Here are the burgers that inspired my blog, Boating, Boarding and Burgers. Our boat rental is called Wave Club Water Sports and is located at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan. We have long days here at the lake, but we also like to get out on the water once we are done working. One tradition that we love to do is go out stand up paddleboarding after work and then I grill burgers for everyone. Here is the most requested burger from our employees. It's called my Boating & Boarding Burgers and they are featured in the Burger chapter of my cookbook, Meals From the Mitten: Celebrating the Seasons in Michigan.
These are the perfect burgers to make for your next summer cookout. Don't forget that National Hamburger Day is coming up on July 28th. Get your grills and patties ready! The recipe is featured below.
BOATING & BOARDING BURGERS
(Serves 4)
INGREDIENTS:
SPECIAL SAUCE 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup ketchup 3 tablespoons dill relish 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish 1 tablespoon grated onion 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
8 slices thick-cut maple bacon
PATTIES 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck, 80/20 1 tablespoon canola oil Kosher salt Freshly ground pepper
4 slices American or cheddar cheese 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
Lettuce Pickle chips Tomato slices
PREPARATION:
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees and pre-heat a grill to medium high heat.
To make the sauce, add all of the ingredients to a non-reactive bowl and mix together until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until assembly.
Place the bacon on a slotted pan or parchment lined pan and cook in oven for 17-20 minutes, or until desired doneness. Lay bacon on paper towels to drain.
For the patties, gently form the meat into 4 equal patties that are slightly larger in circumference than the bun, then depress the centers for even cooking. Brush patties with canola oil and generously season both sides with salt and pepper. Grill for 10-12 minutes for medium, turning only once. Add the cheese for the last minute or two of cooking, making sure it is thoroughly melted.
To assemble the burgers, add some sauce to all cut sides of the buns. Starting with the bun bottom, add some lettuce, pickles and a burger patty. Next, add 2 slices of bacon to each burger and then a tomato slice finishing with the bun top.
