Black and Blue Burgers: A Bold and Flavorful Grilled Burger

Introduction

The Black and Blue Burger is a mouthwatering combination of bold blackened spices and creamy blue cheese, creating a savory, tangy burger experience. The robust flavors of the seasoning paired with the richness of the blue cheese make this a standout dish for any burger lover.

Ingredients

For the Burgers:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 4 brioche buns, lightly toasted
• 4 oz crumbled blue cheese
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
• 1 large red onion, sliced into rings
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Blackening Spice Mix:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Grill

Start by firing up your Arteflame grill to get it ready for grilling. You'll want the center grill grate to reach a high searing temperature to achieve a perfect blackened crust on the burgers.

2. Prepare the Blackening Spice Mix

In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create your blackening spice blend.

3. Season and Form the Patties

Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape them into patties about 1/2 inch thick. Generously coat each patty with the blackening spice mix, pressing it into the meat to ensure it adheres well.

4. Sear the Burgers

Place the seasoned patties on the center grill grate to sear. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a dark, flavorful crust. Move the patties to the outer cooktop if they need to cook through further, or if you prefer your burgers more well-done.

5. Toast the Buns and Sauté the Onions

While the burgers are cooking, lightly butter the brioche buns and place them on the flat cooktop to toast until golden brown. In a separate area of the cooktop, sauté the red onion rings until they are softened and slightly caramelized.

6. Add the Blue Cheese

In the last minute of cooking, top each burger patty with crumbled blue cheese. Cover the burgers with a lid to melt the cheese slightly. Be careful not to overdo this as the blue cheese gets very runny quickly.

7. Assemble the Burgers

Spread a little more butter on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice on the bun, then add the blackened burger patty with melted blue cheese. Top with crispy bacon and sautéed onions, then cover with the top half of the bun.

8. Serve

Serve the Black and Blue Burgers hot with your favorite sides like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad.

Tips

• Use high-quality beef: An 80/20 blend of ground beef is ideal for juicy, flavorful burgers.
• Adjust the heat: If you prefer a milder spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackening spice mix.
• Blue cheese options: For a different flavor profile, try using Gorgonzola or Roquefort in place of standard blue cheese.

Recipe Variations

1. Black and Blue Turkey Burgers

Swap out the beef for ground turkey and adjust the cooking time for a leaner version of this classic burger.

2. BBQ Black and Blue Burgers

Add a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce to the burger before adding the blue cheese for a sweet and tangy twist.

3. Mushroom Black and Blue Burgers

Sauté mushrooms along with the onions and add them as a topping for extra umami flavor.

4. Black and Blue Sliders

Make mini patties and serve them on slider buns for a fun, party-sized version of the Black and Blue Burger.

5. Black and Blue Veggie Burgers

Use a black bean patty or portobello mushroom cap as the base, seasoning it with the blackening spice mix and topping it with blue cheese for a vegetarian option.

Best Pairings

• Side Dish: Sweet potato fries, grilled corn on the cob, or coleslaw
• Drink: A cold IPA or a glass of Zinfandel
• Dessert: Chocolate lava cake or a slice of cheesecake

Conclusion

These Black and Blue Burgers are a bold and flavorful option for your next cookout. The spicy blackened crust combined with the creamy blue cheese creates an unforgettable burger experience that’s sure to impress.