The New Englandah Burgah
We used thick strips of bacon, which worked nicely.
Amanda mixes 1/4 cup of maple syrup right into the beef, along with some salt and pepper. Make sure not to over-mix the meat!
Amanda pats the meat into 1/2-pound patties, while Merrill slices up an apple.
We used bulkie rolls -- perfect for a New England-inspired burgah!
When grilling the apple slices, be careful not to drop them through the grate -- we lost a few to the coals!
They only take a minute or so.
The burgers should take about 4 minutes per side on a hot grill for medium rare.
Once you flip the burgers, brush them with a little maple syrup -- this is to taste, but you don't want to end up with candied burgers!
With the buns now on the grill too, things are getting crowded.
Move the burgers off to the side a little, and stack 'em with the goodies: first bacon and apple...
then cheese!
A minute with the grill cover on...
And they'll look like this.
Transferring these giant burgers from grill to bun requires a little concentration.
Share
- ✉
-
Author Notes: This came from my mind when I was a student at The Culinary Institute of America. We had to create a menu item based on where we lived. Since I am from New England I created this burger with ingredients that you can find or originate in New England. This was a hit at both the CIA and at the restaurant I worked at. - Chef Jason - Chef Jason Royal
Food52 Review: We were intrigued not only by the name of this burger, but by the juxtaposition of savory and sweet. This could easily go too far, but Chef Jason manages to rein it in, inspiring harmony rather than a cacophony of flavors. The burger themselves have a faint sweetness from the maple syrup, and this is enhanced by the grilled apples; the salty crunch of the bacon and the tang of cheddar provide the perfect counterpoints. This is a burger that requires a ravenous appetite and begs to be eaten in generous mouthfuls, each including all of the different components. - A&M - A&M
Makes 2 large burgers
- 1 pound 80-85% lean Black Angus ground beef
- 1/4 cup Pure New England maple syrup, plus more for basting
- 4 thick slices applewood smoked bacon
- 1 MacIntosh apple
- 4 slices Vermont cheddar cheese
- 2 Bulkie rolls
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 bottles blueberry beer
- In a medium bowl, combine the beef, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well using your hands. Form into 2 8-ounce patties. Set aside in the refrigerator.
- Cook the bacon on the grill, in a skillet, or in the oven. Peel and slice the apple. Place in small bowl and sprinkle lemon juice over the slices to prevent browning.
- Place the apple slices on grill and cook for about one minute on each side. Remove and set aside.
- Grill the burgers over high heat, turn after 3 or 4 minutes and move to a cooler part of the grill. Drizzle some maple syrup over the burgers as they cook. Toast the buns as the burgers cook.
- When the burgers are cooked to your liking, take two slices or more of bacon and place on top of each burger. Arrange some apple slices on top of the bacon.
- Place a slice of cheese on top of each burger, cover the grill and let melt for about a minute.
- Place the burgers on the buns.
- Serve with blueberry beer.
- Enjoy.
- Your Best Beef Burgers Contest Winner!
Tags: apple, bacon, barbecue, barbecue, Beef, burgers, burgers, cheese, Maple syrup, New England, Summer
More Great Recipes
Share a Recipe
Enter one of our contests, or share that great thing you made for dinner last night.
Add a Recipe
4 days ago Luvtocook
I disagree with cutting the apples into cubes...grilled slices sound terrific and not hard to eat. I feel sure a thick slice of cheese (maybe white cheddar) will "glue" the slices to the meat...and I think I'll substitute ground turkey (light & dark, mixed) for the red meat. Do they have "Canadian bacon" in New England? I plan to use that instead of what's called for, too, to make the "burgah" even easier to eat...sweet turkey, bacon & apple (and cheese) in every bite. Not your burgah, Chef, but maybe good, too. Will let you know. Oh, and I'm a whole wheat bun gal, too. Healthier. Thanks for your inspiration!
29 days ago Sashinka
This sounds fantabulous!!!
