Southwest “Bite” Burgers

Ingredients

  • For Chipotle Bacon:
  • 16 ounce package of thick cut bacon
  • 1/4 Cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
  • For Chipotle aioli:
  • 1/2 Cup mayonnaise
  • 1 chipotle in adobo sauce
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
  • For grilled onions:
  • 2 red onions, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons garlic cilantro balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • For burgers:
  • 2 Pounds mild ground pork sausage
  • 1/2 Cup chopped Hatch green chilies
  • 2 Cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 Teaspoons chipotle chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 slices pepper jack cheese
  • 6 onion buns

Instructions

  • Heat charcoal or gas grill to medium heat.
  • For bacon, mix brown sugar and chipotle chili powder together in mixing bowl.
  • Add bacon strips and cover with brown sugar mixture.
  • Place bacon strips on a baking rack and place baking rack on top of a baking pan to catch any grease.
  • Cook bacon on grill for 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.
  • For chipotle aioli, mix mayonnaise, chipotle, and adobo sauce together in food processor.
  • For grilled onions, saute sliced onions and olive oil in grilling pan over direct heat until onions are caramelized.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Mix onions with balsamic vinegar and cilantro.
  • For burgers, mix together sausage, spices, green chiles, and cheddar cheese.
  • Split mixture into six equal parts and form into patties.
  • Place on grill grates and grill on each side for 3 minutes.
  • Continue grilling until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
  • Top each patty with one slice of pepper jack cheese.
  • To assemble, top bottom half of bun with chipotle aioli and then the burger patty.
  • Top the burger patty with chipotle bacon, grilled onions, and top half of the bun.
  • Enjoy!