When I set out to make burgers tonight, I knew it would be something with brie. I got an unbelievable price on a little wheel. $1.99! When does this happen? Rarely. So, I didn’t want to waste this melty cheese on a cracker tonight. Tonight, I wanted it melty and gooey and on my favorite guilty pleasure. A burger from the grill. Seeing as how this was a special burger already, I would also need some special toppings. I have had this jar of Trader Joes Giotto’s Bruschetta sitting in the pantry for a while and I thought why not make some tomato aioli with it. Easy enough, right? It has everything I need; sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, basil and some spices.  Saute some onions and I have the makings of a gourmet burger. Hmmm, maybe I should charge tonight?

You will need: Serves 4

• 1 – 1.5 lbs of hamburger meat or ground chuck
• 1 wheel of brie cheese sliced  (4 thick slices)
• 8 slices of cooked bacon or more if you so desire
• 1 large sweet white onion like Vidalia
• 1 cup of mayo
• 2 tbs of tomato bruschetta topping
• 4 buns choose your favorite, maybe brioche
• 8 pieces of lettuce
• 1/8 cup of olive oil for saute
• seasoning for your burger, I used Wild Garlic Falksalt

First thing to do is to get your patties ready. Make them your favorite way using your favorite seasoning. For me, when I want to go the easy route, I mix the seasoning throughout. Just do not overwork the meat, this will make it tougher and not as juicy. Sprinkle some extra seasoning on top with some fresh ground and push a little dimple into the patty and your ready for the grill.

Dice your onions roughly and place into an oiled pan.

While those are simmering down, put your burgers on the grill and your fries in the oven if you are having them too! I am!

While your burgers are cooking nicely, we can make the aioli. Simply add one cup of mayo (not a sweet mayo) to a small bowl. Then add two tablespoons of the bruschetta topping.

Mix, making sure the topping is blended completely through the mayo.

Using a fork will do.

Set aside.

Slice your cheese. Don’t worry these won’t be perfect slices by any means as this cheese is rich. I bet those burgers are ready to turn!  Ignore the blue cheese on the plate, you know as well as I do by now that the blue cheese is for my daughter.

Yep, they were ready and begging for cheese. Just look at that cheese melt.

Onions are nice. Brown and crisp as well! it is time to assemble.

Lay out your buns and spread a little of the bruschetta aioli on each bun. I toasted mine, but you do what you prefer.

Add two pieces of lettuce to each. I used this new artisan romaine. It was so pretty I could not resist, and better yet on sale.

BURGER.  Need I say more?

Bacon, two slices on each burger. Bacon is something that in this house, I am required to have on hand.

Then layer those gorgeous onions right on top.

Add the top of your bun and your perfect oven baked fries on the plate and enjoy!! I think that lettuce counts as a veggie for tonight right?  YUM!