4 months ago ocmaribel
Can i make the patties ahead of time? A few hours? Will golden delicious apples work? or what is the most similar to a McIntosh Apple? Thanks. making these for dinner tonight :)
4 months ago Chef Jason Royal
you can definitely make patties ahead of time. it might even cause the meat to marinate with the syrup. I would really try to stick to a McIntosh because the Mac is a New England based apple. If you cant get Mac's, Macoun, Empire or Cortland would be the next best thing.
9 months ago COOK "IKE"
We use our syrup on Flap Jacks here in Texas we would use Picante sauce and onions in place of the apples we use onion (apples we use to bob at Haloween or to candy or to make pies but on a Burger, no thanks) Look forward to your next creation(s) however.
9 months ago Chef Jason Royal
Be daring and try the maple syrup and bacon. using picante and onions dont come anywhere close to what I have created. It really creates a wonderful flavor. Try something new, you might like it.
9 months ago COOK "IKE"
We use our syrup on Flap Jacks here in Texas we would use Picante sauce and onions in place of the apples we use onion (apples we use to bob at Haloween or to candy or to make pies but on a Burger, no thanks) Look forward to your next creation(s) however.
9 months ago COOK "IKE"
We use our syrup on Flap Jacks here in Texas we would use Picante sauce and onions in place of the apples we use onion (apples we use to bob at Haloween or to candy or to make pies but on a Burger, no thanks) Look forward to your next creation(s) however.
9 months ago rodolforamiscal
Wow,i love burgers.thanks for the recipes!!!
almost 2 years ago MountainMornings
Wow I am going to try this one out, though I'll substitute ground turkey and maybe add some fresh herbs. Docs orders! We started our family in the Berkshires and would go to a sugar shack every spring to get our maple syrup fresh from the tree!
almost 2 years ago sexyLAMBCHOPx
Hi Chef Jason- I wanted to give you a shout out for such a great burger. I used Grade B maple syprup and hubby & I chowed on these de-lish-ous half pounders. It's a keeper for us, so many thanks!
almost 2 years ago Chef Jason Royal
Altough you may cook the burger and other ingredients the way you want. I would not suggest cooking the bacon until crisp. I believe by doing that the crisp bacon overpowers the burger too much. by cutting the apple in rings and placing 2-3 slices per burger and then crossing the bacon on top of that makes it so you get it all in each bite. by placing the cheese on top it all holds it in place. given that you cut your cheese thick enough.
almost 2 years ago teamom
Understand about the bacon. I should have said "dice".
almost 2 years ago teamom
Good burger, sloppy presentation. After cooking the bacon, crumble it. Slice the apples in rounds; after grilling, dice them. Assemble according to instructions. Makes the burger easier to eat, and one still gets a bit of each ingredient in each mouthful.
Blueberry beer is an abomination ( in an humble Bavarian's view).
about 2 years ago wssmom
Best. Burgah. Ever.
9 months ago invitedchaos
*Evah.
9 months ago invitedchaos
*Evah.
9 months ago invitedchaos
*Evah.
about 2 years ago ChefJune
this looks SO good! Wonder how many folks here know,though, that a "Bulkie roll" is NOT a hamburger bun? (SO Boston!)
about 2 years ago Chef Jason Royal
I would really have to disagree with that. Sorry! A bulkie in New England terms is a large sandwich roll (Bulkie Roll Sandwich) A burger is considered a sandwich. We like to call them bulkie burgers. Though it might be different in certain parts of Boston, North Shore, Southie, The Cape, etc. Though in the case of The New Englandah Burgah, I dont think it really matters. Its soo good. lol.
almost 3 years ago Annelle
One word--YUM!
almost 3 years ago lilygibbs
these are so good. i think i'm gonna have to add maple syrup to all my burgers from now on...
almost 3 years ago KelseyTheNaptimeChef
Congratulations Chef Jason!
