Cheddar and Bacon Burger

Ingredients

• 8 slices bacon, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 lb (1 kg) lean ground beef
• 2 1/2 cups shredded aged cheddar cheese
• 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1/2 cup panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs) or fine dry bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp freshly ground pepper
• Canola oil*
• 8 whole wheat hamburger buns
• Suggested toppings*: cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes and pickle

Directions

1. Heat a large frypan over medium heat. Sauté bacon until crispy, about 10 minutes. Drain off all bacon fat; discard. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.
2. Combine bacon, beef, cheese, onion, panko, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, egg and pepper in a bowl. Shape mixture into 8 patties. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
3. Preheat natural gas barbecue on medium heat for 10 – 15 minutes.
4. Brush a light coating of oil on barbecue grid. Grill patties over medium heat until grill-marked, about 8 – 10 minutes. Flip patties and continue to cook until cooked through, about 8 – 10 minutes. Serve in hamburger buns with desired toppings.