12 slices good-quality smoky bacon
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for drizzling
2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion chopped or thinly sliced
Coarse salt and coarse black pepper
1/2 cup cloudy apple cider
1/4 cup dark amber maple syrup
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef sirloin
2 tablespoons grainy dijon mustard
8 large thin slices gruyère or sharp cheddar
4 brioche buns split
Onions simmered in maple syrup add a sweet surprise to bacon-beef cheese burgers.
Pre-heat the oven to 375°F. Arrange 8 slices bacon on a broiler pan and bake until crisp, 12-15 minutes. Finely chop the remaining bacon.
In a skillet, heat a drizzle of EVOO over medium-high heat. Add the butter to melt. Add the onion; season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, about 15 minutes. Add the cider, maple syrup and Worcestershire and simmer at a rapid but controlled bubble, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes.
In a bowl, combine the beef, chopped bacon, mustard and lots of pepper. Form into 4 patties thinner at the center than at the edges for even cooking. Drizzle with EVOO and season with salt. Pre-heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the burgers and cook for 5 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook for 3-4 minutes on the other side for medium doneness. In the last minute or so, top each burger with 2 slices of cheese to melt.
Serve the burgers on the buns, each topped with 2 slices of crisp bacon and some of the maple onions.