Roasted Garlic Bacon Burger

Roasted garlic and bacon infused burgers topped with caramelized onions. In short--amazing. The roasted garlic and bacon flavors shine through and create gourmet burgers for your guests. The bacon cooking guide comes from Cooks County, and the added roasted garlic gives the burgers depth.

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

Directions:

1 head of garlic

Olive oil

1 onion, halved and sliced thin

8 slices of bacon

1 1/2 pounds 85 percent lean ground beef

1/2 T. steak seasoning

Slices of gouda or other cheese of preference.

Hamburger buns, lettuce, tomatoes and other desired condiments

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut off top 1/4 of garlic head, exposing the tops of the garlic cloves. Place head of garlic in aluminum foil and pour 1-2 t. olive oil on top to cover the garlic. Close foil into a packet and place in oven. Cook garlic for 30-40 min. Cool, then push bottom of garlic cloves to release them from their skins. Press garlic cloves with a fork to break them up.

Put bacon in food processor and mix it to a smooth paste. Cook bacon in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned in spots but still pink (not crispy), about 5 minutes. Remove bacon to a paper-towel lined plate with a slotted spoon. Place onion in pan with bacon fat and 1/4 t. kosher salt. Cook until caramelized, about 20 min. Remove from heat.

Mix ground beef, roasted garlic, bacon, and steak seasoning together gently. Form into 6 patties, about 1/4 inch thick. Gently press down two fingers in the middle of each patty to make and indentation (this allows for more even cooking). Cook burgers for 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on desired cooking temperature. (Burgers should register 125 for medium-rare and 130 for medium). Add cheese toward the end of cooking to melt. Top with caramelized onions and desired toppings.