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Bacon cheeseburger with caramelized onions and basil aioli

This bacon cheeseburger has everything you want for a summer cookout: aged cheddar cheese, sweet onions, bacon and basil aioli, in a healthy lettuce wrap.
Prep Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the aioli (makes ½ cup)

  • cup mayonnaise
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, diced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • Salt to taste

For the onions

  • 2 tablespoons butter, more if needed
  • 2 cups sweet onions, sliced thin

For the burger (makes four burgers)

  • 1 pound ground chuck, 80 percent lean, 20 percent fat
  • 1 teaspoon salt (seasoned, like Lawry’s, or plain)
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 thick slices of bacon
  • 4 ounces aged cheddar cheese, sliced into 4 slices
  • 8 leaves iceberg lettuce

Instructions

  • Combine all aioli ingredients in medium bowl and mix well. Set aside.
  • Melt butter in large saute pan over medium-low. Add onions and stir occasionally (adding more butter if onions start to brown too deeply) until onions are a nice golden-brown, about 25 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook bacon in saute pan or cast-iron pan over medium-high for 2-3 minutes per side or until bacon has reached desired crispiness.
  • Separate ground chuck into four patties of equal size, about 5 inches in diameter and 1 inch tall. Try not to handle the burgers too much, as this can make them tough. Season one side of patties with half the salt and pepper.
  • Prepare your grill. If using a charcoal grill, bank coals to one side for high heat. On a gas grill, cook the burgers over high heat. Alternatively, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or leftover bacon grease in skillet over medium-high.
  • Place your burgers on the grill or pan, seasoned side down. Season the other side of the burgers with remaining salt and pepper.
  • If cooking on grill, cook burgers 2-4 minutes per side, depending on desired doneness. On a stovetop, cook 3-5 minutes minutes per side, adjusting as needed. After flipping, top patties with cheese for maximum meltiness. Once cooked, place burgers on plate to cool.
  • Once cooled, place each patty on a lettuce leaf. Each patty will likely need about two lettuce leaves to hold it together.
  • Place bacon and onions on patties and top with generous dollop of aioli. Wrap lettuce around burger and serve!