Recipe: Bacon and Smoked-Cheese Burger

BACON AND SMOKED-CHEESE BURGER

2 1/4 lbs. ground round, chuck or sirloin
2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
Salt, fresh-ground pepper
12 thin slices bacon
FOR SERVING:
6 hamburger buns
6 slices (1/2 inch thick) Vidalia onion
6 slices smoked mozzarella, 1/4 inch thick

Preheat a gas grill to high.

Divide the meat into 6 equal portions. Lightly wet your hands with cold water, then form each portion into a round patty 4 inches across and of even thickness. Wrap each patty with 2 strips of bacon perpendicular to each other.

Oil the grill grate. Brush one side of the patties and onion slices with butter. Place butter-sides down on the grill and cook uncovered until nicely browned, about 4 minutes. Brush the other side lightly with more melted butter and turn the patties and onion slices with a spatula. Continue grilling, uncovered, until cooked to taste, about 4 minutes for medium.

Brush the cut sides of the buns with the remaining melted butter and place, cut sides down, on the grill the last 2 minutes.

Place the burgers and onion slices on the buns. Top with the cheese. The heat of the burgers will melt the cheese.

Makes 6 servings
Source: The Barbecue Bible by Steven Raichlen