Wendy’s Pretzel Bacon Pub Burger
Remember when Wendy's dropped their Pretzel Bacon Pub Burger and it became an instant obsession? That perfect combination of a salty pretzel bun, juicy beef patty, crispy bacon, tangy beer cheese sauce, and those addictive crispy onions had people lining up around the block. Well, guess what? You don't need to wait for Wendy's to bring it back: you can recreate this legendary burger right in your own kitchen!
Let's be honest, there's something magical about that pretzel bun that just hits different. The slightly chewy texture with those coarse salt crystals, paired with that rich, creamy beer cheese sauce dripping down the sides: it's pure comfort food bliss. And when you bite into those crispy fried onions? Game over.
The best part about making this at home is that you get to control every single component. Want extra beer cheese sauce? Go for it! Prefer your bacon extra crispy? You're the chef! Plus, you'll save a ton of money making multiple burgers for the whole family instead of shelling out fast-food prices.
Why This Copycat Recipe Works
This isn't just any burger recipe: we're talking about recreating one of the most beloved limited-time offerings in fast food history. The secret lies in understanding what made the original so irresistible. It's all about that perfect balance of textures and flavors: the soft pretzel bun, the gooey cheese sauce, the crispy bacon and onions, and that tangy honey mustard that ties everything together.
The beer cheese sauce is where the magic really happens. Most people think it's just melted cheese, but there's actually a proper technique to getting that smooth, creamy consistency that coats the burger without being too thick or too thin. We're using a classic roux method combined with real beer to get that authentic pub flavor.
Essential Components You'll Need
This burger is all about the layers, so we're breaking it down into manageable components that you can prep ahead of time. Trust me, having everything ready before you start assembling makes the whole process so much smoother and more enjoyable.
The Beer Cheese Sauce This is the star of the show! We're making a real beer cheese sauce using butter, flour, beer, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese. The key is using a good quality beer: something like an Oktoberfest or lager works perfectly. Don't worry if you're not a beer drinker; the alcohol cooks off and you're left with that rich, malty flavor that makes this sauce absolutely irresistible.
Crispy Fried Onions These aren't your average onion rings. We're talking about thin, crispy onion strings that add the perfect crunch to every bite. The secret is soaking them in buttermilk first, then coating them in seasoned flour for that extra crispy texture.
The Perfect Patty We're using an 80/20 ground beef blend for the juiciest results. The key is forming thin patties that are slightly larger than your bun: they'll shrink as they cook. And here's a pro tip: don't press down on the patties while they're cooking! This keeps all those delicious juices locked in.
Let's Dive Into The Recipe
For the Beer Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup Oktoberfest beer or lager
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon grainy Dijon mustard
- ½ to 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Honey Mustard:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
For the Crispy Onions:
- ½ medium onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
For the Burgers:
- ¼ to ½ pound ground beef per burger (80/20 blend)
- 2 slices thick-cut bacon per burger
- 1-2 slices Muenster or Monterey Jack cheese per burger
- Pretzel sandwich buns
- Pickle slices
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make That Incredible Beer Cheese Sauce
Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it's bubbling, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates what's called a roux, and it's going to thicken your sauce beautifully.
Slowly pour in the beer while whisking: this prevents any lumps from forming. Then add the milk and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer while you add the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Here's where the magic happens: gradually add the shredded cheese, one handful at a time, stirring constantly until it's completely melted and smooth. Keep this warm on low heat: you want it ready to pour over your burger while it's still gloriously creamy.
Whip Up the Honey Mustard
This is super simple but adds such a perfect tangy-sweet element. Just combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Taste it and adjust: want it sweeter? Add more honey. More tangy? Up the Dijon. This is your burger, make it exactly how you like it!
Create Those Addictive Crispy Onions
Slice your onion as thin as possible and soak it in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for getting that perfect tender-crispy texture. While they're soaking, mix your flour with the seasonings.
Heat about an inch of oil to 350°F. Drain the onions, shake off excess buttermilk, and toss them in the seasoned flour until completely coated. Fry them in batches for about 5 minutes until they're golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and season with salt immediately while they're hot.
Cook the Perfect Burger
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat for at least 5 minutes: this is key for getting that perfect sear. Form your beef into patties that are slightly wider than your buns and season generously with salt and pepper.
Cook for about 3 minutes on the first side until you see juices starting to surface, then flip and immediately top with cheese. Cover the pan to help the cheese melt perfectly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes for medium doneness.
Assembly Time!
This is where it all comes together! Toast your pretzel buns in the same pan for about a minute until they're golden and slightly crispy.
Start with honey mustard on the bottom bun, add your cheesy burger patty, then generously spoon over that incredible beer cheese sauce. Layer on the crispy bacon, pile on those addictive fried onions, add a few pickle slices, and finish with more honey mustard on the top bun.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to nailing this recipe is having everything prepped and ready to go. The beer cheese sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently, the onions can be fried earlier in the day and re-crisped in a 350°F oven for a few minutes, and the honey mustard keeps for days in the fridge.
Don't skip the step of toasting the pretzel buns: it adds that extra layer of texture that makes this burger special. And if you can't find pretzel buns, you can brush regular hamburger buns with beaten egg, sprinkle with coarse salt, and toast them for a similar effect.
Serve these beauties with crispy fries or onion rings, and you've got yourself a restaurant-quality meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of flavors and textures is absolutely incredible: that creamy beer cheese sauce, the crunch of the onions, the smoky bacon, and that perfectly seasoned beef patty all nestled in a soft pretzel bun.
This recipe makes enough beer cheese sauce for multiple burgers, so it's perfect for game day or when you're feeding a crowd. Trust me, once people taste this homemade version, they'll be begging you to make it again and again!
This recipe is inspired by Wendy's and is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.