Gourmet Blue Cheese Stuffed Burgers with Crisp Apple and Smoky Bacon
Indulge in an upscale rendition of the classic burger with these Gourmet Blue Cheese Stuffed Burgers, featuring the complimentary flavors of crisp Fuji apple slices and smoked bacon. The succulent 80% lean ground chuck is expertly seasoned with aromatic herbs, and each patty is stuffed with creamy blue cheese for a surprising burst of flavor. Topped with fresh apple slices and crispy bacon between toasted sesame seed rolls, this burger is perfect for an elevated lunch or special occasion meal that will leave your taste buds craving more.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
as needed (for seasoning grill or skillet)
apple-smoked bacon
8 slices (cooked)
ground chuck
2 lbs (80% lean)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon
dried thyme
2 teaspoons
crumbled dried sage
1 teaspoon
crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup
fuji apple
1 (thinly sliced)
sesame seed rolls
4 (split and toasted)
Instructions
1
Heat your grill or skillet by wiping it down with olive oil and setting it over medium-high heat. Let the surface reach a desirable temperature for cooking.
2
Place the apple-smoked bacon in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook until it reaches your preferred level of crispness. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease, then set aside for later use.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground chuck with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried thyme, and crumbled dried sage. Using your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly and divide into 8 equal portions, shaping each into a thin patty.
4
Form a slight crater in the center of four patties, leaving a quarter-inch edge around the perimeter. Add approximately 2 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese to each crater. Place the remaining patties atop the cheese-stuffed ones, pressing and pinching edges together to seal the cheese inside.
5
Grill or cooke stuffed patties over medium-high heat—4 minutes per side for grilling, or about 4 1/2 minutes per side when using a skillet. Use gentle handling to prevent the patties from splitting.
6
Once the burgers are nearly cooked to your preference, slice the Fuji apple thinly and lay slices atop each patty shortly before removing from heat.
7
Assemble the burgers on toasted sesame seed rolls, topping with crispy bacon. Serve promptly to enjoy the optimal melding of textures and flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Gourmet Blue Cheese Stuffed Burger?
It is an upscale burger featuring 80% lean ground chuck stuffed with creamy blue cheese and topped with crisp Fuji apple and smoky bacon.
What meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 2 lbs of 80% lean ground chuck for the best flavor and juiciness.
How do I prevent the blue cheese from leaking?
Form a crater in the center of the bottom patty, add cheese, place the top patty on, and pinch the edges firmly together to seal.
Can I use a different type of apple?
While Fuji apples provide a specific sweetness and crunch, you can substitute with other crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
How should I cook the bacon?
Cook the apple-smoked bacon in a dry skillet over medium heat until it reaches your preferred level of crispness, then drain on paper towels.
Which herbs season the beef?
The ground chuck is seasoned with aromatic dried thyme and crumbled dried sage.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 generous servings using 2 pounds of meat.
Can I use a skillet instead of a grill?
Yes, you can use a skillet over medium-high heat if a grill is not available.
How long do I grill the burgers?
Grill the stuffed patties for approximately 4 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
How long do I skillet-cook the burgers?
Cook them for about 4 1/2 minutes per side when using a skillet to ensure they are cooked through.
Should the rolls be toasted?
Yes, the recipe suggests using split and toasted sesame seed rolls for the best texture.
When should I add the apple slices?
Add the thinly sliced Fuji apple atop each patty shortly before removing them from the heat so they warm slightly.
Is the bacon placed inside the patty?
No, the bacon is placed on top of the cooked patty during the assembly process.
What type of cheese is used for stuffing?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese for stuffing the patties.
How much meat is used for each burger?
With 2 lbs of ground chuck for 4 burgers, each finished burger uses roughly 1/2 lb of meat.
Can I use extra lean beef?
80% lean ground chuck is recommended for succulence, but lean beef can be used though the burgers may be less juicy.
How do I prepare the cooking surface?
Wipe down the grill or skillet with olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat before cooking.
What kind of buns are recommended?
Sesame seed rolls are recommended to complement the gourmet flavors of the toppings.
Why should I handle the patties gently?
Gentle handling prevents the patties from splitting and losing the blue cheese stuffing during the cooking process.
How much blue cheese goes in each burger?
Each burger is stuffed with approximately 2 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs for dried thyme and sage, though you may need to increase the quantity.
What makes this burger gourmet?
The combination of blue cheese stuffing, fresh apple slices, and smoky bacon creates an elevated flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely, its unique ingredients and presentation make it perfect for an elevated lunch or special dinner.
How many patties do I form initially?
You should divide the meat into 8 equal portions and shape each into a thin patty before combining them into 4 stuffed burgers.
How should the Fuji apple be prepared?
The Fuji apple should be thinly sliced so it can be layered easily on top of the cooked burger patties.
What are the primary seasonings for the meat?
The meat is seasoned with kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, dried thyme, and crumbled dried sage.
How do I seal the two patties together?
Press and pinch the edges of the top and bottom patties together to ensure the blue cheese is fully enclosed.
How crispy should the bacon be?
The bacon should be cooked to your preferred level of crispness to provide a smoky crunch to the burger.
Is this a good lunch option?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy yet decadent lunch that can be prepared relatively quickly.
What kind of salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to season the ground chuck.