Bacon Wrangler Double Burger Recipe

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When Whataburger introduced the Bacon Wrangler Double Burger, it was love at first bite. The smoky bacon, perfectly melted cheeses, crispy onion strings, and that zesty chipotle aioli came together in a way that left my taste buds begging for more. But what if you could recreate that masterpiece in the comfort of your kitchen?

How to make Bacon Wrangler Double Burger

The Bacon Wrangler Double is a bold, hefty burger from Whataburger, launched as a limited-time menu item.

Ingredients

For the Burger Patties:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend) – The 80/20 ratio ensures juicy patties with the right amount of fat.
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning the beef.
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional) – Adds a subtle garlicky flavor.

For the Toppings:

• 4 slices of smoky bacon – Cooked to crispy perfection.
• 1/3 cup crispy onion strings – You can use store-bought or make them fresh at home.
• 2 slices American cheese – Melts perfectly for creaminess.
• 2 slices Monterey Jack cheese – Balances the flavor profile with a mild kick.
• Pickle chips – A crunchy, tangy element (use as much or as little as you like).

For the Chipotle Aioli:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder (or chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce) – Adjust to your heat preference.
• 1 tsp lime juice – For a tangy and refreshing zip.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For Assembly:

• 2 large burger buns – Brioche buns or classic hamburger buns work great.
• Butter – For toasting the buns.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chipotle Aioli

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, chipotle chili powder, lime juice, and garlic powder.
2. Whisk until smooth, taste, and adjust with extra chili powder or lime juice if needed.
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use—this step allows the flavors to fuse together beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Burger Patties

1. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and gently shape them into thin patties, slightly larger than your buns (they shrink during cooking).
2. Season both sides of the patties generously with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then remove and set it on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Keep the skillet handy—you can use that bacon fat to cook your patties for extra flavor!

Step 4: Cook the Patties

1. Heat your skillet or grill over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side for a medium doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on two of the patties and Monterey Jack cheese on the other two, allowing them to melt.
2. Once cooked, stack one of each type of cheese-covered patty to create double-deckers.

Step 5: Prepare the Buns

1. Lightly butter the insides of your burger buns and toast them in a skillet or on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

1. Spread a generous dollop of chipotle aioli on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
2. Add a few pickle chips, then place your double-stack patties on top.
3. Add crispy onion strings and top with the crispy bacon slices.
4. Spread some more chipotle aioli on the top bun (because why not?) and crown your burger.

Tips for Burger Perfection

• Don’t overwork the meat: When shaping the patties, handle the meat as little as possible to prevent them from becoming tough.
• Use high-quality ingredients: Premium ground beef, fresh produce, and good-quality buns make a noticeable difference.
• Crispy bacon hack: If you want perfectly flat bacon, cook it in the oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Add another sheet on top of the strips with a second tray to press it down.
• Customize the heat: If you’re making this for a crowd, provide the chipotle aioli on the side so everyone can adjust their spice level.

What to serve with

The Bacon Wrangler Double Burger is a flavor-packed, hearty main dish filled with smoky, cheesy, and crispy goodness. And while it’s impressive enough on its own, the right sides and drinks can elevate your meal to a feast!

1. Classic French Fries

You can’t go wrong with a side of fries—it’s the ultimate Bacon Wrangler Double Burger companion. Here are a few ways to prepare them:

• Hand-Cut Fries: Slice potatoes into thin strips, fry them in hot oil, and season with salt or your favorite spice blend.
• Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries: Toss hand-cut potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese before baking for a flavorful twist.
• Sweet Potato Fries: For a slightly healthier option, bake or fry sweet potato fries for that sweet-savory combination. Serve with a Chipotle aioli or ranch dip for an extra kick.

2. Onion Rings

Take the crispy onion strings from your Bacon Wrangler Double Burger up a notch with crunchy onion rings on the side. Their crispy coating and sweet, tender center pair wonderfully with the smoky flavors of the Bacon Wrangler Double Burger. Serve them with a zesty ranch or a spicy ketchup for dipping.

3. Coleslaw

A fresh, tangy coleslaw is an excellent side dish that provides contrast to the richness of the burger. The crunchiness of the slaw and the creamy dressing acts as a palate cleanser. Try these variations:

• Classic Creamy Coleslaw: Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a mayo-based dressing.
• Vinegar-Based Coleslaw: Perfect for those who want a lighter, tangy alternative.
• Spicy Chipotle Slaw: Add chipotle or jalapeño to your slaw for a southwestern flavor.

