Bacon Cheeseburger Buns

Bacon Cheeseburger Buns

2 dozen

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
2/3 cup warm water
2/3 cup warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 teaspoons salt
4-1/2 to 5 cups flour
for filling
1 pound sliced bacon, diced
2 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
3 to 4 tablespoons butter, melted
ketchup, mustard, or bbq, optional

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, sugar, shortening, eggs, salt and 3-1/2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels. Cook beef, onion, salt and pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add bacon and cheese; cook and stir until cheese is melted. Remove from the heat. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into fourths. Roll each portion into an 12-in. x 8-in. rectangle; cut each into six squares. Place 1/4 cup meat mixture in the center of each square. Bring corners together in the center and pinch to seal. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 9-11 minutes or until lightly browned. Brush with butter. Serve warm with ketchup, mustard, or bbq sauce if desired. Add a side of french fries and enjoy!

I halved this recipe for my family of four and we still have six buns leftover for lunch tomorrow. My son loved these - as I knew he would! ;-)