Jalapeño Cheeseburgers with Bacon and Grilled Onions

Prep Time: 0 Minutes

Cook Time: 0 Minutes

Ready In: 0 Minutes

Servings: 8

The little green chile makes an appearance in the burger and in its creamy ranch sauce. What to drink: Chateau Souverain 2002 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley ($22).

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

6 tablespoons fresh lime juice

4 green onions, finely chopped

2 tablespoons minced seeded jalapeño chile

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 pounds ground beef

1 small onion, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon chopped seeded jalapeño chile

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/3 cup light corn syrup

2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 teaspoon instant coffee crystals

2 teaspoons (packed) golden brown sugar

3 tablespoons butter

16 bacon slices

nonstick vegetable oil spray

8 hamburger buns or 3- to 4-inch square focaccia rolls, split horizontally

8 lettuce leaves

2 cups coarsely shredded sharp white cheddar cheese

assorted additional toppings (such as tomato and grilled onion slices)

Directions:

1. For spicy ranch sauce: Whisk all ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Season sauce with salt and pepper.
2. For burgers: Gently mix all ingredients in large bowl. Form mixture into eight 1/2- to 3/4-inch-thick patties. Place on small baking sheet. Cover and chill at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.
3. For glaze: Stir first 5 ingredients in small saucepan over medium heat until coffee is dissolved. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter. Season glaze to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Working in batches if necessary, cook bacon in large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp and brown. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.
5. Spray grill rack with nonstick spray. Toast buns until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer buns, cut side up, to plates. Place lettuce on each bun bottom. Grill burgers 5 minutes, basting with glaze. Turn burgers, baste with glaze, and grill until cooked to desired doneness, about 5 minutes longer for medium. Press cheese atop each burger and allow cheese to melt. Place some sauce, then 1 burger on each bun bottom. Top each with 2 slices bacon and desired additional toppings. Cover with bun top. Serve with remaining sauce.

By RecipeOfHealth.com