Glazed Bacon Cheeseburger

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for best juiciness)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 slices bacon
• 4 slices cheese (cheddar, American, or your favorite variety)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• Burger buns
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions

Instructions

1. Start by shaping the ground beef into 4 even patties, making sure they are slightly larger than your burger buns since they will shrink slightly as they cook. Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
2. In a skillet or on the grill, cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
3. Next, cook the beef patties. If you’re using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. For a skillet, heat it over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the burgers reach your desired level of doneness. For a medium burger, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
4. During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty and let it melt. This will give the burger a gooey, cheesy finish that perfectly complements the savory beef.
5. While the burgers are cooking, prepare the maple glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup over low heat for 1-2 minutes. You want to warm it just slightly to intensify the flavor. Optionally, you can add a pinch of salt to the maple syrup to enhance the savory-sweet balance.
6. Once the burgers are cooked and the cheese has melted, remove them from the grill or skillet. Place each patty on a burger bun and drizzle the warm maple syrup glaze generously over the top. Place a couple of slices of crispy bacon on top of the glaze for that perfect sweet and salty combination.
7. If desired, add any additional toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, or onions to complete the burger.
   

   Serving Suggestions