With the recent warm spell hitting a good chunk of the country, it looks like the southwest is no longer the only place that gets to grill this time of year. The other day it was 50 degrees here in Phoenix, and 70-something back in Ohio. Heck, even today my family back east will have the same 82-degree high as we will here in the AZ desert. What better way to enjoy the warm weather than grilling outdoors?
Burgers are a relatively common dinner in our home. They can be plain or dressed up, beef or turkey, with or without cheese, on brioche or Sarah Lee. How does one eat burgers frequently without becoming bored, you ask?
Toppings!
Burgers are so easy to customize to whatever you happen to be craving. There are so many ways to spice up a burger, I could probably eat burgers every day and never make the same one twice. Of course, I have a few favorites that tend to get stuck on repeat… but I *COULD* make a different one every day… if I really wanted to…
These, my friends, are dressed up with bacon, red onion, chipotle spread, cheddar cheese, and greens. I suppose jalapeno jack would be just as tasty on top – but we “had” to buy a(nother) two-pound brick of cheddar from Costco, so it’s been the “cheese of choice” as of late. 
So if you’re looking for a way to “spice” up your usual burgers – give these ones a try!
Chipotle Bacon Burgers
[ Printable Recipe ]
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- dash of Worcestershire sauce (about 2 – 3 shakes)
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
- Chipotle Spread
- 1 cup mayo
- 1-2 chipotle pepper(s) in adobo, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
- salt and pepper to taste
- Bacon, cooked
- Red onions (grilled or not, your choice)
- Greens of choice (spring mix, romaine, iceberg, arugula…)
- Cheese – I recommend Cheddar or Pepper Jack
- Burger buns
Mix beef, salt, pepper, Worcestershire, and chipotle powder in a bowl until incorporated. Form into patties, salt the outside of the patties as well.
Make Chipotle Spread by mixing mayo, chipotle, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Set aside until ready to use.
When ready to make the burgers – grill patties to desired doneness and top with cheese to melt. While resting, spread a light layer of chipotle spread over the buns and grill until toasted. Assemble burgers, adding additional chipotle spread if desired, and enjoy!
