Food Club Bacon Cheeseburger Skewers

The perfect appetizers--grilled ground beef and bacon stacked with all of the ingredients for a deluxe bacon cheeseburger packed with flavor!

INGREDIENTS

• 4 slices Food Club bacon, cut into 4 pieces
• 1 lb. ground beef (80% lean 20% fat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 slices white bread, each cut into 4 pieces
• 16 small squares cheddar cheese pieces
• 2 cups loosely packed green leaf lettuce, torn into small pieces
• 16 cherry or grape tomatoes

Dipping sauce (optional)

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons ketchup

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium high heat until crisp, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
2. While bacon is cooking, prepare the ground beef. Portion into 16 equal pieces and shape into a small patty about 1 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Once bacon is done, cook beef patties in the skillet until browned and cooked all the way through, and an instant read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165° F, about 3-5 minutes per side.
4. While burger patties are cooking, toast bread cubes under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted. Watch carefully so they don't burn.
5. To assemble the skewers, pierce a cherry tomato with a toothpick or mini skewer, followed by a small piece of lettuce. Stack a toast, burger patty, bacon and cheese together and then stick the prepared skewer through it.
6. Repeat with remaining skewers and serve immediately.
7. To serve with the dipping sauce, whisk mayonnaise and ketchup together until smooth. Store leftovers in the fridge.

Notes: To make ahead, keep burger patties and bacon warm in a 200° F oven and cover toasts with plastic wrap so they don't dry out. Assemble skewers right before serving. You can also spread a little of the dipping sauce on the toasts before assembling, if desired.