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
From so many great recipes, congratulations on your BIG win!
almost 3 years ago Midge
Way to go Chef Jason!
almost 3 years ago adamnsvetcooking
Congrads!!!!
almost 3 years ago drbabs
Barbara is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Congratulations!
almost 3 years ago Sagegreen
Congrats on the final win! We really had two great choices, but I was swayed by the apple and maple combination.
almost 3 years ago Chef Jason Royal
Thank you everyone once again for your votes.
almost 3 years ago cheese1227
Congratulations on your win.
almost 3 years ago Chef Jason Royal
Thank you very much. I must say though, your burger was delicious. and I cant wait to have it again. I love trying peoples recipes. though some are not as good as others, I really love the fact that everyone puts their heart and soul into them. The one thing that makes great food....love.
almost 3 years ago Chef Jason Royal
Thank to everyone to voted for my burger. I cant wait to find out the results. I hope everyone who made one ejoyed it.
almost 3 years ago WatRat
Congrats in a great combo!
almost 3 years ago dashandbella
i want one right now. sounds fabulous!!! love the maple syrup, apple, cheddar combo.
almost 3 years ago Chef Jason Royal
Thanks. I hope you get a chance to make one and enjoy it.
almost 3 years ago SammyR6724
Oh my!! this burger is absolutely delicious. Well done. It is one of those few things in life that just make you go MMMMMMMMMMM. and gives you goosebumps. I even talked my wife (who is a vegetarian) to try this. After I gave her a piece, she wanted me to make a whole one for her. So I guess you can say that she is no longer a vegetarian. I also made your competitions recipe but that doesnt come close to yours. Its very good, but your recipe really stands out with flavor, originality, and creativity. I am not from New England but with this I can really get a taste of what its like to live there. Thank you very much. I hope you win.
almost 3 years ago Chef Jason Royal
Thanks a bunch, I really apprecieate it. It means a lot to me when people make great comments. However when you said Well done, did you mean Job well done or cooked well done? just a little confusion. but anyways. thank you very much for you comment.
almost 3 years ago SammyR6724
I meant job well done. LOL I would never cook a burger well done. Medium well maybe but certainly not well done. That just ruins the whole thing.
almost 3 years ago Midge
Looks wicked delish!
almost 3 years ago Chef Jason Royal
Thanks everyone for the comments and votes, I really appreciate it.
almost 3 years ago KelseyTheNaptimeChef
Great recipe! I married into a family of New Englanders and am from central NY myself so I fully appreciate the maple syrup - we use only the good stuff in this house! I am definitely going to make these soon, these are perfect for summer and fall grilling!
almost 3 years ago laurielufkin
This looks delicious! Nice job--and I am going to try it--thank you for the recipe
almost 3 years ago Kayb
No one at my house would eat this, except me, and I'd probably eat three of them. It sounds wonderful. Got my vote!
almost 3 years ago Chef Jason Royal
well they missed out then. maybe someday they will try it. They have no idea what they are missing.
almost 3 years ago dmanburger
Looks great !!!
almost 3 years ago katiebakes
Sounds wonderful! This one got my vote and is on my want-to-try list. Congratulations on being a finalist.
almost 3 years ago cheese1227
Great recipe!! Good luck. I too, am from New England, so I can appreciate the combination. That said, not all of us talk like we grew up in Southie!
almost 3 years ago Chef Jason Royal
lol. I grew up and live in central Massachusetts. I just love the fact that most New Englanders dont say "R's" but more like "AH" When I was in school I did a report on the New England accent, and things that have different names in new enlgand compared to the rest of the country. like water fountains are called bubblahs, ice cream sprinkles are Jimmys, ect. I called the burger the New Englandah Burgah that becuase when I used to tell people that I was from Massachusetts or New England, I would always get "So do you eat Chowdah, or pahk your cah" so i figured this name would be well fitting. since people not from new england sometimes assume that we all talk like that.
almost 3 years ago cheese1227
AHHH, so you understand the chip I have on my shoulder about being from Western MA. Boston is lovely, but it is not the whole of the state of Massachusetts. My husband and I have the jimmies/sprinkles fight everytime we get ice cream.
