Stafford Burger Recipe

Chop bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet (drain excess if more).

Add the finely chopped onion to the reserved bacon fat and sauté over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.

Stir in brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup (or honey) and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, until sugar melts and mixture becomes jammy, about 2–3 minutes.

Return cooked bacon to the skillet, add 1–2 tablespoons water if mixture is too thick, and simmer 1–2 minutes to combine. Remove from heat and stir in crumbled blue cheese until slightly melted and distributed. Set aside and keep warm.

Divide ground beef into 2 equal portions and gently form into 3/4-inch thick patties slightly wider than the buns. Avoid overworking the meat.

Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and black pepper. If using, brush a small amount of Worcestershire sauce on one side of each patty.

Preheat a heavy skillet or grill over medium-high heat and add neutral oil to the pan if using a skillet.

Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). If cooking in a skillet, press gently to get even contact but do not press down hard (to preserve juiciness). During the last 30–60 seconds of cooking, spoon a generous tablespoon of the bacon blue jam on top of each patty to warm and meld flavors.

Remove patties from heat and let rest for 2–3 minutes while assembling buns.

Halve the avocado, remove the pit, scoop flesh into a bowl and mash with lemon juice and a pinch of salt until slightly chunky. This will be the avocado spread.

In a small bowl, stir mayonnaise with a pinch of black pepper (and a dash of lemon juice if desired) to make the mayo spread.

Wash and dry lettuce leaves. Slice tomato into 1/4-inch slices and thinly slice red onion if using.

Butter the cut sides of the buns lightly. Toast buns in a clean skillet over medium heat until golden, about 1–2 minutes per side.

Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun and mashed avocado on the top bun (or vice versa, as preferred).

Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, top with a tomato slice, then place the rested burger patty (with warmed bacon blue jam) on the tomato.

Spoon additional bacon blue jam from the skillet over the patty if desired, add a little extra crumbled blue cheese if you like more tang, and top with red onion slices.

Close the sandwich with the top bun, press gently, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately.