Maple Bacon Waffle Burger (Printable)
Golden waffles layered with seasoned beef, crispy maple-glazed bacon, sharp cheddar, and zesty aioli create the ultimate sweet-savory stack.
# 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 recommended)
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 Steps:
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 and mix until just combined—do not overmix.
02 - Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease. Cook waffles according to manufacturer's instructions until golden and crisp. You'll need 8 waffles total (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 and halve slices.
04 - Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and form into patties. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
05 - Heat skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook burgers 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Place a cheddar slice on each patty during the final minute to melt.
06 - Whisk together mayonnaise, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth and combined.
07 - Butter one side of each waffle and toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and crispy.
08 - Spread maple aioli on one waffle. Layer with arugula, burger patty, maple bacon, and red onion slices. Top with a second waffle. Repeat for remaining servings.
09 - Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Salty and sweet hits different when crispy waffles replace the bun
- The maple bacon aioli alone will change your burger game forever
02 -
- Dont press down on the burgers while they cook; you lose all those precious juices
- Toast the waffles right before assembling or they will get soggy fast
03 -
- Make a small indent in the center of each raw patty; it prevents the burger from puffing up into a ball
- Warm your maple syrup slightly before brushing the bacon for easier, even coating