Stuffed Bacon and Jalapeño Popper Burgers

There is nothing earth shattering here. It's simply taking two of the greatest tasting things on earth...bacon and jalapeño popper dip...and stuffing them into another one of the greatest tasting things on earth...the hamburger. 1+1+1=10.


Ingredients
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
2 jalapeños, minced
Kosher salt
Fresh ground black pepper
6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
1 teaspoon chili powder
1-1/2 pounds ground beef (at least 20% fat)
4 burger buns


Directions

1.  Make the filling: In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella and jalapeños. Season with salt and pepper and then fold in bacon.
2. Form ground beef into 8 thin patties. Spoon 1/4 cup of filling mixture on to one patty, then place a second patty on top. Pinch edges to seal burger. Repeat with remaining patties.
3. Prepare a grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat. Season burgers on both sides with chili powder, salt and pepper. Place on grill and cook for 5 minutes per side.
4. Remove burgers from grill, place in buns and serve.

Pairing: It's July and it's grilled burgers. A really cold beer, please.

Grogs and Goldie, 1956