Coffee Rubbed Cheeseburgers

Freshly ground coffee adds depth to this spice rub and brings out the flavor of the meat. Use it with Texas Barbecue Sauce (see recipe below) and be sure to keep the rub recipe handy as it is great on steaks and chicken too.

Why not boost your burger with a little brew--any Kahvé coffee will do!

Coffee Rub Recipe by Fred Thompson, Bon Appétit

Yield: Makes 8

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon freshly ground coffee
• 2 teaspoons (packed) golden brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Burgers:

• 8 slices applewood-smoked bacon
• 1 pound ground chuck (preferably grass-fed)
• 1 pound ground sirloin (preferably grass-fed)
• 8 slices smoked provolone, smoked caciocavallo, or smoked Gouda cheese (about 8 ounces)
• 8 potato-bread hamburger

Buns:

• 8 slices red onion
• 8 slices tomato
• Texas Barbecue Sauce (see recipe below)

Preparation

For coffee rub:

Mix all ingredients in small bowl. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 week ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

For burgers:

Cook bacon in large skillet until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Break in half. Gently mix chuck and sirloin in large bowl. Form meat into 8 patties, each 3 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter and 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Using thumb, make slight indentation in center of each burger. DO AHEAD: Burgers and bacon can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover separately and chill.

Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Sprinkle 1 teaspoon coffee rub on top side of each burger. Place burgers, rub side down, on grill rack. Grill until slightly charred, about 4 minutes; turn.

Place 2 bacon slice halves atop each burger. Cook 3 minutes.

Top each with 1 cheese slice. Cover and cook until cheese melts, about 1 minute longer. Place burgers atop bottom halves of buns. Top with onion slices and tomato slices. Spoon dollop of Texas Barbecue Sauce over. Cover with bun tops and serve, passing additional sauce alongside.

Test-kitchen tip: Making a small indentation in the center of the patty before cooking ensures a nice, flat burger.

Texas Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Yield: Makes about 1 1/3 cups

Texans take their barbecue—and their barbecue sauce—seriously. This is a classic central Texas-style sauce, which is a tomato-based mixture that's a little sweet and a little spicy.

Ingredients