Creative Burgers Recipe

Make chipotle mayo

In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, minced chipotle in adobo, lime juice, honey and salt until smooth. Taste and adjust heat/sweetness. Chill at least 15 minutes while you prepare other components.

Combine and season

Place ground beef and ground pork in a large bowl. Add minced shallot, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon, kosher salt, black pepper and smoked paprika. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula until just combined — do not overwork the meat or patties will be dense.

Form patties

Divide mixture into 4 equal portions (about 6 oz each). Gently form into patties roughly 3/4 inch thick and 1 inch wider than your buns to account for shrinkage. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty to keep them from doming while cooking.

Cook patties

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet and swirl. When shimmering, add patties (do not overcrowd) and cook 3-4 minutes per side for medium (internal 140-145°F / 60-63°C), adjusting time for desired doneness. If using a grill, oil grates and cook same timing. In the last minute of cooking, top two patties with crumbled blue cheese to allow it to melt slightly.

Caramelize onions

If you don't have pre-made caramelized onions: slice 2 medium onions thin. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat, add onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, 25-30 minutes until deep golden and sweet. Add a splash of water if they stick. Finish with 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar if desired.

Crisp prosciutto/bacon

Cook prosciutto or bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 2-4 minutes per side for prosciutto or 6-8 minutes for bacon. Drain on paper towels.

Grill pineapple

Brush pineapple rings with a little oil and grill or sear in a hot skillet 1-2 minutes per side until caramel marks appear and the fruit softens.

Toast buns

Butter the cut faces of brioche buns with softened butter and toast on a skillet or grill cut-side down over medium heat until golden and slightly crisp, 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle sesame seeds into the butter on the buns while toasting, if using.

Assemble burgers

Spread about 1 tablespoon chipotle mayo on the bottom bun and 1/2 tablespoon smoked honey mustard on the top bun. Place a handful of microgreens or arugula on the bottom bun, add the cooked patty (one or two with blue cheese as desired), top with caramelized onions, a grilled pineapple half-ring, pickled jalapeños to taste, and crispy prosciutto/bacon. Cap with the top bun and press lightly.

Serve

Serve immediately with a side of extra chipotle mayo and smoked honey mustard for dipping.