Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees, or turn on that grill!

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

2 pounds of ground meat (80-20 is a good combination)

1 pound thick cut bacon

1 tablespoon fresh cracked black pepper

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

1 dozen mini buns (these can be found in most grocery stores)

1 pound sliced sharp cheddar

Sliced tomatoes, onions, and lettuce

Directions:

Place the meat in a large metal bowl, add the salt and pepper and mix thoroughly. Make small balls with the meat, approximately 3-4 ounces each. Flatten the meatballs into patties. Take two pieces of the thick cut bacon and wrap it around the burger meat. When the bacon overlaps itself, pierce it with a toothpick securing it to the meat patty.

Place in a 350-degree oven and cook for 6-8 minutes for a medium doneness. You may also grill the burgers for the same amount of time.

Place a slice of cheese over the burger when it is 1 minute away from being done- make sure to remove the toothpicks!

For the Sauce:

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon finely chopped Italian flat leaf parsley

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon fresh cracked black pepper

Directions:

Place all of the ingredients for the sauce in a metal bowl and mix with a whisk until fully blended.

Place a small amount of the sauce on the top and bottom of the bun, followed by the burger.