The Freshman 15 Burger

Serves 1

• 1 8-ounce ground-
  beef patty
• 2 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 jalapeño
• 1 cup sliced onion
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 slice American cheese
• 1 slice pepper jack cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 brioche bun

PREPARATION: Let patty sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in pan and set aside. Slice jalapeño into five rings and add to pan. Cook 30–45 seconds per side until slightly blistered and set aside. Next, cook onions over low heat in butter until soft. Remove from skillet. Butter the insides of bun. Toast on the skillet until golden brown for about 1 minute. Season the patty with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat butter over medium-high heat. Cook patty for 4 minutes on the first side. Flip patty and immediately place American and pepper jack cheese on top. Cover with a lid and cook for 3–4 minutes. Remove patty and set aside. In the same pan, melt a little butter and crack the egg. Cook sunny-side up for about 2–3 minutes. On bottom bun, layer onions, burger patty, jalapeño slices, bacon and fried egg. Add more onions on top, if desired. Complete burger with the top bun.

Find more recipes for the perfect tailgate here.