Fun Flavor Combos to Build a Better Burger

Grilling season is just around the corner. {Or maybe you’re an outdoor cooking enthusiast and you never stopped when the temps dropped.} Either way, ’tis the season to fire up the barbecue and start enjoying our outdoor faves once again! And for most of us that means one thing.

Burgers!

{This post is sponsored by the Washington State Beef Commission.}

Let’s face it. Nothing satisfies quite like a thick, juicy, all-beef patty piled high with toppings. Can burgers be made with other types protein? Of course. Are they anywhere near as satisfying as beef? Not in my experience.

So it’s a good thing when I came across this infographic comparing ground beef to ground turkey. Turns out 93% lean beef has fewer calories and less fat than 93% lean ground turkey! Plus, it’s lower in cholesterol and higher in iron. I feel I’m pretty well-versed in healthy food swaps, but I honestly had no idea that ground turkey’s “health halo” wasn’t as angelic as it seemed.

I love it when I find that the original, more satisfying choice is also the better one. But you know what makes a beef burger even better?

Making your own from scratch. So in honor of National Beef Burger Day coming up on May 28th, I’m sharing my personal burger recipe that is waaaaaay better than the pre-formed ones you find at the store, and far more flavorful that the ones you buy in a freezer stack.

feta & spinach burger with pesto aioli

Easy Homemade Beef Burger Recipe

My own burger recipe is pretty simple. I combine the following in a small bowl to make a panade, which helps retain moisture, adds flavor, and gives the burgers a slightly softer texture.

2 slices bread, torn apart
2 Tb. milk
1 Tb. steak sauce
3/4 tsp. each salt + pepper

Then, I gently combine the panade with 1.5 lbs of ground beef and form them into six patties. Don’t over-mix your beef or tightly mash your patties together; this will make your burgers tough. Throw them on the grill and you’re ready to eat in no time!

But here’s the thing. This recipe is just a starting point. You can customize it endlessly to satisfy whatever culinary flavors you’re craving. Want the spicy tang of Buffalo burgers? Sub buffalo sauce for the steak sauce and top it with blue cheese dressing. Craving teriyaki? Add teriyaki sauce instead of the steak sauce and top it with a slice of pineapple. Feeling the cowboy vibe? Slather it with BBQ sauce and top with onions and mushrooms.

When you’re making creative burgers, keep in mind that there are three main ways to flavor them: within the burger itself, with the condiments, and with the toppings. If you’re feeding a crowd, it’s best to make traditional burgers and set out a “burger bar” to let everyone get creative with their own combinations of condiments and toppings. But if you’re cooking for a small group and just want to turn your dinnertime into a culinary adventure, you can flavor the burgers from the inside out.

Here are some fun flavors to try!

Flavor Ideas for the Burger Patty

Add cheese, chopped veggies, or your favorite condiments straight into the burger mix itself. This will infuse the whole patty with flavor. Some delicious additions include:

Jalapeno + Cheddar
Chopped onions
Feta + chopped spinach
Mushrooms + onions
Hot sauce
Your favorite marinade
Barbecue sauce
Fresh herbs + garlic
Crumbled bacon

Flavor Ideas for the Condiments

Think outside the traditional ketchup, mustard, mayo, and relish. Slather your bun with:

Tomato sauce (and add mozzarella for an Italian twist on your burger)
Pesto or pesto aioli
Barbecue sauce
Honey mustard
Sriracha mayo
Teriyaki sauce
Ranch dressing (or any other dressing)
Guacamole
Peanut butter (yes, I’m serious)

Flavor Ideas for the Toppings

Okay, the list here is literally endless. If it’s in your fridge, it can go on your burger. Set out whatever crazy toppings you like and see what delicious combos your dinner guests create!