Try These Unforgettable Memorial Day Party Burgers

Memorial Day is an important holiday. You take time out to honor those who offered the ultimate sacrifice and then celebrate the lives they fought for with your family and friends.

If you're the host of this year's celebrations, take heart. Memorial Day party ideas are equal parts enthusiasm and planning, and with a little help, you'll enjoy both in no time. To begin, here's an easy, delicious idea for your Memorial Day party menu.

Mouthwatering Barbecue Burgers

What's better for kicking off barbecue season than a celebration with barbecue flavors? Spoil your guests with the zesty flavors in these smoked Gouda burgers. This recipe makes eight servings, so you'll need to multiply the ingredients by the number of guests you plan to feed. See what you have on hand and head to the store for the rest of these items:

·         4 tablespoons peanut oil

·         2 pounds of white and yellow onions

·         Salt

·         1/2 cup hot sauce

·         1/2 cup beef or chicken broth

·         12 tablespoons unsalted butter

·         16 slices 1/2-inch-thick firm white bread

·         16 slices thick-cut bacon

·         4 pounds 20 percent fat ground chuck

·         2 cups shredded smoked Gouda (or equal amounts Gouda and mozzarella)

·         Sweet barbecue sauce

While these burgers taste gourmet, they're easy to put together — there are only four steps.

Step 1: Heat the oil in a large pan. Cut the onions into thin slices and add them to the oil with a pinch of salt. Cover and cook until the onions are slightly crisp and just beginning to turn translucent. You'll need to stir them a few times. Add the hot sauce and broth to the mixture. Remove from the heat. According to Food & Wine, you can store the onion blend in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it the next day.

Step 2: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread and toast it by placing the butter side down on a large heated griddle. Place the toast on a plate and add the bacon to the griddle. Cook the bacon slices over moderate heat until they're crisp. Drain them on paper towels.

Step 3: Once the griddle has cooled, wipe it down. Season the beef with salt. Form it into half-pound patties and fry on the griddle over moderately high heat until they're cooked through. Top each burger with a small handful of smoked Gouda and continue to cook until the cheese melts.

Step 4: Place the burgers on the unbuttered sides of the bread slices. Top them with the bacon, onions, and barbecue sauce.

There you have it — gourmet burgers easily made in your own kitchen. Accompany these burgers with Memorial Day recipes and beverages for an unforgettable occasion.