Elevate your burger experience with an incredible fusion of flavors: the Spicy Bacon Kraut Burger. This masterpiece brings together lean ground beef, crispy, smoky bacon, zesty jalapeños, tangy sauerkraut, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Imagine the bold kick of a jalapeño popper perfectly combined with the robust character of a classic sauerkraut burger – the result is nothing short of epic!
Prepare yourself for a burger that will redefine your expectations. We’re talking about one of the most phenomenal burgers you’ll ever sink your teeth into. The inspiration for this culinary marvel struck me during a bountiful harvest from my son’s garden. Fresh, vibrant jalapeños were abundant, and my usual go-to was to transform them into classic jalapeño poppers – those irresistible bites of cream cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped, grilled perfection. However, this time, I yearned for something more substantial, a main course that truly celebrated these garden gems.
My thoughts then drifted to another recent favorite: those unforgettable Kraut Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Brats. The smoky, tangy combination was still fresh in my mind. But alas, I had no brats on hand. That’s when the lightbulb moment happened: why not channel those incredible flavors into a burger? And just like that, the vision for this unforgettable Spicy Bacon Kraut Burger, a true jalapeño-infused sensation, was born. It was an idea so simple yet so groundbreaking, promising a gourmet experience right in our backyard.
This post is proudly sponsored by Frank’s Kraut. My love and appreciation for their delicious sauerkraut, however, are deeply rooted and stretch back to my earliest childhood memories. Their quality has always been a staple in my kitchen.
Mastering the Art of Gourmet Burgers
The evening we first crafted these burgers was perfect. My son and his girlfriend had come over, and the weather had mercifully cooled after a sweltering spell, making patio dining an absolute delight. We settled in, and the grill was fired up, ready for action. There was no chance of these being ordinary burgers; boring burgers simply aren’t in my culinary vocabulary when there’s an opportunity to create something extraordinary. While we certainly appreciate a classic, no-frills burger like anyone else, my family always welcomes a recipe that’s a little “off the wall” with open arms. They’re consistently met with enthusiasm and often become new favorites. Take, for instance, my delightful Italian Burgers from earlier this summer, or the savory Green Chile Mushroom Burgers with Monterey Jack Cheese Sauce, not to mention those satisfying Western Burgers! And, of course, I’d be remiss not to mention two other standout burgers I’ve developed in collaboration with Frank’s Kraut in the past.
Experience Our Other Frank’s Kraut Burger Creations
If you love the unique tang that sauerkraut brings to a dish, you absolutely must explore these other fantastic burger recipes developed with Frank’s Kraut. They offer distinct flavor profiles that truly highlight the versatility of this incredible ingredient.
Brat Burgers: A Taste of Oktoberfest Year-Round
Reuben Burger: The Iconic Sandwich, Reimagined
Crafting Your Spicy Bacon Kraut Burger: Simple Steps to Explosive Flavor
Now, let’s circle back to the star of today’s show: these incredible Spicy Bacon Kraut Burgers. You’ll be delighted to know they are remarkably straightforward to prepare, requiring just a little upfront prep work. The beauty of these burgers lies in their intrinsic flavor profile; they boast such a rich and complex taste that additional dressings or elaborate toppings are entirely optional. They truly shine on their own.
Essential Ingredients for Spicy Bacon Kraut Burgers:
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards burger perfection. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors of this unique dish. Using high-quality ingredients ensures the best possible outcome.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 jalapeños, finely minced
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Kraut, thoroughly drained
- 8 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and then crumbled
- 4 slices Mozzarella cheese
- 4 quality Brioche buns
Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to combine them. In a large bowl, gently mix the lean ground beef with the minced jalapeños, drained Frank’s Kraut, and the crumbled, cooked bacon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough burgers. Form the mixture into four generously sized patties. A crucial tip for grilling is to always make your patties slightly larger in diameter than your buns, as burgers tend to shrink during cooking. The amount of shrinkage will vary depending on the fat content of your ground beef, so keep that in mind when forming your patties.
Now for the magic on the grill! Carefully place your perfectly formed patties onto a preheated grill. Grill them to your desired level of doneness, turning once to ensure an even cook and those beautiful grill marks. For a medium-rare burger, you’ll typically grill for about 4-5 minutes per side. For medium, aim for 6-7 minutes per side, and for well-done, 8-9 minutes per side. Always remember to allow them to rest for a few minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful bite.
Just before removing the burgers from the grill, or immediately after, place a slice of mozzarella cheese over each patty. Allow the residual heat to gently melt the cheese into a luscious, gooey topping. Once the cheese is perfectly melted, carefully transfer each burger onto a fresh, toasted brioche bun. The soft, slightly sweet brioche provides the ideal contrast to the savory and spicy burger.
And here’s a little secret, no judgment at all if you decide to add an extra dollop of fresh kraut right on top of your finished burger for an added burst of tangy flavor and satisfying crunch. It’s a fantastic way to enhance the experience. Enjoy every single mouthwatering bite!
The Remarkable Benefits and Versatility of Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut, a culinary staple with roots stretching back centuries, is much more than just a delicious topping for hot dogs and burgers. Its nutritional benefits are truly astonishing, making it a powerful addition to any diet. This fermented cabbage wonder has been embraced by countless health-conscious individuals, including many actors, supermodels, athletes, and celebrity chefs, who have actively incorporated it into their daily routines. Sauerkraut is widely recognized as a potent immune booster, a natural aid in fighting certain cancers, and an excellent supporter of healthy digestion thanks to its rich probiotic content.
The versatility of sauerkraut is practically endless; there are literally thousands of ways to enjoy it. I, for one, have experimented with it in a wide array of dishes, from hearty soups and crisp salads to inventive appetizers, and yes, even in unexpected places like chocolate cake (you’d be surprised!). For a comprehensive exploration of this incredible ingredient, I invite you to delve into ALL of the Frank’s Sauerkraut recipes available right here on my blog. You can also discover many more innovative ideas and uses over on Frank’s official website, as well as across all their vibrant social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. You’ll find a community passionate about delicious and healthy eating.
Feeling hungry yet? I certainly hope so! There’s no better time to gather your ingredients and embark on the delicious journey of making these exceptional Spicy Bacon Kraut Burgers. They are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular.
If your fascination with sauerkraut extends beyond just burgers, you’re in luck! I’ve compiled everything you could possibly want to know about kraut – its origins, how it’s traditionally made, and a treasure trove of additional sauerkraut recipes – all in my definitive Ultimate Guide to Sauerkraut. It’s a must-read for any kraut enthusiast.
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Print Recipe
Spicy Bacon Kraut Burger
10
15
25
American
Spicy Bacon Kraut Burger
4
burgers
925
kcal
Michaela Kenkel
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Kraut
- 8 slices thick bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 jalapeños minced
- 4 slices Mozzarella cheese
- 4 Brioche buns
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, kraut, jalapeños, and bacon. Form into 4 uniform patties. Place them on a preheated grill. Grill for approximately 5 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 5 minutes on the other side. Check for desired doneness; adjust grilling time as needed. Just before serving, add a slice of mozzarella cheese to each patty and allow it to melt. Place the finished burger on a brioche bun.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 925kcal |
Carbohydrates: 36g |
Protein: 60g |
Fat: 59g |
Saturated Fat: 26g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 26g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 293mg |
Sodium: 1462mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 7g