Red Robin Cheesy Bacon Fondue: Full Review, Calories & Copycat Recipe

If you love bacon and cheese, Red Robin has a burger that was made just for you. The Cheesy Bacon Fondue burger piles hardwood-smoked bacon and melty American cheese on a fire-grilled patty, then hands you a warm bowl of beer cheese fondue for dipping. In this guide, I break down what's actually in it, how it tastes, its calorie count, and whether it's worth your money. I'll also share a step-by-step copycat recipe you can make at home.

What Is the Cheesy Bacon Fondue Burger?

The Cheesy Bacon Fondue is one of Red Robin's specialty gourmet burgers. It starts with a fire-grilled beef patty, then gets topped with crisp hardwood-smoked bacon, melted American cheese, and mayo, all stacked on a toasted brioche bun. What sets it apart from a regular bacon cheeseburger is the side dish: a warm bowl of Fat Tire Beer Cheese Bacon Fondue made for dipping.

This isn't a new item. Red Robin first rolled it out as part of a Cheese Lovers promotion, and it proved so popular that the chain brought it back as a permanent menu staple. The idea is simple. Instead of just biting into a cheesy burger, you get to dunk every bite, and your fries too, into a bowl of gooey, cheesy, bacon-flecked sauce.

What's Inside: Ingredients Breakdown

The fondue does contain beer, but most of the alcohol cooks off during preparation, so it isn't something to worry about for most guests. If you want a lighter option, you can always ask for the fondue on the side or skip the mayo.

Calories and Nutrition Facts

Red Robin burgers are known for big portions, and this one is no exception. Here's the full nutrition breakdown for one full order, which includes the burger and the fondue dip.

Note: These numbers cover the burger with the fondue dip and do not include your side. Adding Bottomless Steak Fries or a milkshake will raise the total. Values can shift slightly by location, so treat this as a close estimate rather than an exact figure.

This dish also contains milk, soy, eggs, gluten, and wheat, and may come into contact with sesame during prep. If you have food allergies, it's smart to ask your server for a full allergen sheet before you order.

Burger Extras and Ways to Customize It

Red Robin lets you build your own version of almost anything on the menu, and the Cheesy Bacon Fondue is no different. Here are a few popular ways guests dress it up:

• Add fried jalapeño coins for a spicy kick that cuts through the richness.
• Swap the mayo for Campfire Mayo to add a smoky, tangy note.
• Choose a different side like Garlic Parmesan Broccoli or creamy Coleslaw instead of fries, both of which taste great dipped in the fondue.
• Order Towering Onion Rings from the appetizer menu as a shareable side that pairs perfectly with the fondue for dipping.
• Finish with a milkshake from the milkshakes menu to balance the salty, savory flavors with something sweet.

Since every burger comes with a choice of side, this dish is easy to make your own without paying extra. You can also ask your server about seasonal toppings, since Red Robin rotates limited-time additions throughout the year.

Taste Review: What Does It Actually Taste Like?

The first thing you notice is the smell of smoky bacon as the plate hits the table. The patty itself is juicy and well-seasoned, with a nice char from the grill. The American cheese melts right into the bacon, so every bite already tastes rich before you even reach for the fondue.

Then comes the dip. The fondue is warm, thick, and pours slowly off the spoon. It tastes like a cross between beer cheese and queso, with a mild malty note from the Fat Tire beer that keeps it from tasting flat. Bacon bits throughout the sauce add a smoky crunch. Dipping the burger adds an extra layer of cheese on top of the cheese that's already on it, which sounds like a lot, and it is, but in a good way if you're a fan of indulgent food.

The fries do the heavy lifting once the burger is gone. Steak fries dipped in the leftover fondue taste almost like a loaded cheese fry, and most guests end up scraping the bowl clean.

What Real Guests Say

Is the Cheesy Bacon Fondue Worth Ordering?

At $18.19, this burger sits toward the higher end of Red Robin's menu, but it does come with a full side and the fondue dip included, so you're getting more than just a sandwich. Whether it's worth ordering really depends on what you're in the mood for.

If you're craving something indulgent and love the combo of bacon, beef, and melted cheese, this burger delivers. If you're watching calories or want something lighter, you might prefer a salad or a smaller option from the Tavern Burgers menu instead.

Copycat Red Robin Cheesy Bacon Fondue Recipe

Can't get to a Red Robin location tonight? You can recreate this burger and its famous dip at home with ingredients from any grocery store. Here's my step-by-step version.

Tip: If the fondue thickens too much while sitting, whisk in a splash of warm milk to loosen it back up before serving.

What to Pair It With

Since this burger is rich, pairing it with the right drink or side can round out the meal. A cold soft drink or iced tea from the drinks menu works well to cut through the richness. If you're dining as adults, a light beer from the adult beverages menu actually complements the beer cheese fondue nicely. Families often round out the table with a kid-friendly pick from the kids menu or a shareable bundle from the family menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More Red Robin Menus

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