Burger Bites with Bacon Guacamole
Burger Bites with Bacon Guacamole

Finally, football season is back! Although I'm sorry to see another summer slip through my grasp, I do adore the fall, and that means football. Along with the Sunday game (and now, almost every other night of the week) come the snacks that get us through the nail-biting moments.

In my opinion, the best game day food comes in the form of appetizer-size nibbles, various dips and, of course, chili when we move into the winter season. Today's recipe pays homage to true tailgate food and the almighty burger. In the spirit of sliders, I've shrunk burgers down to mini-sized bites, but put them on skewers to optimize dipping potential. The dipping accompaniment? Bacon Gucacamole.

The trick to a good burger (any size) is the proper seasoning. Seasoning isn't just all about flavor; the proper amount of salt also helps to naturally bind a burger. No need to add any eggs or bread crumbs (then you'd have meatballs!), just the right amount of salt does the trick.

Your hands make the best mixers for meat. Don't be afraid to really get in there to mix together the meat and seasonings. You could easily also grill these little babies but don't forget to soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to hitting the grill.

Burger Bites with Bacon Guacamole


For burgers:

Yields about mini burgers

1.5 lbs. lean ground beef

1 clove minced garlic

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. cumin

Pepper, to taste



Thoroughly mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl. Allow to sit about 10 minutes.

2. Roll ground beef mixture into golf-ball sized balls and flatten into patties. Insert a skewer into each burger.

3. Bake at 350 degrees F on a parchment lined baking sheet for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

For guacamole:

1 avocado

1 clove minced garlic

3 slices bacon, cooked & chopped

1 small tomato, diced

1 tsp. lime juice

Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Open up the avocado, and remove the pit by gently hitting it with the heel of your knife. Scoop out the avocado with a spoon and into a bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork until large chunks are gone.

2. Add garlic, bacon, tomato, lime juice, salt & pepper and mix until all ingredients are incorporated.

3. Let sit for at least 15 minutes, or until ready to serve
