Red, White & Bleu Burger – A Culinary Masterpiece of Ground Beef, Crispy Bacon, and Tangy Bleu Cheese, Grilled to Perfection and Crowned with Fresh Tomato Slices, Crumbled Bleu Cheese, and Applewood Smoked Bacon, all nestled in a Buttery Toasted Bun.
Red, white, and blue – the iconic colors of America, evoking feelings of patriotism and tradition. But what about a Red, White & Bleu Burger? This irresistible creation takes those classic colors and transforms them into a symphony of flavors that will undeniably make your taste buds salute! Get ready to be utterly hungry.
This incredible burger recipe is proudly featured as part of a spectacular burger grill giveaway, generously hosted by the wonderful GirlCarnivore. While the giveaway brings together many talented cooks, this particular Red, White & Bleu Burger is an original creation, crafted with passion and a deep love for gourmet grilling.
Celebrate Burger Month with a Red, White & Bleu Masterpiece
It’s that time of year again! May is officially designated as BURGER MONTH, a cherished annual event that brings together grilling enthusiasts and culinary creators from across the nation. Spearheaded by the incomparable Girl Carnivore, this month-long celebration is a true feast for the senses, overflowing with an array of innovative and mouth-watering burger recipes. Beyond the delicious inspiration, Burger Month culminates in an EPIC Grilling Kit Prize, valued at over $800! Trust us, you’ll want to keep scrolling to learn how you can enter to win this fantastic prize package.
This annual event is more than just a contest; it’s a vibrant community gathering where we can share our love for burgers, discover new techniques, and push the boundaries of what a burger can be. From classic char-grilled patties to exotic flavor combinations, Burger Month truly showcases the versatility and enduring appeal of this beloved dish.
^LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT NOW!^
Having had the pleasure of participating in this fun event last year, I knew without a doubt that I would be joining in again this year. Any opportunity to collaborate with such talented culinary minds and simultaneously offer my amazing readers a chance to win a truly terrific prize package like this is an absolute no-brainer. Count me in every single time! The excitement of seeing what other bloggers create and sharing my own unique burger vision is incredibly rewarding. Plus, let’s be honest, the best part is the rigorous — and incredibly delicious — burger taste testing that comes with it!
The joy of creating a perfect burger extends beyond just the eating; it’s in the process. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the grill, every step is a labor of love. And when you finally take that first bite, experiencing the harmonious blend of textures and flavors, it makes all the effort worthwhile. This Red, White & Bleu Burger is a testament to that philosophy, designed to be both a crowd-pleaser and a truly memorable meal.
Last year, my contribution to Burger Month was this unforgettable Italian Burger. It quickly became a fan favorite, and my family absolutely adored it! To this day, it remains one of the best burgers I’ve ever had the pleasure of creating. And let me tell you, I have concocted LOTS of BURGERS over the years, so that’s saying something! The combination of savory Italian sausage, lean ground beef, melted mozzarella, and the vibrant flavors of marinara and basil on a garlic bread bun was truly inspired.
This year, I decided to challenge myself and present not one, but two exciting new burger recipes. This magnificent Red, White & Bleu Burger is the first of my dual entries for Burger Month. And mark your calendars, because coming up on the 19th, I’ll be sharing my incredible Bloody Mary Burger – a truly unique and flavor-packed creation that you absolutely won’t want to miss! Make sure to tune in for that exciting reveal.
Mastering the Red, White & Bleu Burger: Key Ingredients
Crafting the perfect Red, White & Bleu Burger begins with selecting high-quality ingredients that harmonize to create a robust and unforgettable flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to bring this gourmet burger to life:
- Lean Ground Beef: The foundation of any great burger. Choosing lean ground beef ensures a firm patty while allowing the richness of the bacon and bleu cheese to shine without making the burger overly greasy. Aim for an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Thick-Cut Smoked Bacon: Not just any bacon will do! Thick-cut smoked bacon provides an unparalleled depth of smoky flavor and a satisfying crispy texture. We’ll be incorporating some into the patty itself for an internal flavor burst, and reserving the rest for a delicious, crunchy topping.
- Egg: A single egg acts as a natural binder, helping to hold the patty together and ensuring it doesn’t crumble on the grill. It also adds a touch of moisture and richness.
- Crumbled Bleu Cheese: The star of the show, providing the “bleu” in our burger. Its distinctively pungent, salty, and creamy notes are essential. We’ll divide it, mixing some into the beef for internal flavor and reserving a generous portion for a melt-in-your-mouth topping.
- Fresh Tomato Slices: Offering a burst of juicy freshness and a vibrant splash of red, ripe tomato slices cut through the richness of the meat and cheese, adding a welcome textural contrast.
- Dry Mustard: A secret weapon for enhancing beef flavor. Dry mustard powder adds a subtle, earthy tang that deepens the savory notes of the ground beef without overwhelming them.
