This is not a particularly idiosyncratic post for me. It’s definitely more of a Dad style dish. (He’s the king of BBQs, an expert at all things meat and fish cooking related). So I did consult him when it came to the cooking of the burger (“ideally it would be on a BBQ… and your burgers are too small for the buns”). Even he was impressed with the final product though. It’s not perfect (for perfect, see Almost Famous in Manchester) – for that I need to source some brioche buns, but it’s not far off!
The actual burger I kept really simple. Just good minced beef from the butcher’s, generously salted and a dash of Lea & Perrins. The combo of Brie and very good quality streaky bacon (again from local butcher’s) is a bit darn sexy – feel free to replace with cheddar or Stilton – the kids had the former and next time I am so plumping for the blue stuff.
We ate my homemade chunky oven chips alongside – it would’ve been rude not to. All in all, an easy-ish family dinner that isn’t unhealthy, especially if your babies will add veg to theirs. Mine preferred them plain, but me and Ad went wild piling ours high (see pic!). Secure with a cupcake flag, or a toothpick.
Serves: 4 adults
Prep time: 3 minutes (plus 2 hours’ chilling time)
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 13 minutes
Ingredients:
1lb good quality minced beef
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
About 100g Brie, sliced
4 rashers of good quality streaky bacon
4 burger buns
To serve:
Tomatoes, sliced
Lettuce leaves, left whole then torn to size
Red onion, sliced into rings
Mayonnaise
American mustard
Ketchup
Instructions:
- Mix the beef, salt and Worcestershire sauce with your hands, divide mixture into four, flatten and shape and leave to chill for an hour or two.
- Get your chips on.
- In a hot pan, fry your bacon till crisp then set aside.
- Prepare all your sides whilst the bacon is frying.
- In the same fan with the bacon fat, fry your burgers. 3 minutes each side will make them a little pink in the middle, which we like. 5 minutes each side will be cooked through. When you flip them, add your cheese slices and cover the pan with a lid or large plate. This will melt the cheese and also steam the burgers, keeping them moist.
- Make the burgers, piling items in this order: mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, burger with cheese, bacon, mayo, mustard (and ketchup too if you like).
- Eat with kitchen roll handy – it’s going to get messy.
