End of Summer Burger – Super King Markets
End of Summer Burger: A Delicious, Juicy Burger Recipe
The End of Summer Burger is a perfect way to close out grilling season with a flavorful twist on the classic burger. With bacon-infused beef patties, melted Colby-Jack cheese, and fresh toppings like avocado and tomato, it’s sure to be a hit at your next cookout.
Recipe Summary
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 1 hr
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 Large Burgers
Ingredients for the End of Summer Burger
-
12 slices bacon
-
2 tablespoons bacon drippings
-
2 pounds ground beef
-
2 cups dry bread crumbs
-
2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
-
2 pinches freshly ground black pepper
-
1.5 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese
-
Cooking spray
-
4 slices Colby-Jack cheese
-
4 thin tomato slices
-
2 large avocados, halved
-
4 hamburger buns, split
Directions
Step 1
In a large skillet, place the bacon slices and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned (not totally crisp!), for about 8 minutes. Drain the bacon on paper towels. Retain 2 tablespoon bacon drippings.
Step 2
In a bowl combine the mix of ground beef, bread crumbs, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and retained bacon drippings. Divide meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Make each portion into a large patty, making them as thin as possible. Sprinkle shredded Colby-Jack cheese onto 4 of the patties, leaving an edge about 3/4 inch wide uncovered. Place second patty onto the cheese and press the edges of the patties together to create 4 “cheese-stuffed patties”. For about 10 minutes place stuffed patties into freezer to chill slightly.
Step 3
Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat.
Step 4
With the cooking spray; mist the grill grate and place burgers onto grill. Turning the heat to low, place lid over grill, and cook until outsides of burgers are lightly charred and cheese has melted, for about 10 minutes per side. Maintain grill temperature at about 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Flames should just lightly touch the bottoms of the burgers to create a slight char, use a spray bottle of water to control flames. After the first flip, place 3 partially-cooked bacon slices onto each burger.
Warning! This beef patty requires constant attention when grilling due to flare-ups. The beef/bacon grease is highly flammable.
Step 5
About 2 minutes before burgers are done, place a slice of Colby-Jack cheese on each patty; top with tomato and avocado slices and plate to rest for 1 or 2 minutes. Serve the prepared patties on hamburger buns or make them protein style and wrapping them in Butter Lettuce.
Serve your End of Summer Burger with a side of our Stuffed Zucchini Boats for a colorful, veggie-packed plate that’s sure to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these burgers without bacon?
Yes! You can omit the bacon and still make delicious cheese-stuffed burgers. For added flavor, consider using a different type of cheese or a seasoning mix to give the beef patties extra richness.
Can I make the burger patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to chill them in the freezer for 10 minutes before grilling to help the cheese stay inside the patty.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Colby-Jack cheese adds a great melt and flavor, you can substitute it with any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.
How can I avoid the beef from shrinking while grilling?
To prevent the beef from shrinking, avoid pressing down on the patties while grilling. Let the patties cook undisturbed to retain their juiciness.