Candied Bacon Maple Cheddar Burger

Ingredients

Candied Bacon

• 1 lb thick cut applewood smoked bacon
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper

Caramelized onions

• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced thinly

Maple BBQ sauce

• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup real maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1½ tsp hot sauce ( I used Chipotle Tabasco)
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Burger

• 2 lbs ground beef ( I like to use 80/20 in burgers)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 buns, toasted if desired

Instructions

1. Prepare the candied bacon first.
2. Preheat oven to 375°. Line a large baking sheet (with sides) with foil. Place a baking rack on top of the foil (I actually used a cooling rack).
3. Whisk together light brown sugar and pepper in a small bowl
4. Line bacon on rack. Spread sugar mixture evenly over bacon.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning pan once throughout baking.
6. When done, remove pan from oven and allow bacon to cool on rack.

Caramelized Onions

1. Heat butter in medium skillet over medium low heat. Add onions, salt and sugar and cook for 20-25 minutes until onions are golden brown and soft.

Maple BBQ sauce

1. Mix all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and allow sauce to cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently. Allow to cool.

Burgers

1. Mix meat and salt and pepper in a bowl. Divide mixture into 8 equal portions and form into patties.
2. Grill burgers for 4-5 minutes on each side.
3. Immediately top with a slice of cheese and allow to melt. Remove burger from grill and assemble, but topping with BBQ sauce, caramelized onions and candied bacon.
4. Source: countryliving.com