David’s So Gouda Burger

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 6 slices applewood-smoked bacon, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp Montreal steak seasoning
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp tabasco
• 8 oz smoked Gouda cheese, half cut into 4 (1-oz) cubes and half (4 oz) shredded
• 8 battered frozen onion rings
• 4 leaves bib lettuce
• 4 ripe tomato slices
• 4 red onion slices
• 8 pickle slices
• 4 Tbsp barbecue sauce
• 4 brioche or potato burger buns
• 4 (4") toothpicks
• 8 stuffed olives, optional
• Chips or salad, for serving

Preparation:

• In a mixing bowl, gently combine the beef, bacon, Montreal seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and tabasco, being careful not to overwork the beef. Form into 4 equal portions. For each portion, shape it into a patty and place a cube of cheese in the center.



• In an air fryer, add in the frozen onion rings and spray them lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Cook on 400°F for about 6–8 minutes, turning as needed, until crisp and golden brown. If not using an air fryer, bake in the oven per package instructions or fry in a tabletop fryer. Keep the onion rings warm.



• Cook the burgers in an air fryer at 160°F, turning once during the cooking process. If not using an air fryer, cook in a skillet or on the grill.



• Once cooked, assemble the burgers by placing the lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and beef patty on each of the bun bottoms. Top each with 2 onion rings and a drizzle of the barbecue sauce.



• In a medium-size skillet over medium heat, toast the tops of all 4 buns. Remove the buns from the skillet.



• In the same skillet, make 4 piles of the shredded cheese. As it melts, place a toasted bun top over each pile and spin it lightly so the cheese adheres to the bun. Quickly slide the cheesy bun tops out of the skillet and on top of each burger. Secure with a toothpick and 2 olives, if desired, to hold the entire burger in place.



• Serve with chips or a nice salad.