The humble hamburger is a barbecue staple. What would a Labor Day cook out be without a few burgers on the grill? However, if you’re ready to upgrade your plain old patties and a slice of cheese; have I got a burger for you! The Candied Bacon Cheddar Burger. 

 

You have to be ready for this burger. It rivals any gourmet burger you’ll find.

 

Imagine the perfect combination of a smoky, juicy BBQ’d hamburger patty made with Worcestershire and a touch of horseradish, the creamy tang of sharp cheddar cheese, sweet and succulent caramelized onions, the easiest homemade BBQ sauce dripping down your chin, crowned with crisp, brown sugar and pepper candied bacon. Let that sink in.

 

 

If you’re not drooling, take your pulse. Unless you’re a vegetarian. In that case, why are you reading this? It’s a burger with bacon. Move along.

 

When you take that first bite; your eyes will roll back in your head you will have a moment of silent nirvana. When you’re able to speak you’ll say Oh, My, Gaaaawd with your mouth full. And then, there will be a hush as everyone at the table devours their divine burgers.

 

Are you ready?

 

 

THE CANDIED BACON CHEDDAR BURGER

 

These quantities below make 4 (half pound) or 6 (one third pound) or 8 (quarter pound) burgers, depending on how monstrous you like your burgers.

Prepare the candied bacon, onions and sauce first so they can hang out while you make the burgers.

 

Candied Bacon

 

What You’ll Need:

 

• 1 lb. bacon
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

 

 

Here’s How:

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Line a large shallow baking pan with foil and place a baking rack on top.
2. Spray the rack with cooking spray and line up the bacon on rack.
3. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar. Grind pepper, to taste, over bacon. I used about ¼ teaspoon total. 
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crisp. Let cool and set aside.

 

 

Caramelized Onions

 

What You’ll Need:

 

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 large sweet or yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ tsp kosher salt

 

 

Here’s How:

 

1. In medium skillet over medium low heat; melt butter.
2. Add onions, salt and sugar and toss to mix. 
3. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until onions are golden brown and soft.
4. Turn off heat and set aside.

 

 

 

Easy BBQ sauce

 

What You’ll Need:

 

• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp your favorite hot sauce (I used Chipotle)
• 1 tsp garlic powder

 

 

Here’s How:

 

1. In a small saucepan, mix all ingredients and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and stirring frequently, simmer the sauce for 20 minutes. Let cool.

 

 

The Burger

 

What You’ll Need:

 

• 2 pounds ground beef (I use 80/20 in burgers)
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon bottled horseradish
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 burger buns

 

Here’s How:

 

1. Fire up your BBQ or pre-heat your broiler. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Divide mixture into 4, 6 or 8 equal portions and form into patties.
2. We have some variables in size here, so grill burgers until they reach your desired level of doneness. Due diligence – hamburger should cook to 160°F. 
3. In the last few minutes of cooking remove ¼ cup sauce from the pan and brush it on the burgers. Top with a slice of cheese and let it melt.  Toast buns if desired.
4. To assemble your burgers; spread BBQ sauce on buns, place burger on bottom bun, add some caramelized onions and top with candied bacon.
5. Devour.

 

 

Since you’re firing up the grill, how about a recipe for a knock-out grilled dessert?   Grilled Red, White & Blueberry Donut Shortcake 

 

Check out Cooking Detective for Best Charcoal Grill Reviews 2017

 

If you like recipes that supercharge bacon, then you’ll also love this:   Meet your new favorite food – Diva’s Bacon Jam 

 

Diva Tip

I reused a shaker spice bottle to easily and evenly sprinkle brown sugar on the bacon.  You can keep a shaker of brown sugar handy so you can easily make candied bacon for special occasions like . . . oh, I don’t know . . . breakfast.

 

Have two salads as penance tomorrow, but today make a double batch of the candied bacon.

 

You’ll thank me later.

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