Cook the bacon in a pan. Once cooked, set bacon aside and keep the fat in the pan to be used for cooking the patties.
In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together using your hands.
Divide the meat in half and make two patties, each aboiut 3/4″ thick. Make sure it’s slightly larger in diameter than the buns, as it will shrink when it’s cooking.
Heat the pan with bacon fat until hot. VERY CAREFULLY slide the first patty onto the pan, making sure not to splash yourself.
Cook the patty 5 minutes each side. Place cheese onto the patty right after you flip it. When the 2nd side is done, carefully place the patty onto another place and cover with a large bowl (big enough to cover it completely) to keep warm. Repeat with 2nd patty.
The Bun
In a bowl – add the warm milk, sugar, yeast, egg, melted butter – stir well and set aside until foamy.
Place flour and salt in the mixer bowl. (not the additional flour)
Add in the yeast mixture.
Remove the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s nice and elastic, soft but springs back to the touch, and a tad sticky.
Place in an oiled bowl to rise for about an hour or more..until double in volume.
Once double in volume. Punch down.
Reform the dough back into shape, this time placed onto a baking sheet. Cover and let it rest for another 45 minutes to an hour.
Once doubled in volume again, brush it with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake in a preheated oven at 380 F for between 15 to 20 mins or until golden brown.
Important – right when you take the burgers out of the oven – cover them with a clean kitchen cloth, plastic wrap, or large bowl so the burgers will retain the steam and stay soft.
Cover well with plastic wrap and store in a cool dark place if you are making this a day ahead. This does not need to be refrigerated.
Putting everything together
Slice the bun in half.
Spread sauce on each slice (I made mine mixing mayo, ranch seasoning, sour cream, and garlic powder).
Place the patties onto the bottom slice. Assemble toppings of your choice on top of the patties.
Add the bacon on top, then place the other slice onto the burger, give it a slightly firm press.