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Smoked Gouda-Bacon Cheeseburgers

Source of Recipe

From "In the Kitchen with David" by David Venable


Recipe Introduction

"Foodies, when making cheeseburgers, add a double dose of smoky flavor with smoked Gouda and strips of bacon. These burgers are a great year-round treat because you can make them on your outdoor grill when the weather is warm or in a grill pan on your cooktop. How can you beat a grilled burger punched up with smoked bacon and smoked Gouda on a toasted bun?"

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 5 bacon slices, diced
â—¦ 1 large onion, chopped
â—¦ 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
â—¦ 2 cloves garlic
â—¦ 1 large egg
â—¦ 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
â—¦ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
â—¦ 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
â—¦ 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
â—¦ 1 pound ground chuck
â—¦ 1 4-ounce piece smoked Gouda, cut into 4 cubes
â—¦ 4 hamburger buns, toasted


Recipe

Preheat an outdoor grill (if using).

Place the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium heat. Fry, stirring occasionally. When the bacon is almost done, add the onion and spinach. Cook until the bacon is crisp, the onion is tender, and the spinach is wilted. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon mixture from the skillet and transfer to a food processor. Pulse 3 or 4 times to chop finely. Do not purée.

Whisk together the egg, liquid smoke, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a large bowl. Add the bacon mixture and ground chuck. Using your hands, thoroughly mix the burger mixture and then shape it into four patties.

Poke one cheese cube into the center of each burger. Place the patties on the grill or grill pan over medium heat and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
Serve on buns.

Serves 4