Sizzling Sensation: Crafting the Ultimate Bacon Brie Burger with Merlot Onions
Embarking on a culinary journey as a food blogger is often a meticulous, multi-step process. It typically begins with the exciting development of a new recipe, followed by rigorous testing to perfect every flavor profile and texture. Only when the recipe is absolutely right, the lighting perfectly accentuates its appeal, and all desired props are in place (and perhaps, crucially, when your workspace is undisturbed by unexpected studies, a common, albeit unique, challenge for some!), can the much-anticipated photography session commence. This dedication ensures that every dish presented to you is not just a meal, but a meticulously crafted experience, ready to inspire your own kitchen adventures.
However, the stars don’t always align on the first attempt. There are days when a recipe requires multiple rounds of testing, turning “shoot day” into “dinner day” more often than not. Take, for instance, this incredible Bacon Brie Burger. After its initial test run, I found myself happily enjoying it for three consecutive days. A week later, when the conditions were finally perfect for photography, I indulged in this burger for another three days straight, and I can honestly say, I never grew tired of its rich, complex flavors. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary masterpiece that truly stands the test of taste.
The secret to its irresistible charm lies in the depth of flavor packed into every bite of my Bacon Brie Burger. It’s truly extraordinary. Initially, I deliberated over the inclusion of caramelized onions. Historically, I haven’t been a big fan of raw onions. However, I’ve developed a significant appreciation for cooked onions, particularly when they’re caramelized to a deep, sweet perfection. The slow cooking process transforms their sharpness into a mellow, sugary delight that I’ve come to adore. It’s a testament to how the right preparation can completely change an ingredient’s character.
The true magic behind achieving perfectly tasty caramelized onions lies in a combination of patience and a specific cooking technique. It took me some time to master this, but sautéing them in a blend of both butter and olive oil is a classic, tried-and-true method that yields an unparalleled richness. The butter adds a creamy depth and helps with browning, while the olive oil prevents burning and allows for higher heat. This slow, deliberate process brings out the natural sugars in the onions, transforming them into a silken, deeply flavored topping that elevates any dish. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.
As I perfected the caramelized onions, I decided to take them to the next level by introducing a generous pour of CK Mondavi and Family Merlot during the sautéing process. This addition was a game-changer! The Merlot, with its fruity notes and subtle tannins, beautifully infuses into the onions as it slowly reduces. It adds a layer of sophisticated sweetness and a hint of acidity that cuts through the richness, creating a more complex and utterly delicious flavor profile. This step ensures that the onions aren’t just sweet, but also carry a nuanced, wine-kissed depth that perfectly complements the other components of the burger.
For the cheese topping, I confidently chose brie for this burger. My adoration for brie cheese is profound – frankly, I don’t discriminate when it comes to cheese, but brie holds a special place. Its creamy, mild, and buttery notes melt beautifully over a hot patty, creating a luxurious, ooey-gooey layer that’s both comforting and elegant. Beyond its exquisite taste and texture, brie is also a fantastic choice because of its versatility. It melts uniformly, creating a perfect blanket of flavor that complements the richness of the beef and the savory elements of the other toppings.
The pairing possibilities with brie are also remarkable. While this burger shines with its Merlot-infused onions, brie itself pairs wonderfully with a crisp Chardonnay. Chardonnay, in general, is renowned for its adaptability, making it a superb white wine choice for almost any meal, from seafood to poultry, and certainly robust enough to stand alongside a gourmet burger. Its often-buttery and oaky notes can echo the creaminess of the brie, creating a harmonious tasting experience that truly elevates your meal.
And, as the adage goes, “everything’s better with bacon,” so a crispy, smoky slice was an absolute non-negotiable for this burger. The salty crunch of thick-cut bacon provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft bun and creamy brie, while its savory, umami-rich flavor adds yet another layer of deliciousness. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the caramelized onions and the richness of the beef, creating a balanced and incredibly satisfying bite. Each element is carefully chosen to contribute to a symphony of flavors and textures.
