Maple Bacon Waffle Burger (Printable)
Golden waffle sandwiches loaded with maple-glazed bacon, beef patties, sharp cheddar, and creamy maple aioli for the ultimate sweet-savory brunch experience.
# 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
# How To Make It:
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—do not overmix.
02 - Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease with cooking spray or oil. Cook waffles according to manufacturer's instructions until golden and crisp. You'll need 8 waffles total (4 tops and 4 bottoms). Keep warm until ready to assemble.
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 and halve each slice.
04 - Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently form into patties slightly larger than the waffles. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
05 - Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook burgers for 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Place a cheddar slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking and cover to melt.
06 - Whisk together mayonnaise, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
07 - Butter one side of each waffle. Place buttered side down in a skillet over medium heat and toast lightly until golden and crispy, about 1–2 minutes.
08 - Spread maple aioli on the toasted side of a waffle. Layer with arugula, burger patty with melted cheese, maple bacon halves, and red onion slices. Top with a second waffle. Repeat for remaining servings.
09 - Serve immediately while warm and crispy. Consider securing with sandwich picks if needed.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The contrast between crispy waffle ridges and melting cheese creates texture in every single bite
- Maple glazed bacon bridges sweet and savory like nothing else in your burger repertoire
02 -
- Warm the waffles in a low oven while you cook the burgers so everything comes together at the same temperature
- Rest the cooked patties for two minutes so the juices redistribute instead of running out onto your plate
03 -
- Freeze extra cooked waffles and reheat in the toaster for future waffle burger emergencies
- The bacon can be glazed and cooked up to three days ahead, then warmed before serving