- Seasoned Pepper: This blend of spices, usually including black pepper, salt, and other aromatics, provides a convenient and flavorful seasoning for our patties. It complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Buttery Toasted Buns: The unsung hero! A good bun provides structural integrity and an additional layer of flavor. Toasted with butter, it develops a delightful crispness and a rich, golden hue that perfectly cradles our magnificent burger.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to the overall balance and deliciousness of this gourmet burger experience. Let’s get cooking!
The first step in assembling this incredible burger is preparing your thick-cut smoked bacon. Cook approximately 10 slices until they are wonderfully crispy and golden brown. You can achieve this perfection either by pan-frying them over medium heat until crisp, or for a hands-off approach, baking them on a foil-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until desired crispness is reached. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat. From this batch, crumble two of the crispiest pieces to be incorporated directly into your burger patties – this is where a significant part of the internal flavor comes from! The remaining eight slices should be reserved for topping your finished burgers. Next, prepare your fresh components: crumble the designated portion of bleu cheese, setting aside the rest for garnish, and neatly slice your large, ripe tomatoes. Having these components prepped and ready makes the assembly process smooth and efficient.
Now, for the heart of the burger: the patties. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the lean ground beef, the two crumbled slices of cooked bacon, one large egg, approximately 1/3 cup of the crumbled bleu cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned pepper. When mixing, remember that overworking the meat can lead to tough burgers, so mix just until all ingredients are evenly distributed. You’ll notice I didn’t add any additional salt to the mixture, and for good reason! Both the bacon and the bleu cheese contribute a substantial amount of natural saltiness to the patties, ensuring a perfectly seasoned flavor without needing extra. This careful balance of ingredients is what makes the Red, White & Bleu Burger truly shine.
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to form the patties. Evenly divide the meat into four portions. For a consistent cook and a burger that fits perfectly on your bun, form each portion into a patty that is slightly wider than your bun – burgers tend to shrink when cooked. A pro tip: make a small indentation or dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb. This simple trick helps prevent the burger from bulging in the middle during grilling, ensuring a flat, even patty. Just look at those beautiful chunks of bleu cheese speckled throughout the meat! They promise bursts of tangy, creamy flavor with every single bite. YUM!
Grilling these burgers to perfection is a crucial step. We set our grill to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 175 degrees Celsius), which is an ideal temperature for achieving a beautiful sear while ensuring the inside cooks through evenly. For these hearty patties, they were cooked perfectly with 9 minutes on each side. This timing yields a well-done burger, which requires an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (71 degrees C). For those who prefer a medium-rare burger, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135 degrees F (54-57 degrees C), while medium will be around 140-145 degrees F (60-63 degrees C). Always use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty to ensure accuracy and food safety. Remember that residual heat will continue to cook the burger slightly after it’s removed from the grill, so it’s often best to pull them off a few degrees before your target temperature. Allowing the burgers to rest for a few minutes off the grill also helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more succulent bite.
PRO TIPS & TRICKS FOR PERFECTING YOUR HOMEMADE BURGER
While your delicious Red, White & Bleu Burgers are sizzling on the grill, don’t neglect the importance of a perfectly prepared bun. This step is often overlooked but truly elevates the entire burger experience. Generously butter the insides of your burger buns. Then, place them butter-side down into a hot skillet or directly onto the cooler part of your grill. Toast them until they are beautifully golden brown and slightly crispy, much like you would a grilled cheese sandwich. This buttery toastiness creates a fantastic textural contrast with the juicy patty, prevents the bun from becoming soggy, and adds another layer of rich flavor. In my opinion, this simple technique makes the burgers taste immeasurably better, transforming a good burger into an extraordinary one. It’s these small details that truly make a gourmet burger stand out.
Now for the grand finale – assembling your masterpiece! Once the burgers are off the grill and the buns are perfectly toasted, spread a generous layer of your favorite mayo on both halves of the bun. Then, carefully place a hot, juicy burger patty onto the bottom bun. Layer on the fresh, vibrant tomato slices, followed by those crisp, reserved strips of applewood smoked bacon, and finally, a sprinkle of fresh, crumbled bleu cheese. The combination of flavors was genuinely out of this world, hitting all the right notes: savory, tangy, creamy, and crunchy. Even my husband, who typically expresses a strong aversion to bleu cheese, was completely won over by this burger. He not only ate his entire Red, White & Bleu Burger but also managed to devour half of mine! That’s the ultimate testament to how utterly delicious and perfectly balanced this recipe is – it can even convert a bleu cheese skeptic. This burger is not just a meal; it’s an experience that delights even the most discerning palates.
Don’t Miss Out: Burger Month Ultimate Grilling Giveaway!
