Blackened Seasoned Cheeseburger with Brown Sugar Bacon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Place rack on a foil lined baking sheet. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the rack.
2. Coat bacon evenly to one side with Kinder's Brown Sugar BBQ Rub. 
3. Place in oven and bake until bacon is crisp, about 20-25 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and set aside.
4. Preheat the outdoor gas grill to high heat (450°F). If using a charcoal grill, arrange coals to one side of the grill to create direct (high) and indirect (low) cooking areas.
5. Form beef into 4 patties, about 3/4” think and circular in shape. Using your thumb, place a small indention in the center of the patty.
6. Coat patties evenly on both sides with Kinder's Cali's Blackened Rub
7. Let patties sit at room temperature until ready to grill, about 20 minutes.
8. Place patties on grill in a single layer and sear until brown and crispy on bottom, about 3-5 minutes.
9. Flip and cook for 3 minutes.
10. Move to indirect heat (charcoal) or turn down heat to medium heat (gas grill) and continue to cook for 1 minute.
11. Place 2 slices of cheese on each patty, cover until cheese melts, about 1 minute.
12. Toast buns on grill, about 1 minute.
13. Remove patties and buns from the grill.
14. Spread ranch salad dressing (or mayo mixture) on the bottom bun.
15. Stack lettuce, onion, tomato, and patty on bun.
16. Top patty with bacon strips.
17. Finally, pour BBQ sauce over the bacon and burger, top with bun and serve. Enjoy!