When you pair that with melty cheese, crispy onion strings, and juicy beef patties, you’re not just making a burger—you’re creating a masterpiece. Inspired by the legendary Bacon Wrangler burger, this homemade recipe is your ticket to recreating the bold Texas flavors right in your kitchen.

How to make Bacon Wrangler Burger

The Bacon Wrangler Double is a bold, limited-time burger offered by Whataburger and it’s built for serious appetites.

Ingredients for Your Homemade Bacon Wrangler

For the Burger

2 beef patties (4–5 oz each; 80/20 ground beef for the perfect blend of juiciness and flavor)
4 slices of bacon (thick-cut is best for that crispy, smoky bite)
1 slice of Monterey Jack cheese
1 slice of American cheese
1/4 cup crispy onion strings (store-bought or homemade—recipe below!)
Pickle slices (dill pickles for that tangy crunch)
2 brioche buns (toasted with a buttery finish)

For the Chipotle Aioli

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1½ tsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced
1 tsp lime juice
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
Salt, to taste
Fresh lettuce or tomato slices for a fresh crunch (use sparingly to stick to the classic “Bacon Wrangler” vibe).

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chipotle Aioli

Combine the mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and garlic in a small bowl.
Mix well until smooth. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
Refrigerate the aioli for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors meld while you work on the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Onion Strings

For the Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

For the Onion Strings:

If making onion strings at home, thinly slice an onion and soak the slices in buttermilk for 10–15 minutes.
In the meantime, mix 1 cup of flour with 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
Heat 1 cup of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Dredge the buttermilk-soaked onion slices in the seasoned flour and fry until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel.

Step 3: Cook the Beef Patties

Preheat a grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the beef patties generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the patties for about 3–4 minutes per side for a medium doneness, or adjust to your preference.
During the last 30 seconds of cooking, place a slice of Monterey Jack cheese on one patty and a slice of American cheese on the other. Cover with a lid to melt the cheese.

Step 4: Assemble the Burger

Toast the brioche buns lightly on the grill or in the oven with a little butter for extra flavor.
Spread a generous dollop of the chipotle aioli on the top and bottom buns.
Place the pickle slices on the bottom bun, then stack one beef patty with melted cheese.
Layer on the crispy bacon (2 slices per patty).
Add the crispy onion strings right on top. Finally, add the second patty and finish with the top bun.

Tips for the Best Bacon Wrangler Burger

Go Big on Bacon: Don’t skimp on the bacon! A thick-cut, smoky variety will add that signature “Wrangler” flavor.
Homemade Onion Strings Are Worth It: While store-bought onion strings are convenient, homemade ones are fresher and perfectly crispy. They’re worth the effort!
Get the Right Beef Blend: An 80/20 beef-to-fat ratio ensures the patties remain juicy and flavorful.
Toast the Buns: Toasting the brioche buns adds a slight crunch while preventing the aioli from making the buns soggy.
Adjust the Heat: If you love spice, add more chipotle to the aioli or a touch of cayenne to the burger seasoning.

Ingredients Substitutes

Craving the signature indulgence of a Bacon Wrangler burger but missing a few ingredients? Don’t worry! You can still whip up an equally delicious burger with a few substitutes.

1. Ground Beef Patties

The star of the Bacon Wrangler is its juicy, smoky beef patties. But if ground beef isn’t an option, here are some alternatives:

Substitutes:

Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner option that’s lower in fat but still gives you the juicy base. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, breadcrumbs, and Worcestershire sauce to the mix to maintain moisture.
Plant-Based Patties: Brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger make excellent substitutes for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Ground Pork or Sausage Patties: For a richer flavor, opt for seasoned ground pork or sausage.
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: For a lighter, veggie-packed alternative, try marinating and grilling a Portobello mushroom as your “patty.”

2. Bacon

Smoky, crispy bacon is central to the original recipe, but here are swaps for dietary restrictions or creative alternatives:

Substitutes:

Turkey Bacon: A leaner option with less fat but still satisfying crunch and flavor.
Plant-Based Bacon: Vegan or vegetarian bacon options made from tempeh, coconut flakes, or seitan can bring similar savoriness.
Pancetta or Prosciutto: If available, pancetta offers a similar crispy texture, while prosciutto can work too (serve it crisped in a pan).
Smoked Salmon or Smoked Tofu: For a unique twist with smoky flavor, you can use smoked salmon or smoked tofu slices.

3. Cheese

The Bacon Wrangler uses Monterey Jack and American cheese for that creamy, melty finish, but substitutions can open up a world of flavor.

Substitutes for Monterey Jack:

Mozzarella: Similar in texture and meltability but milder in flavor.
Colby or Colby Jack: Great alternatives with a balance of creaminess and a hint of tang.
Havarti: A buttery, soft cheese that melts beautifully.

Substitutes for American Cheese:

Cheddar: Sharp or mild cheddar works perfectly (bonus points for extra sharp!).
Provolone: A mellow cheese with great meltability that won’t overpower the other flavors.
Swiss Cheese: For a nuttier, slightly tangy alternative.

4. Chipotle Aioli

The smoky, spicy chipotle aioli is the flavorful glue that ties all the elements together. It’s easy to customize or substitute if you’re short on ingredients or want a twist.

Substitutes:

Sriracha Mayo: Mix mayo with Sriracha for a tangy, spicy alternative.
Garlic Aioli: Substitute chipotle with roasted or minced garlic for a milder, savory flavor.
Plain Mayo with Smoked Paprika: Combine mayonnaise with smoked paprika for a touch of smokiness.
Greek Yogurt Sauce: Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangy option. Add lime juice and chili powder for a smoky-spicy flavor.
Hummus with Chipotle Powder: For a unique plant-based option, mix hummus with chipotle powder or smoked paprika.

5. Crispy Onion Strings

The crispy onion strings add crunch and sweetness, but you can get creative with substitutes or simplify this component.

Substitutes:

Store-Bought Crispy Fried Onions: Pick up pre-made ones in the snack aisle (often sold as “French Fried Onions”).
Caramelized Onions: For a softer, sweeter flavor, sauté onions in butter or olive oil until golden brown.
Radish Chips or Fried Shallots: Up the fanciness with fried shallots, or crispy radish slices for something unique.
Thinly Sliced Pickled Onions: Add tang and crunch by using pickled red onions instead of fried onions.

6. Brioche Burger Buns

Brioche buns offer a buttery, soft base, but there are several ways to make swaps depending on what you have on hand.

Substitutes:

Potato Buns: These are soft and slightly sweet, a close cousin to brioche.
Pretzel Buns: For extra texture and a touch of saltiness, pretzel buns are a tasty upgrade.
Whole Wheat Buns: To make it slightly healthier, opt for whole wheat buns with a hint of nuttiness.
Keto-Friendly Buns: If you’re on a low-carb diet, look for almond flour or other keto bread options.
Gluten-Free Buns: Gluten-free buns are widely available, but some find that lettuce wraps (iceberg lettuce) work just as well as a crisp, fresh alternative.

7. Pickles

Pickles add a tangy crunch to the burger—but if you’re not a pickle fan, here’s how you can tweak it.

Substitutes:

Pickled Onions or Jalapeños: Bring a tangy zing with a little heat.
Cucumber Slices: For a milder, crunchier bite without the tang, fresh cucumber slices work well.
Coleslaw: A tangy, vinegary coleslaw can stand in for pickles while adding a bit more texture.

Final Thoughts

The Bacon Wrangler isn’t just a burger—it’s an experience. Pair it with some of these sides to create a meal that satisfies every craving, from crispy and creamy bite to sweet and tangy zing.

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