Ingredients

For the Beef Patties - 4 Beefmaster beef burger patties - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - 1 tsp smoked paprika - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce - A little olive oil, for searing

For the Bacon Jam (or use store-bought) - 200 g streaky bacon, finely chopped - 1 red onion, finely diced - 2 tbsp brown sugar - 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar - 1 tbsp maple syrup - 1 tsp Dijon mustard - 1 tbsp water - Black pepper, to taste

To Assemble - 2 rolls all-butter puff pastry, thawed - 4 slices mature cheddar cheese - 4–6 gherkin slices - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional) - 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash - Sesame seeds, for topping

Method

1. Prepare the bacon jam Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the bacon until golden and crisp. Remove excess fat if needed, leaving a little in the pan. Add the red onion and cook until softened. Stir in the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard and water. Simmer gently for 8 to 12 minutes until thick and glossy. Season with black pepper and set aside to cool.

2. Sear the patties Season the Beefmaster patties with salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Heat a little olive oil in a pan and sear the patties on both sides until well browned. Brush with Worcestershire sauce. The patties should be browned on the outside but not cooked through at this stage. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool completely.

3. Assemble the Wellingtons Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Cut the pastry into four large squares, allowing enough pastry to enclose each patty. Spread a little Dijon mustard in the centre of each square. Layer with cheddar, a cooled beef patty, bacon jam and gherkin slices. Add a little more cheese if desired. Bring the pastry edges up and around the filling, seal securely and place seam-side down on a lined baking tray.

4. Bake Brush each parcel with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds. For best results, chill for 10 to 15 minutes before baking. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden and the centre of the beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 71°C. Rest briefly before serving.

5. Serve Serve warm with crispy shoestring fries, a fresh green salad and extra bacon jam or burger sauce on the side.

Kitchen Note Allow the patties and bacon jam to cool completely before assembling. This helps keep the puff pastry crisp and flaky.