Ingredients Substitutes

Substitutes for the Burger Patties

Ground Beef Alternatives:

While 80/20 ground beef provides the juiciest patties, you can use other types of ground meat for a different flavor or texture:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner option for those looking to reduce fat content. Add a bit of olive oil or mix in a tablespoon of mayonnaise to keep the patties moist.
• Ground Pork: Offers a slightly sweeter flavor and is ideal if you want a juicier patty without using beef.
• Ground Lamb: Adds a strong, distinctive flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Plant-Based Alternatives: Use pre-made plant-based patties like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger for a vegetarian option. You can also make your veggie patties using mashed beans, mushrooms, breadcrumbs, and spices.
• For Richness Without Beef Fat: If you’re using leaner meats, mix in a tablespoon of olive oil, heavy cream, or even grated butter to the ground meat to ensure juiciness.

Substitutes for Bacon

If smoky, crispy bacon is not available or you’d like alternatives, here are options:

• Turkey Bacon: A leaner alternative without the pork. It still delivers a bit of crunch and smokiness.
• Beef Bacon: Similar in texture to classic bacon but made entirely from beef—great for those avoiding pork.
• Vegan Bacon: Use tempeh or coconut-based bacon substitutes seasoned with a smoky flavor. Alternatively, thin slices of smoked tofu can mimic the texture.
• Crispy Prosciutto or Pancetta: For a more gourmet twist, cook either until crisp and use in place of bacon.

Cheese Substitutes

The Bacon Wrangler Double Burger uses American cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, but the options are endless depending on your taste and availability:

Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp or mild cheddar for a stronger, tangy cheese flavor. It’s a classic burger choice.

• Swiss Cheese: Offers a nutty, mild flavor that melts beautifully.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds a spicy kick, great if you enjoy a little extra heat.
• Provolone Cheese: Has a creamy and smoky flavor that complements the bacon.
• Vegan Cheese: Brands like Violife or Daiya provide meltable dairy-free options in several flavors.

Substitutes for the Chipotle Aioli

The creamy, spicy chipotle aioli adds big flavor to the Bacon Wrangler Double Burger. If you don’t have the exact ingredients, here’s how you can improvise:

Chipotle Substitute:

• Use smoked paprika for a similarly smoky flavor.
• For more heat, swap in cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce.
• Blend a roasted red pepper with mayo for a smoky, mild aioli.

Aioli Base Alternatives:

• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Use either for a tangier sauce with fewer calories.
• Plain Vegan Mayo: For a plant-based aioli, opt for brands like Hellman’s Vegan or Vegenaise.

Lime Juice Alternatives:

• Use lemon juice or a splash of white vinegar for acidity.
• If you’re short on time, a simple mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a dash of smoked paprika makes a quick, tasty sauce.

Substitutes for the Onion Strings

Crispy onion strings add texture and sweetness, but you can use these options if they’re unavailable:

• Fried Shallots: Often sold pre-made, fried shallots are smaller and slightly less sweet but just as crispy.
• Caramelized Onions: Swap crispy onion strings for soft, caramelized onions to bring a sweet, savory depth.
• Onion Rings: Make your burger a showstopper by stacking mini onion rings right on top!
• Store-Bought French Fried Onions: Crunchy, pre-packaged onions are an excellent substitute and save prep time.

Substitutes for the Buns

The choice of bun can make or break your burger. If traditional hamburger buns aren’t available, consider:

• Brioche Buns: A sweeter, richer alternative that pairs beautifully with the smoky and savory elements.
• Pretzel Buns: These add a dense, chewy texture and a slightly salty flavor.
• Whole Wheat Buns: For a healthier option, use whole-grain buns with added fiber.
• Lettuce Wraps: Replace the bun entirely with iceberg or romaine lettuce for a low-carb option.
• Gluten-Free Buns: These are easy to find at most grocery stores and cater to those with gluten sensitivities.

Pickles and Crunchy Substitutes

Pickles bring a tangy burst of flavor and crunch, and if you don’t have pickles, these alternatives will work:

• Pickled Jalapeños or Banana Peppers: Add tang and spice for a more intense kick.
• Fresh Cucumbers: Slice thin and season with a pinch of salt and vinegar for a quick pickle effect.
• Kimchi or Sauerkraut: For a tangy, fermented twist, layer on either of these options.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! With this guide to sides, drinks, and desserts, you can take your Bacon Wrangler Double Burger meal from delicious to downright legendary.

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