Crafting the perfect patty is just as crucial. For this burger, I recommend using a quality ground beef, preferably a 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio, which offers an excellent balance of flavor and juiciness without being overly greasy. Before grilling, the beef is expertly seasoned with minced garlic, a hint of onion powder for aromatic depth, a dash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance its umami, and, of course, coarse Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. These seasonings infuse the patty with a robust flavor that forms the foundation of this gourmet burger, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.
These Bacon Brie Burgers are designed to be truly hearty and satisfying. I particularly love serving them on a soft, slightly sweet brioche bun, which provides a wonderful textural contrast and subtle richness that complements the bold flavors within. However, if you prefer a lighter option, or are looking to reduce carbs, feel free to enjoy this burger “knife and fork style” or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. The versatility of the presentation allows everyone to savor this culinary delight in their preferred way, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
When it comes to cooking, I always prefer firing up the grill for that authentic smoky char (though, credit where credit is due, my husband, Jason, is often the grill master!). But don’t despair if you don’t have an outdoor grill. A sturdy cast iron grill pan or even a regular skillet works perfectly indoors, allowing you to achieve a beautiful sear and cook the patties to your desired doneness. The goal is a juicy, perfectly cooked patty, regardless of the heat source. From rare to well-done, this burger is fantastic tailored to your preference.
To complete this perfect summer meal, I love serving these burgers with a light, refreshing side. My classic coleslaw is an ideal choice; its crisp texture and tangy dressing provide a brilliant contrast to the rich, savory burger, making each bite feel fresh and balanced. The combination of the hearty burger and the bright, zesty coleslaw truly screams summer to me, evoking images of backyard barbecues and sun-drenched gatherings. Other excellent light options could include a simple green salad or some fresh fruit, offering a counterpoint to the decadence of the burger.
For those who appreciate the art of wine pairing, this burger offers several delightful options. As mentioned, the creamy, mild notes of brie find a beautiful partner in a crisp, well-balanced Chardonnay. The wine’s acidity and potential oaky undertones can harmonize with the cheese, creating a sophisticated sensory experience. If you lean towards red wines, a robust Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent companion to grilled beef. Its bold tannins and dark fruit flavors stand up magnificently to the rich, smoky notes of the patty, providing a classic pairing that never disappoints.
However, the inclusion of Merlot-infused onions in this particular Bacon Brie Burger opens up even more exciting possibilities. A glass of the very same Merlot used in the onions, such as the CK Mondavi and Family Merlot, would be an inspired choice. This creates a cohesive flavor profile, as the wine in the glass echoes the subtle sweetness and depth present in the caramelized onions, tying all the elements of the meal together beautifully. It’s a thoughtful pairing that enhances both the food and the wine, making each component shine brighter.
Ultimately, this Bacon Brie Burger with Merlot Onions is more than just a meal; it’s an experience in flavor layering and culinary indulgence. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients, thoughtfully prepared, can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this burger promises to deliver a memorable and deeply satisfying experience. We hope you savor every moment of crafting and tasting this exceptional dish, and let its rich flavors transport you to a state of pure gastronomic delight.
bacon brie burger with merlot onions
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Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef – any ground beef will do, though I do suggest 90/10 blend for flavor
- 6 ounces brie – sliced
- 2 garlic cloves – minced
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Coarse Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 4 Brioche Buns – split, or lettuce to wrap
- 2 tbsp butter – unsalted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion – sliced
- ¼ cup Merlot
Instructions
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In a 5 to 6 quart pan over medium-high heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add onions and stir often until they’re limp and liquid has evaporated, about 8-10 minutes. Add wine; stir occasionally until liquid has evaporated and onions are sweet to taste and very tender, about 30 minutes. Add salt to taste, if desired.
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While onions are cooking, prepare bacon.
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Portion ground beef into 4 patties, season with salt and pepper, garlic, onion powder and Worcestershire.Grill to desired doneness.
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Top each patty with brie slice, and cover until cheese melts. Top with crispy bacon, and caramelized onions.
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