INGREDIENTS:
BURGER
1-1/2 LBS GROUND BEEF
2 TBSP TRAEGER BEEF RUB
1 BULB GARLIC
JALAPENO RELISH
4 JALAPENOS, DICED SMALL
1 SHALLOT, DICED SMALL
1 GARLIC CLOVE, MINCED
1/4 CUP WHITE WINE VINEGAR
4 TBSP SUGAR
4 TBSP SALT
BACON JAM
1 LB BACON, CUT INTO LARDONS
2 YELLOW ONIONS, SLICED INTO 1/4-INCH RINGS
2 TBSP SHERRY VINEGAR
SALT AND PEPPER, TO TASTE
TOPPINGS
4 LARGE SLICES
GRUYERE CHEESE
4 BRIOCHE BURGER BUNS
DILL PICKLES
PREPARATION:
When ready to cook, start Traeger grill according to grill instructions, and set the temperature to 250 degrees F (set to Super Smoke mode if using a WiFIRE-enabled grill).
Cut the garlic bulb in half horizontally, drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil. Place directly on the grill grate and cook for 30-45 minutes or until cloves have softened and are cooked through.
Place ground beef in a bowl and squeeze roasted garlic from the bulb into the bowl with the meat. Season with Traeger Beef Rub and mix well using your hands. Cover meat and place in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
In a small bowl combine all ingredients for jalapeno relish. Cover and place in refrigerator.
In a medium sauce pan, brown the bacon over medium heat until fat is rendered and bacon is crispy. Remove bacon from the pan and drain all but 2 Tbsp bacon fat.
Add onions and cook over medium-low heat stirring often until onions are softened and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add a little bit of water to the pan if it begins to get too dry before onions are fully caramelized. Finish with salt and pepper to taste and sherry vinegar.
Add bacon back to the pan and cook for 10-15 minutes more and set aside until burgers are ready.
Adjust the grill temperature to 450 degrees F
(500 degrees F if using a WiFIRE enabled grill) and preheat, lid closed for 10-15 minutes.
Portion ground beef into 4, 6 oz patties and flatten. Place patties directly on the grill grate and cook 5 minutes on the first side then flip, top with cheese and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
To build the burger, place bacon jam on the top and bottom bun. Place burger on top of bacon jam, top with relish, top bun and finish with a pickle skewer. Enjoy!
