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Bacon and Goat Cheese Aioli Burger with Crispy Onions

This juicy lemon aioli burger is topped with goat cheese, bacon, crispy onion strings, and a killer bun. It's a gourmet burger recipe that's perfect for any summer grilling get-togethers!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Resting Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 1093 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the aioli
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2-3 teaspoons lemon juice fresh
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • salt and pepper to taste
For the burger:
  • 1 & 1/2 pounds ground beef I used 80/20
  • 2 tablespoons red wine
  • 1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 & 1/2 tablespoons garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup green onions chopped
For the crispy onion strings:
  • 1 whole large onion
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 to 2 quarts canola oil
To assemble:
  • 4 ounces goat cheese softened
  • 4 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 4 Million Dollar Buns they are killer! (sorry I can't stop myself)
  • butter softened

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prep the onions. Slice the onion into very thin rings. Use a mandoline if you have one. Place the sliced onions into a baking dish and cover with buttermilk. Set aside for an hour.
  2. Make the aioli. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, zest, lemon juice, Dijon, 1 clove garlic, and salt and pepper. Don't add too much lemon juice or it will be too runny to stay on the burger. Throw it in the fridge. (For more tips and info, check my Garlic Aioli Recipe.)
  3. Form the burgers next. In a medium bowl use your hands to combine ground beef, red wine, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt, pepper, garlic, and green onions. Form into 4 patties at least 4-5 inches across. Press the centers of the patties down so that the hamburgers don't get too thick in the middle when you grill them. See the how-to photos on my Caprese Burgers post if you're feeling lost. Set the hamburgers aside on a plate.
  4. Cut the bacon in half and cook until crisp. I like to Bake Bacon in the Oven, so much easier. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Heat 1-2 quarts oil (depending on the size of your pan) over medium-high heat (375 F) in a high-sided skillet. You need at least a couple inches.
  6. Combine the 2 cups flour, salt, cayenne, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Drain the buttermilk-soaked onions and add them to the flour, making sure they all get coated. When the oil is hot, add the coated onions, doing several batches. Stir them around so they don't stick together. When they are golden brown, remove to a paper-towel lined plate. Repeat with remaining onions. You will probably have extra onions. I'M NOT SORRY.
  7. Heat your grill to medium heat. Cook the burgers for 3-5 minutes, then flip. Spread 1 ounce of softened goat cheese on each burger, then cook for another 3 minutes or so, or until they are as done as you want them.
  8. Butter the cut sides of the Million Dollar Buns. Place on the grill and cook for 1-2 minutes until the buttered sides are crispy.
  9. Assemble the burgers: Bun, aioli, burger, goat cheese, bacon, onions. Add more aioli for good measure.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1burger Calories 1093kcal (55%) Carbohydrates 78g (26%) Protein 54g (108%) Fat 61g (94%) Saturated Fat 25g (125%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g Monounsaturated Fat 24g Trans Fat 2g Cholesterol 171mg (57%) Potassium 870mg (25%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 622IU (12%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 308mg (31%) Iron 9mg (50%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1093

% Daily Value*

Serving 1burger
Calories 1093kcal 55%
Carbohydrates 78g 26%
Protein 54g 108%
Fat 61g 94%
Saturated Fat 25g 125%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g 29%
Monounsaturated Fat 24g 120%
Trans Fat 2g 100%
Cholesterol 171mg 57%
Potassium 870mg 19%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 622IU 12%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 308mg 31%
Iron 9mg 50%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.