BLT Burger | Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle

BLT Burger

This BLT Burger is perfection with melted cheddar, fresh tomato, lettuce, and smoky bacon.

Ingredients

  • 1½ pound lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 ounces Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar sliced, Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar or Cabot Seriously Sharp Cracker Cuts
  • 4 large hamburger buns
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
  • 4 small leaves green leaf lettuce
  • 4 thick slices of a ripe large slicing tomato
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy

Instructions

  1. PREHEAT grill to medium high heat. Form beef into four patties, about ¾ inch thick. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the patties.
  2. PLACE the patties on the grill, and cook until browned on the bottom, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip over and add cheese. Let cook until desired doneness, another 3 to 5 minutes. An insta-read thermometer will read 145 for medium rare. Let rest 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. GRILL buns to toast if desired, 30 seconds, to 2 minutes.
  4. SPREAD mayonnaise and ketchup on the buns. Place one leaf lettuce on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a cooked burger. Top each burger with tomato and bacon. Top with the bun top and serve.