Cheddar-Stuffed & Bacon-Wrapped BURGERS!

INGREDIENTS (4 6oz Servings):
-1 1/2 Lbs 80/20 Ground Chuck
-8-10 Strips Bacon, Fat Rendered
-8 Ounces Smoked Cheddar, Cut in 1/8 Slices
-2-3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
-1 Cup Mushroom, Chopped
-1 Onion, Sliced 3/4-1″
-1 Red Bell Pepper, Sliced 1/2″
-3 T Worcestershire Sauce
-2 T Olive Oil + Additional for Grilling Onion/Peppers
-Coarse Salt & Ground Peppercorn, to Taste

-4-8 Toothpicks, Soaked in water for 20 Minutes prior to use

METHOD to the MADNESS (Bacon-Wrapped Burger):
-In Large Skillet over Medium Heat, lay Bacon & Render Fat, but do NOT allow to cook through.
-Set aside over paper towel-covered plate to rest.
-In LARGE Bowl, by hand, combine Ground Chuck, Garlic, Worcestershire, & Salt/Pepper, to Taste.
-Do NOT overwork the burger.
-Prepare 8 evenly formed Burger Balls & press into 1/2-3/4″ Patties.
-Using your thumb form a dimple into center of each Patty.
-In center of 4 Burger Patties place 1/4 of Chopped Mushroom & Cheese.
-Cover each of the Mushroom / Cheese Burger Patties with the remaining 4 Burger Patties.
-Press the Edges of the Bottom & Top Patties together, forming 1 Burger Patty with the Mushroom & Cheese Stuffed Inside

-To wrap the Burgers, lay 2 strips of Bacon over prep-plate & form an “X” Shape with the Bacon.
-Place the Burger over the center of the crossed Bacon & Tightly pull the bacon up & around the side of the Burger.
-Using a toothpick, pin the ends of the Bacon in place to secure wrapping.

-Plate, Cover, & set in fridge for 30min, allowing Flavors to co-mingle & marinate.
-Pull meat & let warm back towards room temperature for ~15-20min.

-Pre-Heat Grill to Medium/HOT.
-Brush exterior of Burger Patties w/ Olive Oil & Season Liberally.
-Gently lay Burger over HOT Grates & Char on Side 1 ~3-5Min.
-Flip ONCE & Grill Side 2 ~4min (Medium Rare), ~6min (Medium), & ~8-10min (Medium Well).
-Remove from heat, pull toothpick, plate, cover with tin foil & rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

METHOD to the MADNESS (Sauteed Onion/Peppers):
-In Medium Bowl, Toss Onion & Pepper with Olive Oil, Salt/Pepper, & a dusting of Granulated Garlic Powder.
-With Grill still HOT, place thick / seasoned cuts of Onion & Pepper across Center-Grates.
-Cook for 4min per side (8 Minutes Total).
-Using tongs, remove from heat & place in covered bowl, allowing to rest for 3-5 Minutes before plating.

NOW, grab that GORGEOUS Brioche Bun, Crisp Greens, CHEDDAR-Stuffed/BACON-Wrapped Burger, & Grilled Onion/Peppers… CONSTRUCT & DEMOLISH!! Take this BAD BURG behind the Woodshed!!