The Office Burger

Ingredients

For the onion-bacon compote: 

6 slices bacon, chopped

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 onions, thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

For the burgers:

Vegetable oil, for the grill

2 pounds ground beef chuck

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

4 mini baguettes or other rolls, split

4 ounces gruyere cheese, shredded

4 ounces Maytag blue cheese, crumbled

2 cups baby arugula

Directions

Make the compote: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon; discard all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings from the skillet.

Reduce the heat to low and add the butter to the skillet; swirl to melt. Add the onions; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 15 minutes. Uncover and add the garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add the vinegar and cook, stirring, until the onions are glazed, about 1 more minute. Stir in the reserved bacon and season with salt and pepper; set aside.

Grill the burgers: Preheat a grill to medium high and brush the grates with vegetable oil. Form the beef into four 1-inch-thick oblong patties and season with salt and pepper. Grill 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium. Meanwhile, toast the baguettes.

Serve the burgers on the baguettes; top with the gruyere, blue cheese, onion-bacon compote and arugula.

Photograph by Steve Giralt

Courtesy of Food Network Magazine