Gourmet Blue Cheese Burgers with Pancetta (Print version)
Juicy beef burgers topped with crisp pancetta, blue cheese sauce, arugula, and toasted brioche buns.
# Ingredients:
For the blue cheese sauce
01 -
3 oz (85 g) blue cheese, crumbled
02 -
1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise
03 -
2 tablespoons (30 g) sour cream
04 -
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
05 -
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
06 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the burgers
07 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) 80/20 ground beef
08 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
09 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 -
4 oz (115 g) thin sliced pancetta
11 -
4 brioche burger buns, split
12 -
1 cup (25 g) baby arugula
13 -
1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced
# Instructions:
01 -
Mash the blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, lemon juice, and black pepper in a small bowl until creamy with a few small cheese pieces left. Refrigerate while you cook.
02 -
Divide the beef into 4 portions and gently shape into patties about 3/4 inch thick. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty and season both sides with salt and pepper.
03 -
Cook the pancetta in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, turning once, until crisp. Transfer to paper towels. If using the skillet for the burgers, leave a thin film of fat in the pan.
04 -
Heat a grill or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the center reaches 160°F for fully cooked ground beef.
05 -
Place the buns cut side down on the grill or in the skillet for 30-60 seconds until warm and lightly golden.
06 -
Spread blue cheese sauce on the bottom buns. Add arugula, a burger patty, crisp pancetta, red onion, and another spoonful of sauce. Close the buns and serve right away.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served immediately after assembly.
02 -
Chill shaped patties for 15 minutes if the kitchen is warm.
03 -
Use an instant-read thermometer for the most reliable doneness.