almost 3 years ago Sagegreen
I have been living in western Mass now longer than anywhere else, so it feels like home (but grew up on the coast of Rhode Island)! Worked in central Mass and Boston for short stints, too. Both these recipes are amazing. Love the hypothesis that dividing line between sprinkles and jimmies is defined around Springfield!!!!
almost 3 years ago cheese1227
Where in Western MA? I was raised in Lee, in the heart of the Berkshires, as they say now. It was a nice, quiet mill town in the 70s, though. Very much and ugly steap sister to Stockbridge and Lenox. Perhaps I may just have to call the Friendly's headquarters in Wilbraham and ask them what they call those little faux chocolate thinks that they roll their ice cream cones in?
almost 3 years ago Sagegreen
I love Lee. Have down a project with the Main Street around there. I live in Amherst! Love the area here, esp in terms of food sourcing. I have been teaching at UMass for years now, but often live abroad during sabbaticals/summers.
almost 3 years ago Chef Jason Royal
Speaking of new enlgand names for foods. I remember when I first moved to NY for school, I went to a pizza joint and asked for a ham and cheese grinder. and the guy behind the counter was like "What is a grinder?" and it took me a mintue to realize that they dont call them that there and that they are called subs, hoagies, torpedos, etc.
almost 3 years ago cheese1227
I have a friend who is a linquistics professor and one of the things he works on is what people call things like grinders/hoagies/subs or eggcreams/floats/fraps etc across the country and maps out where one name starts and another one ends. I've always that that was a very cool thing to study.
almost 3 years ago lapadia
Very creative New England creation, thanks for sharing your recipe and talent.
almost 3 years ago dymnyno
I like that you put a lot of thought into the ingredients and how they will taste together and compliment each other and how you created a recipe with a lot of complexity and sophistication. Congratulations on being a finalist. It's not just good it is creative.
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
Interesting combo of flavors - never thought of apple with a burger!
almost 3 years ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
Yum. Might have to whip out my Smoked Maple Syrup and slather this with some Bacon Marmalade, too. Congrats, Chef J!
almost 3 years ago TheWimpyVegetarian
That sounds so yummy, mrslarkin! And this sounds like such an interesting combination of flavors that I would never have thought to put together, Chef J. I'm definitely trying this! Congrats on being a finalist!
about 1 year ago Chef Jason Royal
I just read your comment. I havent been on here much. I must have smoked maple syrup and bacon marmalade. where can i get such a lovely item? it is a must have for my cabinets.
about 1 year ago dymnyno
I have a recipe for bacon marmalade on my blog: current-vintage.com. I don't make it very often because I end up using it on EVERYTHING!
about 1 year ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
Hi Chef Jason. I used to order my bacon marmalade from here: http://baconmarmalade.com... but I just found out they moved to Spain! The smoked syrup is from Pop's in Vermont: www.smokedsyrup.com
almost 3 years ago drbabs
Barbara is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Congratulations on being a finalist--interesting combination of flavors!
almost 3 years ago Sagegreen
You've got all the goodness of New England packed into this meal! Sounds wonderful.
almost 3 years ago Baileymouse
Mmmm, sounds completely yummy! I love the apple idea.
almost 3 years ago The Kid is Loco
Yum! Sounds like a good melange of flavors. Gonna have to try this one out. Or like Erica said, if I'm around your parts, I'm expecting one of these. Good luck....Chris
almost 3 years ago erica79
sounds good jay if I come visit ya best make me one :P
almost 3 years ago Chef Jason Royal
ohh lol.
almost 3 years ago dymnyno
I meant it as a double entendre.
almost 3 years ago Chef Jason Royal
But the sweetness is at a perfect balance to the rest of the burger so it is not overpowering.
almost 3 years ago Chef Jason Royal
It is very interesting. Although there is Maple Syrup, the cookin process somehow removes most of the sweetness. The maple syrup just leaves a slightly bitter maple flavor in the burger but the apples add sweetness. With the bitterness opening up your tastebuds, the apple sweeness is intense.
almost 3 years ago dymnyno
Interesting...sounds very sweet!