Maple Bacon Cheeseburgers

It's burger season!  Get out the grill and cook up some Maple Bacon Cheeseburgers. Be the hero of the backyard and keep the family coming back for seconds!

Time: Total: 1 hr Active: 1 hr
Yield: 12 single or 6 double cheeseburgers

Ingredients:

Directions:

Form the ground beef into 12 thin patties, about 4 1/2 inches wide. Place on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Preheat a grill to high and lightly oil the grates.

While the grill is heating up, put the bacon in a large nonstick skillet. Turn the heat to medium and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and crisp (or your likeness). Remove the bacon and set aside. Pour out grease drippings in a safe container. 

Return the bacon to the skillet in a single layer. Drizzle with the maple syrup and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Fire For Effect Sweet Heat Rub. Cook over medium heat, turning the bacon to coat in the syrup, until glazed, about 1 minute; remove to a plate to cool. Brush the cut sides of the buns with some of the bacon drippings. Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and hot sauce in a small bowl.

Season the patties with Ground Pounder on both sides. Working in batches, grill the patties until marked on the bottom, 2 minutes, then flip and top each with a slice of cheese. Cover and cook 30 more seconds for medium doneness. Toast the buns on the grill.

Assemble the burgers: Spread the mayonnaise sauce on the buns. Fill with the pickles, patties (optional: 2 per burger) and bacon.