Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground chuck (80/20)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 strips thick cut bacon
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle relish
  • 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Sizzle the 6 strips of bacon until crispy, then chop into small bits.
  3. Mix 1 cup panko with 1/3 cup milk in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until it forms a soft paste.
  4. In your large bowl, beat the 2 eggs with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add the 2 lbs ground chuck and the panko paste to the egg mixture.
  6. Gently incorporate the chopped bacon, 8 oz cheddar, 1/2 cup minced onion, and 1/4 cup strained relish. Stop as soon as colors are marbled to avoid overworking the protein.
  7. Shape the mixture into a 9x5-inch rectangle on a parchment lined pan.
  8. Whisk 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp mustard, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp apple cider vinegar.
  9. Brush half of the glaze over the loaf.
  10. Bake for 45 minutes, apply the remaining glaze, and bake for another 10 minutes until the internal temperature hits 160°F and the top is bubbly.