The Big Ben Burger

This is our thirtieth, and last, burger from the Cheese & Burger Society.


I can definitely say we ended up on a high note. Not that there were any bad burgers along the way, that's for sure. This one just stands out as one of the best. The pickled onions and balsamic mayo are truly great on this burger.

Makes: 2 burgers
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: Varies depending on desired doneness
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh ground beef (recommend 75/25 or 80/20)
• 1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled
  
• Watercress
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked
• Pickled red onions (see below)
• Balsamic mayonnaise (see below)
• Ciabatta rolls

1. Form beef into 2 patties and season. Place on grill and cook to your desired doneness. Brown rolls and remove.

2. To assemble burgers, top bottom rolls with watercress and pickled onions. Add patties, bacon, and cheese. Slather top rolls with mayo and serve.

Pickled Red Onions

Makes: 8 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes, plus cool time

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup white vinegar
• 3 T sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• 5 allspice berries
• 5 whole cloves
• 1 dried chile pepper
• 1 large red onion, sliced thin

1. Heat the vinegar, sugar, seasonings, chile pepper and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan.

2. Add onion, lower heat, and simmer for 30 seconds.

3. Remove from heat and let cool. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Balsamic Mayonnaise

Makes: 1 cup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3 T balsamic vinegar (use a good, quality balsamic)
• 1/8 t cayenne pepper

1. Combine all ingredients.