Summer Feta Burger With Gourmet Cheese Spread

This burger came from a Greek inspiration. The cheese spread is worth making alone to use with anything you wish.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• CHEESE MIX

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh basil
• 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh dill

• BURGERS

• 2  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1  red onion, minced
• 2  lbs  lb ground beef (lean or extra lean)
• 1⁄4 lb  ground pork sausage
• 1 1⁄2 cups  crumbled feta
• 1⁄4 cup red wine (or unsalted beef broth)
• 1  egg
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

• TOPPINGS

• 1  large  heirloom tomato, sliced
• 1  medium red onion, sliced
• 8  leaves  green leaf lettuce leaves
• 2  cooked bacon, slices per burger (optional)
• 8  kaiser rolls, split

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, 1 clove minced garlic, basil, and dill. Cover and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat and cook 1 clove minced garlic and onion for 4 to 6 minutes, or until translucent. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
3. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil grate.
4. While the grill is heating, gently mix together the cooked garlic and onion, ground beef, pork sausage, feta cheese, red wine (or broth), egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Do not over work the meat mixture. Divide into 8 equal parts and form into patties.
5. Grill patties on preheated grill for 5 to 10 minutes per side, until well done. Toast the split buns on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes. Assemble the burgers by spreading 1 1/2 tablespoon of the cheese and herb spread to both the top and bottom of each roll. Place patties on the bottom half of the rolls and stack a slice of tomato, sliced red onion, and a leaf of lettuce on each burger. Add the roll tops and serve.