Burger Options

While looking through some old recipes I found my list of burger options. By mixing and matching just a few of each category you can make tons of different and flavorful burgers. With summer coming and the weather turning nice I think it's time to start grilling again.

There are a ton of ideas below but here's the formula to make a burger that is good but isn't over the top. You want to be able to balance the tastes together but still have only a few ingredients so you can actually taste what's on the burger. Here's the formula for perfect burgers. (of course you can change this formula to your liking!)

1-2 types of protein + 3-4 seasonings + 1-2 types of cheese + 1-3 fix-ins + 1-3 condiments + 1 bun = DELICIOUS BURGER

Burger Options

Types of Protein:
Make sure protein is ground and has some fat. I like 80 protein/20 fat. If you want to use some unusually meats ask the person at the meat counter to grind it for you. Tell them you're making burgers and they can help you choose the right grind size.
Beef
Pork
Chicken
Turkey
Veal
Fish: salmon, tuna, and shrimp
Sausage
Lamb

Seasonings
Use different textures and flavors mixed in to the burger. These mix-ins work especially well with turkey, chicken and seafood burgers--they not only add flavor, but also moisture.
Grated cheeses
Barbecue sauce
Seasoned salts and spice blends
Fresh herbs, like basil, parsley, cilantro or sage
Plain yogurt (great for lean meats)
Cooked or caramelized onions
Finely chopped peppers--mild or hot
Sun-dried tomatoes
Mushrooms
Bacon or Pancetta


Fix-ins
The classic Burger is great, but sometimes you just want more than lettuce, tomato and onion. Try some of these unusual toppings to make your burgers unique.
Caramelized onion
Cooked Pancetta
Oven-roasted tomatoes
Sauteed mushrooms
Roasted peppers
Ratatouille
Tapenade
Cooked, chopped, spicy sausages
Beef broth or flavored sauce for dunking--think French Dip sandwich


Cheese
No matter what cheese you decide to use make sure that there is enough of it to give you that melty deliciousness in the burger. I suggest covering the burgers with a grill lid of stainless steel bowl so cheese melt quicker onto burger.
American
Cheddar
Swiss
Provolone
Havarti
Parmesan
Gruere
Feta
Jack
Mozzarella
Brie

Breads
Hamburger buns are certainly convenient, but there is a world of other breads out there. Consider using:
Wraps
Tortillas
Pitas
Brioche
Kaiser rolls
Baguettes
Focaccia
Lavash
Multi-grain bread and rolls
English muffins


Condiments
Take your burger to new levels by using different sauces. In place of the usual ketchup and mustard, try some of the following:
Steak sauce
Salsa
Flavored mayonnaise
Chimichurri sauce
Homemade mustard
Homemade ketchup
Homemade relish
Chutney
Cheese spreads
Pesto
Yogurt sauce like tatziki