BACON CHEESEBURGERS

Bacon Cheeseburgers image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 ounces bacon
1 1/4 pounds ground beef chuck (80/20 blend preferred)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 ounces farmhouse Cheddar, dry Jack or Comte, sliced
4 potato buns or kaiser rolls, toasted if desired
Lettuce and tomato slices, for topping

Steps:

1. Pulse the bacon in a food processor, or chop with a knife, until ground. (If using a knife, freeze the bacon for a bit first to make the chopping easier.) 2. Combine the bacon and beef in a bowl, mixing lightly. Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Gently flatten into 1-inch patties and make a thumb-size divot in the middle of each.
3. Heat a griddle or large cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Evenly sprinkle the patties all over with salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Griddle the burgers, turning when the bottom forms a dark brown crust, about 4 minutes. Add 1-ounce cheese on top of each burger and cook for 2 minutes. Cover the pan and turn the heat off. Allow to sit, covered, until the cheese melts, about 1 minute. Place the burgers on the buns, top with lettuce and tomato. Cover with the top buns and serve.