Ingredients
- 8 strips bacon
- 1-2 slice swhite sandwich bread , crusts removed and discarded, remaining bread cut into 1/2-inch piece s (about 1 cup)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 pound sground beef (see head note)
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large clove sgarlic , very finely minced
- Vegetable oil for grill rack
Instructions
- Fry bacon in large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to plate lined with paper towels. Spoon 3 tablespoons bacon fat into heatproof bowl and place in refrigerator while preparing other ingredients.
- Place bread in small bowl, add milk, and let mixture sit until saturated, about 5 minutes.
- Using fork, mash bread and milk until it forms smooth paste.
- Break up beef into small pieces in medium bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper, then add garlic, bread paste, and reserved bacon fat.
- Using fork or hands, lightly knead together so that ingredients are well incorporated and mixture forms cohesive mass.
- Divide meat into 4 equal portions.
- Using hands, toss each portion of meat back and forth to form loose ball, then gently flatten each ball into 3/4 inch thick patty.
- Oil cooking grate and grill burgers over very hot fire, without pressing down on them, until well seared on both sides, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Serve, topped with bacon, if desired.
