Bacon Burgers
with Bourbon Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese
WHAT YOU NEED:
4 hamburger buns arugula or mixed greens
BOURBON CARAMELIZED ONIONS
2 teaspoons grapeseed or other flavorless oil 1 large yellow onion 1 teaspoon maple syrup or brown sugar 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Black pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons bourbon
HONEY THYME GOAT CHEESE
4 ounces goat cheese, softened
1 tablespoon honey ½ teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
BACON BURGERS
1 pound lean ground beef
4 slices of uncooked bacon, diced ½ teaspoon kosher salt Black pepper, to taste
WHAT YOU DO:
1. In a medium saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high.
2. While the oil is heating, thinly slice the onion.
3. Add in the sliced onions, salt and black pepper to hot pan.
4. Saute the onion for a couple of minutes; then add in the maple syrup or brown sugar.
5. Turn the heat down to medium and continue to cook the onions until they soften and turn golden brown in color, about 6-8 minutes.
6. Add the bourbon into the onions and saute for another minute, then remove them from the heat.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the goat cheese, honey and fresh thyme until completely combined.
8. Heat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates
to prevent the burgers from sticking.
9. In a large bowl, gently mix together the beef, diced uncooked bacon, salt and pepper.
10. Form the meat into 4 patties, being careful not to overwork the meat.
11. Grill the burgers on each side for 4-6 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160 F and the juices run clear.
12. Remove the burgers from the grill and toast the buns if desired.
13. Place a burger on the bottom half of each bun and top it with some of the bourbon caramelized onions and arugula.
14. Spread an equal amount of the goat cheese on the top half of each of the 4 buns. Serve immediately.