Bacon and Date Goat Cheese Burgers

Name: Bacon and Date Goat Cheese Burgers
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 2-3/4 cups fresh baby spinach, divided; 1 package (8 ounces) pistachios, shelled; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 garlic cloves, halved; 1/2 to 1-1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 package (5.3 ounces) fresh goat cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1-1/2 pounds ground beef; 1 package (8 ounces) pitted dates, chopped; 6 brioche hamburger buns, split; 1/2 pound maple-flavored bacon strips, cooked; 1 medium red onion, sliced

This burger is a rich and decadent combination of sweet and savory in every bite. If you can't find maple bacon in your local store, you can add 1-1/2 tablespoons maple syrup to the spinach-goat cheese mixture in the food processor. —Michelle Anglin, Livingston, Montana

Ingredients

2-3/4 cups fresh baby spinach, divided
1 package (8 ounces) pistachios, shelled
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, halved
1/2 to 1-1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 package (5.3 ounces) fresh goat cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup olive oil
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 package (8 ounces) pitted dates, chopped
6 brioche hamburger buns, split
1/2 pound maple-flavored bacon strips, cooked
1 medium red onion, sliced

Directions

Place 2 cups spinach, pistachios, lemon juice, garlic, pepper flakes, salt and pepper in a food processor; pulse until chopped. Add goat cheese; process until blended. Continue processing while gradually adding oil in a steady stream to reach a spreadable consistency. Refrigerate until serving.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine beef and dates, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into six 1/2-in.-thick patties. Place burgers on an oiled grill rack or in a greased 15x10x1-in. pan. Grill, covered, over medium heat or broil 4-5 in. from heat until a thermometer reads 160°, 4-5 minutes per side. Grill buns, cut sides down, over medium heat until toasted.
Top bun bottoms with remaining spinach, burgers, red onion and bacon. Spread 4 teaspoons goat cheese mixture over cut side of each bun top; place on burger. Cover and refrigerate remaining goat cheese mixture; save for another use.