cheese sticks
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For Serving

• 6 hamburger buns
• Lettuce
• Tomato slices
• Dill pickle slices
• Sliced onion
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise
• BBQ sauce

Equipment You'll Need

• Large skillet or grill
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

Ways to Customize These

Pick Your Cheese

Mozzarella sticks give a wonderfully stretchy center; cheddar leans into a sharper cheeseburger flavor.

You could also use:

• Pepper Jack
• Colby Jack
• Monterey Jack
• Provolone

Switch Up the Bacon

Regular, thick-cut, peppered, or maple bacon all bring something different to the table.

Add Some Heat

Mix diced jalapeños into the beef, or use Pepper Jack cheese sticks.

Try Different Toppings

Load these up with:

• Caramelized onions
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Pickled jalapeños
• Crispy fried onions
• Avocado
• Coleslaw

How to Make Cheese Stick Bacon Cheeseburgers

The trick is making sure the cheese stays fully sealed inside the beef.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp.

Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and let cool.

Once cool enough to handle, crumble or chop it.

Step 2: Season the Beef

Put the ground beef in a large bowl.

Sprinkle in the salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Mix gently until evenly seasoned.

Avoid overworking the beef — it can make the burgers dense.

Step 3: Portion the Beef

Divide the seasoned beef into 12 equal portions.

Each burger will use two portions.

Flatten each one into a thin patty.

Step 4: Stuff the Cheese Stick

Set one cheese stick in the center of one patty.

Top with a second patty.

Press the edges together firmly, sealing the cheese completely inside.

This step matters — any exposed cheese can leak out while cooking.

Shape gently into an even patty.

Step 5: Work In the Bacon

You can mix some crumbled bacon straight into the beef before shaping the patties, or add it to the finished burgers.

For the best of both, I like doing a bit of each — just don't overload the patties.

Step 6: Cook the Burgers

Heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat.

Cook the stuffed burgers for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness and how done you like them.

Use a meat thermometer to confirm the beef hits a safe 160°F (71°C).

Step 7: Toast the Buns

In the last few minutes, place the buns cut-side down on the grill or skillet.

Toast until lightly golden.

Step 8: Build the Burgers

Spread your favorite sauce over the toasted buns.

Set a hot cheeseburger on each one and top with crispy bacon.

Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, or whatever else you like.

Serve right away!

What to Serve With Them

These pair perfectly with classic cookout sides.

Favorite Sides

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Onion rings
• Potato wedges
• Coleslaw
• Macaroni salad
• Pasta salad
• Baked beans
• Corn on the cob

A pile of crispy fries and a cold drink makes it the ultimate burger night.

Tips for the Best Results

Seal the Cheese Completely

This is the step that matters most — pinch every edge of beef firmly around the cheese.

Keep the Patties Thick Enough

They need enough thickness to fully wrap around the cheese stick.

Don't Press Down While Cooking

Pressing releases the juices and can push the cheese out.

Chill Before Cooking

For extra insurance, refrigerate the assembled burgers for 15–20 minutes before cooking.

Stick to Medium Heat

Very high heat can brown the outside before the inside cooks through, and can cause leaks.

Storing Leftovers

In the Fridge

Store cooked burgers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Keep toppings and buns separate when you can.

In the Freezer

Uncooked stuffed patties freeze well individually wrapped for up to 2 months.

Thaw in the fridge before cooking.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet, oven, or air fryer until warmed through.

Don't overheat — the cheese center gets very hot.

A Little Background

Stuffed burgers are a fun way to turn an everyday cheeseburger into something a bit more special. Tucking the cheese inside instead of just melting it on top means every bite gets that gooey center.

80/20 ground beef gives the patties enough fat to stay juicy, and the bacon adds another layer of smoky richness on top of that.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cheese works best for stuffed burgers?

Mozzarella, cheddar, Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, and provolone all work well. Cheese sticks are especially handy since they give you an even center.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, though ground turkey is leaner and can dry out faster — pick one with some fat and don't overcook it.

Can I cook these on a grill?

Absolutely — a clean, well-oiled grill works great over medium heat with careful turning.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure it's fully surrounded by beef and every edge is sealed tight. Chilling the burgers before cooking helps too.

Can I mix bacon into the burger itself?

Yes — finely chop cooked bacon and gently work some into the seasoned beef before shaping the patties.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes — cook at around 375°F (190°C), flipping halfway, until the beef reaches 160°F (71°C) inside. Time will vary based on thickness and your air fryer.

Nutrition Info

Approximate values per burger, including bun and bacon but before extra toppings:

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fat: 39g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1,050mg

Nutrition information is approximate and will vary depending on the beef, cheese, bacon, buns, and toppings used.

Final Thoughts

These Cheese Stick Bacon Cheeseburgers take an already great bacon cheeseburger and add an irresistible cheesy surprise. Juicy seasoned beef wraps around a gooey cheese-stick center, and crispy bacon with fresh toppings finishes it off perfectly.

Fun enough for a weekend cookout, easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Just make sure those burgers are sealed well — and get ready for everyone to ask what's inside.

Made these? Leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest — I'd love to see your cheesy creations!

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