Candied Bacon Maple Cheddar Burger

By margiekyle

Ingredients

• CANDIED BACON
• 1 lb thick cut applewood smoked bacon
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• CARMELIZED ONIONS
• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced thinly
• MAPLE BBQ SAUCE
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup real maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 tsp hot sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• BURGER
• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 buns, toasted if desired

Details

Servings 8
Adapted from cookiesandcups.com

Preparation

Step 1

Prepare the candied bacon first.

Preheat oven to 375°. Line a large baking sheet (with sides) with foil. Place a baking rack or cooling rack on top of the foil.

Whisk together light brown sugar and pepper in a small bowl.

Line bacon on rack. Spread sugar mixture evenly over bacon.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning pan once throughout baking.

When done, remove pan from oven and allow bacon to cool on rack.

Caramelized Onions

Heat butter in medium skillet over medium low heat. Add onions, salt and sugar and cook for 20-25 minutes until onions are golden brown and soft.

Maple BBQ sauce

Mix all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and allow sauce to cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently. Allow to cool.

Burgers

Mix meat and salt and pepper in a bowl. Divide mixture into 8 equal portions and form into patties.

Grill burgers for 4-5 minutes on each side.

Immediately top with a slice of cheese and allow to melt. Remove burger from grill and assemble, but topping with BBQ sauce, caramelized onions and candied bacon.