Bacon Cheddar BraziBurgers: Gluten Free BBQ for the 4th of July

by Mick Brown

Courtesy of http://www.BBQCateringConfidential.com

I first encountered Cheese Bread Brazi Bites at the Gluten Free (GF) Expo in Pasadena in June 2014. In a ballroom dominated by Sweet GF Treats, it was really a delight to discover these savory Snacks. Made with Tapioca Starch, the texture is soft and smooth. The Cheese Bread Snacks (with Parmesan, Cheddar and Bacon) didn’t taste anything like Diet Food. In fact, the intense Cheesy flavor reminded me of the Deep Fried Cheddar Balls I used to get in Chicago and Wisconsin. I have been obsessed with Brazi Bites ever since.

The opportunity recently came up for me to cater a Political Fundraiser, hosted by a friend who happens to be Gluten Free. The Menu was to be substantial Hors D’oeuvres that people could grab and go while having conversation. When I mentioned the possibility of making Mini-Burgers using Brazi Bites, the hosts loved it. So did the crowd on the day of the party. The Fresh Baked Buns made them especially delectable. Perfect for the 4th of July, or any party. No one even guessed that the Mini-Burgers were GF.

BACON CHEDDAR BRAZiBURGERS with SMOKY GRILLED ONION AND BASIL MAYOLI

(For 10 Mini-Burgers)

Ingredients:

1 lb. Ground Beef (80/20 suggested)

2 tbsp. HEROIC! Herb and Spice Blend (by California Gold BBQ Rubs)

1 tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce

1 tsp. Fresh Ground Black Pepper

1/2 tsp. Salt

10 frozen Cheese Bread Brazi Bites with Bacon

For Mayoli:

1 Cup GF Mayonnaise

1/3 Cup Chopped Fresh Basil

2 Thick Slices White Onion

1+1/2 tbsp. HEROIC! Blend

Cooking Instructions: (If no access to Grill, feel free to use indoor Grill Pan, Skillet or Broiler)

1. Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees and BBQ Grill to Medium High. Mix Ground Beef evenly with BBQ Rub, Worcestershire Sauce, Salt and Pepper. Separate into 10 Mini 1.5 oz. Burger Patties.

2. Place frozen Brazi Bites 1 inch apart on Baking Sheet (slightly greased or parchment lined). Bake for 20 Minutes or until Golden Brown.

3. Season Onion Slices on both sides with 1 Tbsp. BBQ Rub, then Grill for 5 Minutes each Side. Grill Mini-Burgers for 2 Minutes per side (or to desired doneness). Don’t walk away, they cook really quickly.

4. Once Onions are done, Chop them into a small mince, and mix with Mayonnaise, Basil and 1/2 Tbsp. BBQ Rub.

5. Gently slice Brazi Bites in half to form Buns. Fill each with one Burger and a generous Dollup of Mayoli. Serve and Enjoy. [We had optional GF Mustard, Pickle Chips and HEROIC! Ketchup/BBQ Sauce as condiments.]

LINKS

Brazi Bites (Available in Los Angeles at Whole Foods)- http://www.brazibites.com/

The Brazi Bites Story on Martha Stewart American Made- https://my.marthastewart.com/content/brazi-bites

California Gold BBQ Rubs- http://www.californiagoldrub.com

HEROIC! on Amazon.com- http://www.amazon.com/HEROIC-BBQ-Gluten-Free-Added/dp/B00IEEYCRQ