Making a Better Burger

the best
Burgers for Dad

Yeah, I know, opinions are like behineys, everybody's got one, right? Now I am not gonna say this is the best burger you have ever had like some folks claim when they post a new recipe. I mean, how do I know what kind of hamburger you even like.

But lets think about what makes a great hamburger:
~grilled over an open flame to get the essence of a fire chard taste, that's for sure
~a juicy, savory & seasoned to perfection patty, the kind that runs down your chin and makes you smack your lips
~topped or stuffed with cheese, one that you can say actually taste like cheese
~a dressing that really compliments the taste of the burger, not compete with it
~toppings piled so high, you just know your jaws are gonna hurt but in a good way
~bacon, need I say more

So when I set out looking for a burger to make for the weekend and one that might just make some Dad happy for his coming holiday, I thought of the taste I would like. A blend of beef sirloin and pork sausage with just the right fat ratio to seal in flavor and the hospitable southern seasonings that will make any poppa smile. Enjoy!

Dad's Better Burger
makes 4 good-size hamburgers

Warm Toppings:
4 thick slices hickory bacon
1 large onions, sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon brown sugar
4 hamburger buns, toasted on grill
Cold Toppings:
romaine lettuce
sliced ripe tomato
slices of sweet onion
Creole Mayo to serve
creole mayo

Creole Mayo:
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped capers
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper sauce, to taste

Burgers:
1 1/2 pound ground sirloin beef
1/2 pound ground pork sausage
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
1 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon capers, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup Creole Mayo
1/2 cup small cubed sharp cheese (hoop) plus 4 slices
Creole seasoning for dusting if desired

For the toppings: Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set bacon aside on paper towels. In the same pan, add the slices of onion, garlic and brown sugar. Lower heat to medium low and cook until caramelized, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, cover until ready to assemble burger.

For the patties: In a large bowl, combine the beef, sausage, and everything except the cheese and Creole seasoning. Mix ingredients by cutting with a large metal spoon using it's side and in a folding method until blended. Work fast to keep the mixture cold and the fat intact. Divide mixture into eight equal balls and with cold hands, flatten each into 5-inch round patties. Place 2 to 3 pieces of cubed cheese on the top of four patties and top with another patty. Seal the edges of each patty so that the cubes are entirely covered and in the center of each. Sprinkle with additional seasoning.

Grill over a hot fire on each side first searing both sides to help form a crust. Then cook over a medium fire for about 3 minutes each side. Toast the buns as the burgers are cooking and remove when slightly brown. Keep the buns warm.

To serve, place a burger directly from the grill onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with remaining slice of cheese, the caramelized onions, bacon, lettuce, tomato, a slice of sweet onion if desired and a dollop of the mayo on the top half of the bun.

Comments

  1. Perfect timing and love the sweetness and then creole just brillant this sounds super yummy! Have a great weekend my friend!

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  2. oh drick the first line had me rolling!! i love my burgers over a open flame also, tasty recipe! have a great weekend!

    sweetlife

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  3. Howdy Drick, nice to hear from you. Hope everything went well on your side as well. Your mayo sounds terrific. I want that on my burger too. lol! Slurp... Thanks so much for sharing.
    Hope you're having a great weekend.
    Take care.
    Blessings,
    Kristy

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  4. That has got to be one of the most satisfying and delectable burger I have seen in a long while!

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  5. That is one great lookin burger. A post should inspire and this one sure does. Now I must fire up the grill.

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  6. If you say pecans in the burger then I will try it. This is a serious burger and I know some moms that would demolish them, and with an extra spoonful of that Creole mustard.

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  7. thanks everyone, the taste of the burger is pretty remarkable, the pecans are not really noticeable but lends a depth of contrast with the capers and seasonings.. as for the taste, the total combination of the caramelized onions, mayo, bacon and cheese with the grilled meat is by far one of my favorites burgers...

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  8. I've never made a burger with sirloin and sausage in the mix. I can see this will be a husband pleasing burger. I have to say it's the creole sauce that does it for me. I think I'll surprise the hubby tonight and grill this up for him. It's even sunny here in Seattle! Perfect time to grill. :)

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  9. Drick...I am drooling!!! Salivating all over the keyboard and your burger has made me hungry LOL love it even though I am drooling over the screen.

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  10. Oh wow...wow...wow....Drick, that must be the tallest burger I have seen! Now I just wonder how I am going to bite into it if you serve me that...haha. From which corner should I start? :P Now I know why. That's why it's made for Dads! :D Love it. Aways love your recipe.

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  11. Burger is one of my favourite foods. Yours looks seriously delicious! I am drooling...

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  12. Oh Wow, this looks good and a definite 'dad' burger for his special day. I enjoyed a burger with a leaf of fresh basil on top of a ripe tomato slice and I have to say that just made the burger for me;-) The toppings are my favorite but good quality meat is also a must for the perfect burger and with your creole sauce...perfection;-)

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  13. I am a big fan of carmelized onions. That burger would need to be cut in half it's SO BIG! Looks delish - a perfect Father's Day lunch or...anytime really.

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  14. you have definitely made the better burger, if not the best burger!! I am with you on the juice running down your chin, and I love cheese, my wife thinks I'm crazy because I add so much cheese, but I want to taste it with the burger!
    Pile those toppings up, my favs are bacon and grilled sweet onion....sigh
    Now I'm hungry and its almost bed time!

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  15. It's almost midnight... and I am hungry for this burger!! Finger-licking good!

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  16. There is nothing better than a burger on a grill this time of year! I love the flavors in this burger. It is definitely a winner for Father's Day! Hope your summer has been a great one so far. :)

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  17. My jaws hurt thinking about this burger!!! Kate@kateiscooking

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  18. Totally a wiining burger! Will try it out on Dad this weekend and see if he agrees :) Love all the flavors in the meat mixture and the Creole mayo, so mom likes it.

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  19. I don't eat burgers often but boy this one has my mouth watering! (Especially the cheese and bacon part...)

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  20. That certainly looks like a darn good burger! I cant wait to try that creole mayo too. And I agree, an open flame is a must for the perfect burger!

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  21. Toasted pecans...oh wow! Well you know I don't eat meat, but I would be in heaven dressing up a veggie burger this way :) And the Creole mayo sure has my name on it :)

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  22. Not sure my mouths big enough, but I'd give it a go. Looks amazing, thanks for posting.

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  23. love homemade burgers and at least you know whats in them. add a little of the spicy cilli jam and your away.

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