I was honored to be a judge at the Burger Battle sponsored by Bull Outdoor Products and totally inspired by the burgers that were turned in. I created this burger a while back and thought it worth revisiting. This burger is BIG ON FLAVOR! It’s all there – spicy heat from the blackening spices complimented with cool blue cheese, and a sweetness from the caramelized onions! I normally wouldn’t add breadcrumbs to a burger, but the red wine reduction adds so much flavor that it needs something to hang on to. With that said, this burger ROCKS and you just may want to add it to your Memorial Day grill.
A couple notes: try to NOT USE the pre-crumbled blue cheese from the grocery store; I love love love Pt. Reyes Blue from Cowgirl Creamery. The brioche buns are available at Trader Joe’s.
- Cajun or blackening spices
- 4 ounces GOOD QUALITY blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 cups pinot noir
- 1½ pounds ground chuck
- ½ cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- Sea salt
- 4 brioche buns
- Caramelized onions
- Butter lettuce
- Tomatoes, thickly sliced
- Dijon mustard
- Blend the butter and blue cheese together with a fork. Lay a piece of plastic wrap over a dinner plate. Place four spoonfuls of the blue cheese onto the plate, loosely cover then smash into 3 to 3-1/2 inch disks. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes - they need to be cold and firm.
- In a small saucepan over high heat, reduce the wine down to ½ cup. Remove from heat and cool.
- In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the wine reduction, ground beef, breadcrumbs, and egg. Divide the mixture into eight equal portions and shape into round patties. Place disk blue cheese butter onto four of the patties and top each with another patty. Pinch the edges together firmly and re-shape into a round patty of even thickness. Season with salt and generously sprinkle/rub the blackening seasoning both sides of the burgers. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Prepare your grill for direct cooking over high heat. Brush and oil the grate before you begin cooking. Place the burgers on the preheated grill and cook for about 5 minutes per side. Place the buns cut side down on the grill for 1 minute or so until toasted.
- Place burgers on that buttery brioche bun and top with caramelized onions, thick sliced bacon and slices of ripe avocados.
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- stuffed with blue cheese
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- blackening spice
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- burger rubbed with blackening spices
Work it out and let me know how they were!
Cheers and Happy Grilling!
Jeff
OMG. What amazing looking burgers! I think I’m going to try these next time I’m doing burgers. LOVE blue cheese. Thanks for sharing!!!
WOW! Thanks, Vanessa. Please let me know if yo try them! Cheers and have a happy Memorial Day! – Jeff