Description
Experience fall’s ultimate gourmet burger featuring apple cider gouda cheese, maple-glazed bacon crunch, and a perfectly seared smash patty. Crafted for discerning home chefs seeking restaurant-quality results with seasonal autumn flavors.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (preferably grass-fed for best flavor)
1/2 cup shredded Harvest Apple Cider Gouda cheese
6 slices thick-cut bacon
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tbsp brown sugar
4 hamburger buns (freshly baked recommended)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Optional: lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, pickles
Instructions
1. Cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and place on paper towel-lined plate to drain.
2. Once bacon is cool, chop into small pieces. Toss chopped bacon with maple syrup and brown sugar to create the maple bacon crunch. Set aside.
3. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (4 oz each). Gently shape into balls without overworking the meat.
4. Season both sides of meat balls generously with salt and pepper.
5. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add olive oil.
6. Place meat balls on hot skillet and immediately smash flat using a spatula to create thin patties with crispy edges.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bottom is deeply seared and crusty. Flip patties.
8. Immediately top each patty with shredded apple cider gouda cheese. Cook additional 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and patty reaches desired doneness.
9. Toast buns on the same skillet until golden brown, about 1 minute per side.
10. Assemble burgers: spread gouda on bottom bun, add patty with melted cheese, generously sprinkle maple bacon crunch, add desired toppings, top with toasted bun.
11. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your gourmet fall creation!
Notes
For best results, use high-quality grass-fed ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for optimal flavor and juiciness.
Don’t overwork the meat when forming patties – this keeps burgers tender.
The ‘smash’ technique creates maximum crust and flavor – press firmly but only once.
Apple cider gouda cheese can be found at specialty cheese shops or gourmet grocers. Regular gouda can substitute if needed.
Make extra maple bacon crunch – it’s addictive and stores well in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Pair with house-cut fries or autumn salad for a complete gourmet experience.
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- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Entrees
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American Gourmet
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg