Gourmet Blue Cheese and Bacon-Stuffed Burgers
Indulge in a gourmet burger experience with these blue cheese and bacon-stuffed delights! Inspired by a memorable restaurant outing, this recipe has been perfected over time to deliver mouthwatering flavor in each bite. The creamy blue cheese butter center melts into the juicy beef patties as they grill, while crispy bacon provides the ultimate savory complement. These burgers are perfect for savoring at home, whether you're cooking for a crowd or looking to elevate your burger game. The blue cheese butter can also be repurposed for steaks or other culinary creations, and both the burgers and butter freeze beautifully for future feasts.
5
Servings
780
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
crumbled blue cheese
8 ounces (packaged)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (75/25 or 85/15 recommended, but leaner options possible)
egg
1 (mixed)
breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (unseasoned)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped, optional chives can also be added)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
bacon
1 lb (thick-sliced or pepper bacon)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and crumbled blue cheese. Stir until thoroughly incorporated and smooth.
2
Shape the butter and cheese mixture into a log approximately 2-3 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly in parchment paper and refrigerate until firm. If storing for an extended period, place the log in the freezer to preserve freshness.
3
After the blue cheese butter has hardened, prepare the burger mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, mixed egg, breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently by hand until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
Divide the meat mixture into 4-6 portions, depending on your preferred burger size, and roll each portion into a ball.
5
Slice the hardened blue cheese butter log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Insert a slice into the center of each meatball, reshaping the ball into a flattened burger patty. Ensure that the blue cheese butter is fully sealed within the meat to prevent leakage during cooking.
6
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the burgers until they reach your desired level of doneness, flipping once during cooking to ensure even grilling.
7
In a separate pan or in the oven, cook the bacon until crispy. For a peppery kick, generously sprinkle pepper on plain bacon before cooking.
8
Assemble the burgers by placing them on your favorite buns along with crispy bacon. Enhance with toppings of your choice, such as fresh tomato slices, lettuce, additional blue cheese crumbles, ketchup, mustard, or any condiments you enjoy.
9
For a lighter option, serve the burgers without buns alongside a refreshing salad or vegetable dish.
Nutrition Information
68g
Fat
4g
Carbs
38g
Protein
1360mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Blue Cheese and Bacon-Stuffed Burgers?
These are gourmet-style beef patties stuffed with a chilled blue cheese butter mixture and topped with crispy bacon.
What type of blue cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of crumbled blue cheese, typically found in standard grocery packages.
How do I make the blue cheese butter stuffing?
Combine softened butter and crumbled blue cheese, roll it into a log, wrap in parchment paper, and refrigerate until firm.
What ground beef ratio is recommended?
A 75/25 or 85/15 ground beef blend is recommended for the best flavor and juiciness, though leaner options can be used.
Can I freeze the blue cheese butter?
Yes, the blue cheese butter log can be placed in the freezer to preserve freshness for future use.
How many burgers does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 5 servings, depending on the size of the patties you form.
What binders are used in the meat mixture?
The meat mixture uses one mixed egg and 1/4 cup of unseasoned breadcrumbs as binders.
How thick should I slice the blue cheese butter?
Slice the hardened blue cheese butter log into rounds that are approximately 1/2-inch thick.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking while grilling?
Ensure that the meat is fully sealed around the blue cheese butter slice when reshaping the meatball into a patty.
What grill temperature should I use?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for the best results.
Can I use different herbs in the burger meat?
Yes, while the recipe uses fresh parsley, you can also add chopped chives for extra flavor.
How should the bacon be prepared?
Cook the bacon in a separate pan or in the oven until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
What is the calorie count for these burgers?
Each serving contains approximately 780 calories.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, the recipe contains only 4g of carbohydrates per serving, making it suitable for many low-carb diets.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains approximately 68g of fat.
How much protein is in each burger?
Each serving provides 38g of protein.
What is the sodium content of this recipe?
The recipe has 1360mg of sodium per serving.
Can I use the blue cheese butter for other things?
Absolutely, the blue cheese butter is excellent when served on top of grilled steaks.
What kind of bacon should I buy?
The recipe suggests using one pound of thick-sliced bacon or pepper bacon.
How do I make 'pepper bacon' if I only have plain bacon?
Generously sprinkle black pepper onto plain bacon strips before cooking them to give them a peppery kick.
Can I serve these burgers without a bun?
Yes, for a lighter option, you can serve the stuffed patties alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
How do I know when the burgers are done?
Grill the burgers until they reach your preferred level of doneness, flipping them once to ensure even cooking.
What toppings are recommended?
Recommended toppings include fresh tomato slices, lettuce, extra blue cheese crumbles, ketchup, and mustard.
Can the stuffed patties be frozen?
Yes, the prepared burger patties freeze beautifully for future meals.
Why is it important to chill the butter log first?
Chilling the butter makes it firm enough to slice and handle, ensuring it stays centered in the meat during assembly.
Do I need to season the meat itself?
Yes, you should add salt and pepper to the ground beef mixture to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
What size should the blue cheese butter log be?
The mixture should be shaped into a log approximately 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a memorable restaurant outing and was perfected over time for home cooking.
Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs?
While the recipe calls for unseasoned breadcrumbs, you can use seasoned ones, though it may alter the final flavor profile.