Grilled Portabella-Mozzarella Burgers With Bacon and Roasted Pep

Submitted by Rambling Rose

"Juicy portabella burgers which can be made vegetarian by omitting the bacon. My neighbor made delicious portabella-bacon burgers and this is what my husband and I have morphed it into lately. Could be made healthier by omitting the bacon and going light on the cheese and using whole-wheat burger buns. But we usually go for the not-so-healthy full package of bacon and yummy fresh ciabatta or focaccia from the bakery. Can substitute (uncooked) tomato slices with fresh basil leaves for red peppers."

 

• Ready In: 50mins
• Ingredients: 7
• Yields: 4 burgers
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 4 portabella mushroom caps
• 12 ounces bacon, uncured if possible
• 6 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
• 2 red bell peppers
• 5 minced garlic cloves (I use pre-chopped garlic in a jar)
• 1⁄2 cup Italian dressing
• 4 ciabatta rolls or 4 whole wheat hamburger buns

directions

1. Wash portabella caps, place upside down on large baking tray, pour dressing and sprinkle garlic over them (does not need to be submerged in marinade). I sort of smear a bit of dressing around the other side of the portabella to coat.
2. Halve and hollow out peppers, coat with some of the dressing/garlic and place alongside the portabellas. Set the tray aside.
3. Cook the bacon. Simplest way is to arrange strips in baking tray and broil ~10 mins in oven (Warning: Burns easily).
4. Slice mozzarella ball into thick pieces.
5. Place pepper halves on grill for 5-10 mins and then add portabellas (~5-10 mins on each side), then place slices of cheese on portabellas until melted.
6. Lightly toast rolls/bread/buns, and stack the portabella with melted cheese, bacon, and pepper half inside.