Bash Burgers Recipes

THE B AND B "BASH BURGER"

Steps:

• Preheat a gas grill to high heat or heat a large skillet over high heat.
• Sprinkle the patties generously with salt and pepper and place on the grill. Spread each patty with 1 teaspoon of the Dijon mustard, and then grill or pan-sear the burgers to desired temperature. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty until it begins to melt.
• To assemble the burgers, dress both sides of each bun with 1 tablespoon of the Special Sauce. Place the patties on the bottom buns and top each burger with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the warm Bacon Jam. Place the top bun on each burger, slice in half, and serve immediately.
• Render the bacon in a pan over low heat with 1/4 cup water until crispy, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
• Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the skillet and add the canola oil and onions. Sweat the onions over low heat until translucent and lightly caramelized, 20 to 25 minutes, and then transfer to a nonreactive bowl.
• Pulse the bacon lardons in a food processor until they reach a coarse consistency. Fold the bacon into the onions, and then stir in the vinegar and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and then let cool to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Remove the thyme sprig when reheating.
• Blend together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sherry vinegar, Sriracha and garlic in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper, and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

BASH BURGERS

Steps:

• Make the bacon jam: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove to paper towels; pour off all but 3 tablespoons drippings from the skillet. Add the canola oil to the skillet and heat over low heat. Add the onion; cover and cook 10 minutes. Uncover and cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft, 10 to 15 more minutes. Return the bacon to the skillet; add the white wine vinegar and thyme and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Make the secret sauce: Pulse the mayonnaise, ketchup, sherry vinegar, Sriracha and garlic in a food processor until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
• Make the burgers: Preheat a grill to medium high and brush the grates with vegetable oil. Form the beef into six 1/2-inch-thick patties; season with salt and pepper. Grill 5 minutes; flip and brush with the mustard. Grill 5 more minutes for medium rare, topping with the cheese in the last minute. Spread the sauce on the bottom buns; top with the burgers, bacon jam, pickles and top buns.

EASY HAMBURGERS

Steps:

• Shape ground beef into four 3/4-in.-thick patties. Just before grilling, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat until a thermometer reads 160°, 5-7 minutes on each side. Top bun bottoms with burgers. If desired, serve with lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon and mayonnaise.

SMASH BURGERS

Steps:

• Place a 9-in. cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, gently shape beef into 4 balls, shaping just enough to keep together (do not compact). , Increase burner temperature to medium-high; add oil. Working in batches, add beef. With a heavy metal spatula, flatten to 1/4- to 1/2-in. thickness; sprinkle each with 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook until edges start to brown, about 1-1/2 minutes. Turn burgers and sprinkle with additional 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook until well browned and a thermometer reads at least 160°, 1 minute. Repeat with remaining beef., Serve burgers on buns with toppings as desired.