Smoked Maple-Bacon Burgers with Maine Maple Glaze

Introduction

Get ready to elevate your burger game with these juicy Smoked Maple-Bacon Burgers. Made with high-quality local beef, crispy smoked bacon, and a rich Maine maple glaze, these burgers are grilled to perfection on the Arteflame Grill. The high-temperature center grill grate sears the patties at over 1,000°F, locking in all the juices, while the flat griddle ensures even cooking. This recipe will guide you through the reverse searing method, ensuring the perfect bite every time.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs local ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 4 brioche buns
• 8 strips smoked bacon
• 1/4 cup Maine maple syrup
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup arugula
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the oiled napkins in the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and ignite the paper.
4. Allow the fire to build and the grill to heat for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the burger patties

1. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Form the mixture into four equal patties, ensuring they are slightly wider than the buns.

Step 3: Cook the bacon

1. Place the bacon directly on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame Grill.
2. Cook until crispy, flipping as needed.
3. Remove from the grill and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Sear the burgers

1. Place the burger patties on the center grill grate at 1,000°F.
2. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes to develop a deep crust.

Step 5: Finish cooking on the flat cooktop

1. Move the seared patties onto the flat cooktop.
2. Cook to desired doneness, flipping once.
3. Melt a slice of cheddar cheese over each patty.

Step 6: Glaze the burgers

1. Brush each patty with Maine maple syrup for a sweet, smoky finish.

Step 7: Toast the buns

1. Spread butter on the brioche buns.
2. Lightly toast them on the flat cooktop.

Step 8: Assemble the burgers

1. Spread Dijon mustard on the bottom buns.
2. Layer arugula, the cooked patty with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and sliced red onions.
3. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

Tips

• Remove the burgers from the grill when they are 15°F below the desired final temperature, as they will continue to cook after removal.
• For extra richness, add caramelized onions cooked on the flat cooktop.
• Use thick-cut bacon for a more robust texture and flavor.
• Let the patties rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.

Variations

1. Spicy Maple-Bacon Burger: Add sliced jalapeños and a drizzle of sriracha to bring some heat.
2. Blue Cheese & Maple Burger: Swap cheddar for blue cheese for a tangy twist.
3. BBQ Maple-Bacon Burger: Substitute mustard with a smoky BBQ sauce.
4. Mushroom Swiss Maple-Bacon Burger: Add grilled mushrooms and swap cheddar for Swiss cheese.
5. Avocado Maple-Bacon Burger: Top with creamy avocado slices for a smooth texture.

Best pairings

• Crispy sweet potato fries cooked on the flat cooktop.
• Grilled corn on the cob with butter.
• A refreshing Maine blueberry lemonade.
• Classic coleslaw for a crunchy side.
• A smoky bourbon cocktail for the perfect beverage pairing.

Conclusion

These Smoked Maple-Bacon Burgers capture the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Cooking them on the Arteflame Grill ensures a restaurant-quality burger with a beautifully seared crust and juicy interior. Impress your guests with this gourmet burger recipe that delivers bold flavors in every bite.