Black Forest Inspired Freiburgers

Ingredients

• Blue Cheese Spread:
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 – 1/2 ounces blue cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Whole Grain Mayo Sauce:
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
• 1 medium size garlic clove, crushed
• Patties:
• 2 Pounds ground beef
• 2 Teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons grated red onion
• 4 Teaspoons cocoa powder
• 2 Teaspoons caraway seed
• 6 tablespoons sour cherry jam or cherry preserves
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil for greasing the grill
• To Serve:
• 6 pretzel buns
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 Cups baby arugula, loosely packed

Instructions

• Prepare a charcoal or gas grill and heat to medium high (approximately 400 degrees).
• Place all of the blue cheese spread ingredients into the bowl of a mini food processor and process for 5 Đ 10 seconds or until mixture is well incorporated and smooth. Set aside and keep cool until ready to use.
• In a small bowl, combine all of the whole grain mayo ingredients and stir well. Cover and keep cool until ready to use.
• Place all of the patty ingredients into a large bowl, being careful not to overwork the meat, mix well to incorporate all the ingredients. Divide into 6 equal portions, form each portion into a ball, then flatten until they are the size of the bun.
• Oil the grill grate with a paper towel that has been folded and coated with the cooking oil and pinched between tongs.
• Place the patties onto the grill and cook for approximately 4 minutes, flip, then top each patty with a tablespoon of the cherry jam or preserves. Cook an additional 4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches approximately 130 degrees for medium rare to medium.
• Remove the patties from the grill, place on a plate and tent with foil to keep warm until ready to use.
• Butter the inside of the buns with the softened butter. Place the buns on the hot grill, buttered sides down. Toast the buns for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute or until they are warm and lightly toasted with light grill marks.
• Spread bun bottoms with the blue cheese spread and top halves with mayo. Top bottoms of the buns with a hamburger patty, arugula, and the top half of the bun.
• Serve immediately.