How ‘Bout a Burger Baby (or Not Your Grandma’s Burgers)

Pairs well with:

Merlot

Get cozy and get pouring. Our Merlot is the wine for long weekends and lengthy chats.

Ingredients

3 cloves garlic, divided
1 1/2t salt, divided
3/4t fresh cracked pepper, divided
2# ground beef (not extra lean)
1/3c Worcestershire sauce
1/3c red wine, such as merlot
2c shredded pepper jack cheese
1/2c mayonnaise
2-3t jarred horseradish (such as Bubbies; not horseradish sauce)
1c. seeded finely chopped tomato (about 2)
1/2c finely chopped red onion
1/3c finely chopped pickle (any cucumber pickle)
1-2T finely chopped jarred hot pepper, or to taste (any whole or sliced hot pepper will do; sliced jalapeno rings are a good option)
1T chopped fresh basil (optional)
6 kaiser rolls, sliced in half, some of the inside removed from top bun
Grill cooking spray or oil for grill

 

Instructions

Smash 2 garlic cloves with 1t salt and 1/2t pepper; chop and smash garlic into a fine paste. In a mixing bowl, gently combine beef, Worcestershire sauce, wine and garlic paste. Divide mixture into 6 equal portions and form into balls, pressing together but not compacting. Then form the balls into patties with the center indented to about 1 inch and the edges raised to about 1 1/2 inches. (This will help hold the toppings.) Patties should be between 3.5 and 4 inches in diameter. (If desired, place patties on a piece of foil coated with cooking spray and set on a baking sheet.) To make cheese topping: in a small bowl, mix cheese, mayonnaise and horseradish, set aside. To make relish: Mince remaining garlic clove. In another small bowl, mix tomato, onion, pickle, hot pepper, garlic and 1/2t salt and 1/4t pepper. Gently fold in basil if desired. Spray grill rack with grill cooking spray or brush with oil. Heat to high heat. Place patties on grill, flat side down and grill about 8 minutes, or until char marks appear. Flip patties. Add rolls to top grill rack, cut side down and lightly brown. Remove tops and smear cheese mixture on them. When patties are cooked to your liking (about 4 to 6 minutes on second side), turn heat down to low; place patties on bottom buns on top rack, flat side down. Using a slotted spoon, top patties with relish and place rolls with the cheese mixture on top. Close lid and let burgers remain in grill to lightly melt cheese about 2 more minutes; do not let bottoms get browned. Serve immediately. Makes 6 large burgers.