Saturday, June 30, 2012

TOPPINGS FOR GRILLED BURGERS

Summer -- nothing tastes as good a hamburger fresh off the grill!  As much as I love the convenience of a gas grill, I really prefer the taste you get from charcoal for burger.  Either way you cook them, these toppings will make a big impression.


Grilled Onions – I like to use caramelized onions.  Here is a hint toward the end of the cooking add a about a teaspoon of Balsamic Vinegar and let it reduce down.  Makes a HUGE difference!

Bacon – You can use Turkey Bacon – it will taste just as good and cut down on the fat.  Or use regular bacon or even the new vegan type.  I cook mine on the stove top but you can microwave bacon too.

Cheese – There are so many choices – Cheddar, American, Pepper jack.  Try a new one – cheese blends like Italian cheeses or Mexican cheeses.  These add a totally new flavor.  Or try Blue Cheese.

Salsa - little kick instead of ketchup

Compound Butter – I love making a compound butter with finely diced shallots and putting that on the burger after it comes off the grill.  Yum! Use your imagination!!

Of course the better the ingredients the better results on any of these.  And by the way, you can use all of these with a Turkey Burger or Vegetarian burger too.