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

Sliders

07
Ina Garten 
Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics

These aren’t your backyard barbecue burgers. Fresh thyme, grated Gruyère and baby arugula make these bite-sized burgers an elegant hors d'oeuvre.

• 2 lb(s) premium ground beef (80% lean and 20% fat)
• 1 Tbsp good Dijon mustard
• 3 Tbsp good olive oil, plus extra for brushing the grill
• 1 tsp thyme leaves, chopped
• 3 tsp garlic, chopped
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 6 oz Gruyère, grated
• 12 Brioche buns
• 4 oz baby arugula
• 3 tomatoes, sliced in 1/8-inch-thick rounds
• 2 red onions, sliced in 1/8-inch-thick rounds
• Ketchup, for serving

To Make

1. Build a charcoal fire or heat a gas grill.

2. Place the ground beef in a large bowl and add the mustard, olive oil, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with a fork to combine, taking care not to compress the ingredients. Shape the meat into 12 (2-inch) patties of equal size and thickness.

3. When the grill is medium-hot, brush the grill grate with oil to keep the sliders from sticking. Place the sliders on the grill and cook for 4 minutes. Turn the sliders over with a spatula and cook for another 4 to 6 minutes, until medium-rare, or cook longer if you prefer the sliders more well done. For the last 2 minutes of cooking time, place 1/2-ounce Gruyère on the top of each burger and close the grill lid. Remove the sliders to a platter and cover with foil.

4. Slice the buns in half crosswise and toast the halves cut side down on the grill.

5. Divide the baby arugula among the 12 bottom buns, top each with a slider, and finish with a slice of tomato and red onion. Cover with the top of the bun and serve hot with ketchup.

Guy Fieri's Turkey Burger Patty Melts

43

Guy Fieri

Toasted rye bread is topped with a slice of Gruyère, juicy turkey burgers and piled with caramelized onions and mushrooms. Serve with mustard and hot cherry peppers for a nice kick.

1 lb(s) ground turkey

1 cups panko bread crumbs

⅓ cup milk

1 egg

1 Tbsp sage

1 Tbsp fresh thyme

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper, freshly cracked

1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced

1 Tbsp olive oil

½ cup butter, unsalted

3 Tbsp canola oil

1 red onion, sliced

1 yellow onion, sliced

8 pieces rye bread

8 pieces Gruyere

To  Make:

1. In a large bowl, add the panko, milk, egg, sage, thyme and salt and pepper. Combine and let sit for a few minutes. Add in the turkey and combine well. Form into oblong patties (same size as the rye bread) Place on a parchment paper lined sheet pan and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.

2. While burgers are resting, in a large sauté pan, heat 1/4 cup of the butter and 1 Tbsp canola oil. Add onions and sauté 15 to 20 minutes or until nicely caramelized. Set aside, but keep warm.

3. In the same pan as the sautéed onions, add 3 Tbsp canola oil and the mushrooms and sauté 6-8 minutes over medium high heat until softened. Set aside, but keep warm.

4. Heat a griddle or cast iron skillet to medium high heat, add 1 Tbsp canola oil and spread evenly. Add in the turkey burgers and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove from heat, cover and keep warm.

5. Butter the rye bread and add to the pan, place the Gruyere on bread, then place the turkey burgers on the cheese, pile with onions and the other piece of rye, repeat for all four burgers. After 2 to 3 minutes, turn sandwich over carefully and brown on other side. Remove to cutting board and cut on the diagonal. Serve with mustard and hot cherry peppers.

Read more at http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-burger-patty-melts/16141/#X4ky12pfSdD08VmY.99