Smoky, But Oh So Gouda Burger

Pairs well with:

White Zinfandel

With strawberry and melon essences, this American original is perfectly at home with however you like to unwind.

Ingredients

Patties:
1 pound chuck
1 pound sirloin
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
1/4 cup grated sweet onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 cup packaged real bacon bits
1 1/2 cups cubed smoked Gouda cheese (1/4-inch to 1/2-inch cubes)
Vegetable oil, for brushing on the grill rack
1 bottle (18 oz) Original Barbeque Sauce
6 (4 1/2-inch) Kaiser rolls
1/4 cup softened butter
1 1/2 cups French Fried Onions

 

Instructions

Preheat gas grill to medium-high. To make patties, combine the chuck, sirloin, salt, pepper, egg, liquid smoke, grated onion, garlic, bacon bits, and Gouda cheese. Mix with hands to incorporate ingredients but do not over mix. Roll the meat into a log shape and divide in half. Then take each half and divide into thirds to make a total of 6 patties of the same size. Form patties a little larger than the diameter of the rolls. When the grill is ready, brush the grill rack with vegetable oil. Place the patties on the rack, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Turn the patties and cook on the other side, covered for another 5 minutes or until a instant read thermometer reads 160 degrees F when inserted into the center of the patty from the top. Meanwhile, pour the barbeque sauce in a saucepan and place on the outer edge of the rack to warm. While patties are grilling, spread the cut sides of the Kaiser rolls with the softened butter. When patties are cooked, remove them from the grill and tent with aluminum foil to keep them warm. Place the 6 Kaiser rolls, cut side down on the grill until the butter is melted and the bread is toasted. Remove the rolls and the heated barbeque sauce from the grill. Take each patty with tongs and dip it thoroughly in the sauce. As each patty is covered with sauce, place it on the bottom bun. Divide the french fried onions into equal portions on top of the patties. Add the roll tops and serve. Makes 6 burgers