Perked Up Popper Burger

Pairs well with:

Cabernet Sauvignon

This rich red easily complements your homemade chicken dishes, red meats, game, and mildly seasoned pastas.

Ingredients

1/2 pound hickory smoked bacon, coarsely chopped
1 slice pumpernickel rye bread
1/4 cup whole milk
3 pounds ground beef, 90% lean
1/8 cup Sutter Home Cabernet Sauvignon
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
16 ounces chive and onion flavored cream cheese spread
1 cup pickled jalapeno slices, coarsely chopped
2 cups corn chips, lightly crushed
1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, chopped
Vegetable oil, for brushing grill
8 California Semmel Rolls, sliced horizontally
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped

 

Instructions

Preheat a gas grill to medium high heat. In a cast iron skillet over direct heat, cook the bacon pieces until browned and crispy. Drain on paper towels, reserving 2 Tablespoons of the bacon grease. Set bacon pieces aside. Place the slice of pumpernickel rye bread in a small bowl. Add the 1/4 cup of milk, and let sit for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes have elapsed, thoroughly mash the soaked bread with a fork. Add to a medium mixing bowl. To the soaked bread mixture, add the ground beef, cabernet sauvignon, Worcestershire sauce, sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and the 2 tablespoons of bacon grease. Lightly combine all the ingredients, being very careful not to overmix. Divide ground beef mixture into 8 equal portions, shaping each portion into a Hamburger patty to fit the California Semmel Rolls. Set aside until ready to grill. In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese spread, jalapeno slices, crushed corn chips, grape tomatoes, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well and keep chilled until ready to use. Using a bunched up paper towel, brush the grill grate with the vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place the burger patties on the hot grill over direct heat. Turn the heat down to medium, and cook the burgers for 5 minutes. Flip the burgers, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until desired doneness. Keep warm until ready to serve. While the patties are cooking, prepare the Semmel Rolls. Combine melted butter, garlic powder, and cilantro. Brush the cut sides of the rolls with the seasoned butter. Place the cut sides down around the perimeter of the hot grill, cooking just until warmed through and beginning to toast- about 30 seconds. Remove from grill. Place one hamburger patty on each bottom bun. Top the burger patties with 1/3 cup each of the cream cheese mixture. Add the Semmel Roll Tops. Cut the burger in half and serve immediately.