Bacon Pork Burgers

I have experimented with several different pork burgers over the years, and have never found one that I really really loved ..... until this week!  I found this recipe for pork burgers on Food Network and decided to give it a go.  And WOW, we were surprised how amazing they are!  We made them again for a large family function and got two thumbs' up!

Confession: I am maybe not the biggest bacon fan on the planet (even though our bacon is second to none!)  I enjoy one piece every now and then, but more than that can be a little rich for me.  Because the bacon is ground up and then mixed into the ground pork, it leaves you with just the right amount of bacony-goodness.  Add a little earthy sage, and these burgers have the perfect burger flavor.  But because of the added fat from the bacon, take care grilling them as we did have a few flames shooting up.  

Coleslaw is the perfect condiment for these burgers, adding creaminess - and just a little sweet to compliment the salt.  You won't even need ketchup or mustard!

Burgers:
5 slices bacon
1 fresh clove garlic, minced
1 pound ground pork
1/2 t. kosher salt
1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 t. dried rubbed sage
4 buns

Coleslaw:
1 package coleslaw
1/2 c. plain Greek yogurt
1 t. apple cider vinegar
1 t. Dijon mustard
1 t. honey
1/2 T. olive oil
1/2 t. celery seed

Coleslaw Prep:

1. Mix Greek yogurt, vinegar, mustard, honey, olive oil, and celery seed in medium-sized bowl.  Add coleslaw; mix to cover.  Refrigerate until burgers are ready.

Burger Prep:

1. Pulse the bacon and garlic in a food processor until coarsely ground (and resembles ground pork.)
2. Combine the ground pork, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and the sage in a large bowl. Add the bacon mixture and gently mix with your hands. Gently form the meat into 4 balls, then lightly press into 4-inch-wide, 1-inch-thick patties. Make a 2-inch-wide indentation in the center of each with your thumb to prevent the burgers from bulging when grilled.
3. Preheat a grill to medium high. Grill, undisturbed, until marked on the bottom, 5 to 6 minutes. Turn and grill until the other side is marked and the patties feel firm, 4 to 6 more minutes. 
4. Serve the patties on the buns; top with coleslaw.