FFNW Grilled Blue Cheese & Bacon Burgers with Caramelized Onions

Get your Grill on! These flavorful burgers will be the hit of the neighborhood at your next cookout.

How many times have you strolled through the state fair, seduced by the scent of caramelized onions wafting through the air, luring you closer to the source of the irresistible aroma? As the onions gently sizzle in a fragrant dance, their natural sugars slowly caramelize, releasing an intoxicating symphony of flavors.

Each bite of these velvety, sweetly savory strands unveils a harmony of tastes, as the onions reveal their complex layers of caramelized essence. The initial delicate crunch gives way to a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, while their sweetness, gently offset by a hint of savory undertones, leaves a lingering, unforgettable sensation on your palate.

But their appeal extends far beyond their culinary prowess. Caramelized onions embody a celebration of patience and skill, as they require time, dedication, and a watchful eye to achieve the perfect balance of caramelization. They epitomize the transformative power of cooking, taking a humble vegetable and turning it into a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes both the palate and the imagination.

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When it comes to achieving the ultimate grilled burger, we all have our personal favorites. A single strip of bacon per burger might not suffice for some, and others may favor American cheese over cheddar. Adjust and customize the ingredients to create a burger that reflects your unique taste and style.

FFNW Grilled Blue Cheese & Bacon Burgers with Caramelized Onions

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Makes 8 Burgers

Ingredients

• 2 pounds FFNW ground beef
• 8 hamburger buns
• 8 slices of bacon
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 8 slices cheddar, American, or Gruyère cheese (pictured: Gruyère)
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, extra blue cheese crumbles, condiments of your choice

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and crumbled blue cheese. Mix well to evenly distribute the cheese throughout the meat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into patties, making them slightly larger than the hamburger buns as they will shrink during cooking. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up.
4. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease. Set aside.
7. Place the burger patties on the preheated grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese to allow it to melt.
8. While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill until they are golden brown.
9. Assemble the burgers by placing a patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a slice of bacon, a generous amount of caramelized onions, and any additional toppings you desire. Finish by placing the top half of the bun on top.
10. Serve the grilled hamburgers immediately and enjoy!

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