kitchen witch's Notes:
Expand9 thick slices applewood smoked, nitrate-free bacon Ask a question about this ingredient
4 ounces of blue cheese, crumbled Ask a question about this ingredient
1 large sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced Ask a question about this ingredient
sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste Ask a question about this ingredient
1 large or 2 small avocados, sliced 1/3 inch thick Ask a question about this ingredient
balsamic vinegar, for brushing on the avocado slices Ask a question about this ingredient
extra-virgin olive oil for oiling grilling pan Ask a question about this ingredient
1 1/2 pounds ground bison Ask a question about this ingredient
6 whole-grain hamburger buns, split Ask a question about this ingredient
Canola mayonnaise Ask a question about this ingredient
6 lettuce leaves Ask a question about this ingredient
6 large tomato slices, 1/4-inch-thick Ask a question about this ingredient
sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste Ask a question about this ingredient
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat removing 3 slices while still soft and cooking the remaining 6 slices until crispy. Transfer bacon from pan to a paper towel-lined plate leaving the rendered oil in the pan. Chop 3 slices of the still soft bacon for meat patty. Break 6 crispy bacon slices in half.
Ask a question about this stepDiscard bacon oil leaving about 1 teaspoon of bacon oil and drippings in skillet. Add the onion, salt and pepper to the rendered bacon drippings. Cook the onion until soft and caramelized, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Ask a question about this stepPreheat grill to medium-high. To make the patties, form the ground bison into 12 thin, round patties. Divide chopped bacon and blue cheese between 6 of the patties, then top each with one of the remaining patties. Pinch the edges of each patty closed to seal well. Sprinkle patties with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the patties on the grill and cook until desired doneness. During the final minutes of grilling the patties, brush the avocado slices with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Arrange on lightly oiled grilling pan and grill alongside the patties for 1 to 2 minutes, turning as necessary. When the avocados are nicely grilled, remove from the grill. Place the buns, cut side down, on the outer edges of the grill rack to toast lightly.
Ask a question about this stepTo assemble the burgers, spread mayonnaise over the toasted buns. On each bun, place a lettuce leaf, a tomato slice, a meat patty, caramelized onions, 2 avocado slices, and 2 halved pieces of 1 bacon slice. Top with bun.
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