Zesty Black Blue Burger Recipes

BLACK AND BLUE BURGERS

Steps:

• You will need 1/2 pound blue cheese total (get the block type cheese, not the crumbled stuff in packages).
• Prepare your dressing by crumbling 3 ounces of cheese and mixing it thoroughly with the other dressing ingredients and setting aside to chill (do not do this more than a few hours before).
• Mix together your spice mix in a large shallow bowl or plate and set aside until needed.
• Mix together chuck and round, then separate mixture into 1/3 pound pieces (just over 5 ounces)- you should have 6.
• Divide each piece in half and form into a thin patty and place onto wax paper on whatever platter you are working with.
• Take the 1/3 pound of blue cheese and cut into 6 divided sections (approximate) and place thin slices onto 6 of the patties you have formed.
• Cover these patties with the remaining 6 patties and form a pinched seal around the edges, making it tight.
• Pick up each patty, and gently reform the burger and pat it back out to thinness, if needed; rest them on waxed paper.
• Take patties one by one and coat in the seasoning mixture, not forgetting to coat the side edges and patting them nicely flat when finished; rest on waxed paper.
• Cook over heated coals or on gas grill until it is cooked through or temperature reads 160F (do not press on patties while grilling).
• Allow patties to rest 10-15 minutes after cooking for cheese to settle.
• Serve on split kaiser rolls (may toast them if you like) with appropriate condiments: lettuce, tomato, sliced red onion, and a little blue cheese dressing (instead of mayo; optional).

BLACK AND BLUE BURGER

Steps:

• For the blackening spice: In a small mixing bowl, combine the pepper, cumin, granulated onion, cayenne, granulated garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, chili powder and salt. Mix to blend. Store in an airtight container if not using immediately.
• For the garlic butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and garlic, and cook until the butter has melted and garlic has become fragrant, 5 to 6 minutes. Mix in the parsley. Reserve to the side in a small bowl.
• For the donkey sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, roasted garlic, mustard, salt, Worcestershire and pepper. Mix well. Cover and reserve.
• For the black and blue burger: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
• Divide the ground beef into eight portions; roll each into a loose ball, then flatten into a 4-inch patty. On four of the patties, place 2 ounces of the blue cheese. Cover with a second patty and gently seal the edges to form a stuffed patty about 1 1/2-inches thick.
• Season the stuffed patties on both sides with the blackening spice. Grill, spaced 3 inches apart to prevent flare ups, until a crust has developed on the first side, about 3 minutes. Flip, and cook to develop a crust on the reverse side, 2 minutes. Top each burger with 2 slices of bacon and 1 ounce of the remaining blue cheese. Cover with a piece of foil and cook another 30 seconds to melt the cheese. Remove the burgers to a serving tray to rest.
• Lightly brush the cut sides of the brioche buns with garlic butter, and toast on the grill until crisp and golden, 5 to 10 seconds.
• To assemble: Smear the buns with some donkey sauce. Layer the bottom buns with pickles, onions and a burger. Top with tomatoes and lettuce. Cover with the bun tops and secure with wooden skewers. Serve.