Ah, the Blueberry Blue Cheese Bacon Burger—an unexpected twist on a classic that’s as adventurous as it is delicious. This burger holds a special place in my heart and my kitchen, a testament to the joy of blending bold flavors and unforgettable memories. Let me take you on a journey that makes this burger more than just a meal.
A few summers ago, I found myself on a road trip through the picturesque countryside of the Pacific Northwest. The rolling hills and endless orchards were a feast for the eyes, but it was the local farmers’ markets that truly stole the show. Among the vibrant displays of fresh produce, I stumbled upon a stall bursting with blueberries, their deep indigo hues promising sweet, juicy flavor. The vendor, an elderly woman with a warm smile, told me these were the best blueberries she’d ever grown. I bought a pint, intrigued by her enthusiasm and eager to taste them myself.
Later that day, while we were picnicking by a sparkling river, I decided to experiment with these blueberries. Inspired by the rustic charm of our surroundings and a fleeting thought of combining sweet and savory, I began to craft what would eventually become my Blueberry Blue Cheese Bacon Burger. The result was a culinary adventure that perfectly captured the spirit of those summer days.
The sweetness of the blueberries melds beautifully with the tang of blue cheese, creating a balance that’s both sophisticated and comforting. Adding crispy bacon to the mix elevates the burger, while the homemade basil aioli and blueberry barbecue sauce bring everything together with a burst of flavor. Every bite is a reminder of that sunny afternoon—each ingredient a nod to the flavors and experiences that made it special.
As you prepare this burger, I hope you’ll find as much joy in the process as I did on that memorable day. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just indulging in a gourmet treat, this Blueberry Blue Cheese Bacon Burger is sure to impress. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a story, a memory, and a celebration of the simple pleasures that make life so sweet.
How to Prepare Blueberry Blue Cheese Bacon Burger
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Ingredients
- 1 lb. 85% lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices of smoked bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1 ½ cups arugula leaves
- 4 oz. crumbled blue cheese
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
- Basil Aioli: Chop fresh basil leaves to measure ½ cup. In a bowl, blend the basil with light mayonnaise, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Mix until smooth and season with kosher salt. Chill in the refrigerator until needed.
- Blueberry Barbecue Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine fresh blueberries, chili sauce, ketchup, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Heat over medium-high until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Keep warm for burger assembly.
- Burgers: Preheat your gas grill to 450°F and lightly grease the grates. Shape the ground beef into 4 patties, handling them minimally to prevent over-packing. Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Grill over direct heat for about 6 minutes, keeping an eye out for flare-ups. Flip and cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until the desired doneness is achieved.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread basil aioli on the top and bottom halves of each hamburger bun. Layer arugula on the bottom bun, then place a grilled burger patty on top. Spoon a generous amount of blueberry barbecue sauce over the patty, followed by crumbled blue cheese and crispy bacon slices. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Storing Suggestion
Store any leftover burgers or components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The basil aioli and blueberry barbecue sauce can be refrigerated for up to one week. Reheat the burgers before serving if desired.
Cooking Tips
For a juicier burger, consider adding a small amount of finely chopped onions or garlic to the ground beef before forming the patties. Avoid pressing down on the burgers with the spatula while grilling to keep them juicy. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the blueberry barbecue sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these gourmet burgers with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh mixed green salad. A cold, refreshing craft beer or a sparkling lemonade pairs well with the rich flavors of the burger.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use ground turkey or chicken as an alternative to beef if you prefer a leaner option. Goat cheese can be substituted for blue cheese if you desire a milder flavor. For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free buns or serve the burger over a bed of greens.
Seasonal Variations
In the summer, add sliced fresh tomatoes and pickled red onions to the burgers for extra freshness. In the fall, consider using a spiced apple chutney instead of blueberry barbecue sauce to add seasonal flavor.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (blue cheese and mayonnaise) and gluten (hamburger buns). For dairy-free or gluten-free alternatives, use dairy-free cheese and gluten-free buns.
FAQ:
How do I make the basil aioli ahead of time?
You can prepare the basil aioli up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Can I use frozen blueberries for the barbecue sauce?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well for the barbecue sauce. Just thaw them before use and adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I know when the burgers are cooked to the right temperature?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, it should be 130°F; for medium, 140°F; and for well-done, 160°F.
Can I cook these burgers in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the patties at 375°F on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
What can I substitute for the smoked bacon?
Try using turkey bacon or pancetta as a substitute for smoked bacon if you prefer a different flavor or a lower fat option.
How long can I store the blueberry barbecue sauce?
The blueberry barbecue sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Blueberry Blue Cheese Bacon Burger
Ingredients
- 1 lb. 85% lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices smoked bacon cooked until crisp
- 1 ½ cups arugula leaves
- 4 oz. crumbled blue cheese
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove minced
Instructions
Basil Aioli:
- Chop fresh basil leaves to make ½ cup and mix them with light mayonnaise, extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and minced garlic. Stir the mixture until smooth and season with kosher salt to taste. Refrigerate the aioli until ready to use.
Blueberry Barbecue Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine fresh blueberries with chili sauce, ketchup, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Keep warm until assembling the burgers.
Burgers:
- Preheat a gas grill to 450°F and lightly oil the grates. Form the ground beef into 4 patties, handling the meat as little as possible to avoid overpacking. Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Grill the burgers over direct heat for about 6 minutes, monitoring for flare-ups. Flip the patties and cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until they reach the desired doneness.
Assemble the burgers:
- Spread the prepared basil aioli on both the top and bottom halves of each hamburger bun. Place arugula on the bottom bun, followed by a grilled burger patty. Spoon a tablespoon or two of the blueberry barbecue sauce over the patty, then add crumbled blue cheese and crispy bacon slices. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.