As a special highlight of Burger Month, we are thrilled to announce a fantastic giveaway! This is your golden opportunity to win an incredible Ultimate Grilling Kit Prize, valued at over $800. Imagine elevating your backyard barbecue game with top-tier grilling equipment and premium ingredients. This prize package includes everything a grilling enthusiast could dream of, from high-quality grills to essential tools and gourmet provisions. Entering is simple, and the chance to transform your grilling experience is just a click away. Make sure to participate for your chance to win and become the grilling hero of your neighborhood!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Red, White & Bleu Burger
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 10 slices thick smoked bacon cooked, 2 pieces crumbled
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon season pepper
- 1 cup crumbled Bleu cheese divided
- 1 large tomato sliced
- 4 burger buns
- butter
- mayo for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, 2 slices of crumbled cooked bacon, 1/3 cup of crumbled Bleu cheese, dry mustard, seasoned pepper, and egg. Mix just until combined to avoid tough patties.
- Divide the mixture evenly and form into 4 patties, making a small indentation in the center of each to prevent bulging during cooking.
- Butter the insides of your burger buns generously and toast them in a skillet over medium heat or on the grill until golden brown and slightly crispy. Set aside.
- Preheat your grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Place the formed burger patties on the hot grill. Grill for approximately 9 minutes on each side for a well-done burger (internal temperature of 160 degrees F / 71°C). Adjust cooking time for desired doneness, using a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- To assemble, spread mayonnaise on the toasted buns. Place a cooked burger patty on the bottom bun. Top with fresh tomato slices, the remaining reserved crispy bacon, and a generous sprinkle of fresh crumbled Bleu cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your gourmet Red, White & Bleu Burger!
Nutrition
This Red, White & Bleu Burger isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to elevate your grilling game and impress your family and friends with a truly gourmet experience. The blend of savory beef, crispy bacon, and the distinctive tang of bleu cheese creates a flavor profile that is both sophisticated and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re celebrating Burger Month or simply craving an exceptional meal, this burger is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Don’t hesitate to give it a try!
A huge thanks to the incredible #BurgerMonth sponsors whose generous contributions make the Ultimate Burger Grilling Giveaway possible: Cabot Cheese,Char-Griller Grills, Crow Canyon Home, Porter Road, Melissa’s Produce, Red Duck Foods, Spiceology, & Western BBQ
We extend our sincere gratitude to each sponsor for their commitment to quality ingredients and grilling excellence. Their support helps us bring the joy of cooking and the thrill of fantastic prizes to our passionate community. This collaboration is what truly makes Burger Month an unforgettable event each year, inspiring countless home cooks to fire up their grills and create culinary magic.
Join the Burger Month festivities and discover more incredible burger recipes from these talented food bloggers:
? Girl Carnivore ? A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures ? A Simple Pantry ? Abra’s Kitchen ? AcadiaTwo’s Kitchen Antics ? An Affair from the Heart ? Bakersbeans ? Betsi’s World ?Caroline’s Cooking ? Cindy’s Recipes and Writings ? City Living Boston ? Cluttercafe ? Cooking With Carlee ? Convos with Karen ?Daily Dish Recipes ? Dance Around The Kitchen ? Dixie Chik Cooks ? Dizzy Busy and Hungry ? Doodlecraft ? Everyday Eileen ? Family Around the Table ? Family Food on the Table ? Family Spice ?Farmwife Feeds ?Food Above Gold ? For the Love of Food ? Grillax.com ? Grilling Montana ? Grumpy’s Honeybunch ? Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks ? Honeybunch Hunts ? HORNS BBQ ? Intelligent Domestications ? It Is a Keeper ? Jolene’s Recipe Journal ? Jonesin For Taste ? Juggling Act Mama ? Karen’s Kitchen Stories ? Kate’s Recipe Box ? Krazy Kitchen Mom ? Life Anchored ? Life of a Ginger ? Mildly Meandering ? Miss in the KItchen ? Palatable Pastime ? Pastry Chef Online ? Perspective Portions ? Plowing Through Life ? PNW Eats ? Pook’s Pantry ? Real Life With Dad ? Sarah’s Cucina Bella ? Seduction In The Kitchen ? Simple and Savory ? Souffle Bombay ? Spiced ? Spoonabilities ? Strawberry Blondie Kitchen ? SueBee Homemaker ? Sumptuous Spoonfuls ? Sweet ReciPeas ? Swirls of Flavor ? Take Two Tapas ? Tampa Cake Girl ? Taste And See ? The Baking Fairy ? The Beard and The Baker ? The Complete Savorist ? The Crumby Kitchen ? The Heritage Cookbook Project ? The Keto Guy ? The Redhead Baker ? The Rowdy Baker ? The Schmidty Wife ? The Shirley Journey ? The Spiffy Cookie ? This Farm Girl Cooks ? Thyme for Cocktails ? We are not Martha ? Well Fed Baker ? West Via Midwest ? What’s Cooking Italian Style Cuisine ? Who Needs A Cape? ? Wildflour’s Cottage Kitchen ? Wok & Skillet ? Zest & Simmer ?