Upstate Burger

Yield 4
RECIPE Ingredients

FOR THE CANDIED BACON

FOR THE MAPLE MAYO

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Grade B pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon light brown sugar

 

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 medium red onions, peeled and sliced thin
  • 2lbs ground beef or burger patties
  • Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
  • 4 thick slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 large Granny Smith apple, washed and sliced into rounds
  • 4 Kaiser rolls, or your favorite burger buns
Recipe notes
This unique burger recipe gets a boost from tart Granny Smith apple, caramelized onions, and candied bacon. It's the perfect balance between salty and sweet, crunchy and soft.
RECIPE Preparation
  1. Make the candied bacon: heat oven to 375 degrees F. Lay bacon slices on a rack in a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over each slice, using the back of a spoon to spread in an even layer. Season each strip with a small amount of cayenne pepper. Bake until bacon is cooked and sugar is melted, about 15 – 18 minutes. Allow bacon to cool on rack until needed.
  2. Make the maple mayo: in a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, maple syrup, and brown sugar until smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  3. In a large pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add onions, stirring to coat. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft, dark, and caramelized. Remove from heat.
  4. Gently form four 8oz. patties. Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper.
  5. Cook your patties to desired doneness (we recommend medium-rare), using a hot oiled grill or pre-heated, lightly-greased cast iron pan. Just before patties are finished cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese atop each one.
  6. Allow patties to rest on a cutting board, for about 5 minutes. While resting toast buns if desired. Dress buns with maple mayo and a generous portion of caramelized onions. Add burger. Top with sliced apple and candied bacon. Serve with your favorite burger side dish – we like kettle chips.