Butter Burger

Burger

• 8 slices bacon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus additional for toasting buns 
• 2 pounds ground chuck 
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 
• 4 thick slices Cheddar or American cheese 
• 4 pretzel buns 

Beer Cheese Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 
• 2 cups light beer, such as lager 
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 
• 1 clove garlic, grated 
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 
• 6 ounces grated sharp Cheddar 
• 6 ounces grated Swiss cheese 

Directions

1. Preheat a grill for high heat.
2. In a medium bowl, lightly mix together the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke and garlic powder. Form into 3 patties, handling the meat minimally. Brush both sides of each patty with some oil, and season with seasoned salt.
3. Place the patties on the grill grate, and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until well done.

For the beer cheese sauce: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, until the roux starts to brown, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the beer until smooth.

Reduce the heat and cook until the beer begins to reduce and the alcohol is cooked out, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the cream and garlic and continue to cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and some pepper; gradually whisk in the cheeses until melted completely