4 Burger Recipes with a Flair

After World War II, the middle class in America began to move to the suburbs and back yard grilling was an inexpensive means of socialization. This has become a tradition in America, even if the backyard is a small balcony off one ís apartment.

Fresh ground beef makes the best burgers due to the fat content. It can be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator for 2 days. Beyond that, it needs to be well wrapped and frozen. When the time comes to thaw it, place on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent any drips from contaminating other food.

While there ís nothing wrong with a good old fashioned cheeseburger, you can wow your guests at your next cookout by adding a little flair. First, let’s start with a basic burger recipe.

Basic Burger Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 2 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil
• 4 slices of sharp Cheddar cheese
• 4 buns

Directions

Heat the grill to high. Mix everything together except for the buns and the cheese. Grill 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until done. For a juicy burger, do not press down on the burgers while cooking. Brush the buns with a bit of olive oil and add to the grill to toast. Place the cheese on the burgers during the last minute of cooking. Serve on the toasted buns with the condiments of your choice.

To give it some flair, just use your creativity. The sky is the limit. You can keep it simple or go as elaborate as youíd like. Letís take a look at some options.

Spicy Fiesta Burger

Ingredients

1 pound of ground beef
2 tablespoon of El Yucateco Green Habanero Sauce
1/4 cup of chive and onion cream cheese
1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Here is another example of filled burgers that kick the flavor up a notch. Mix ground beef with the taco seasoning mix and make 8 patties. Blend flavored cream cheese with shredded cheddar cheese and spoon onto 4 patties. Cover with the other 4 patties and pinch the edges to seal.

Bring the grill to medium heat and cook the burgers until done, about 8 minutes per side. Place on a toasted bun and top with a type of salsa and avocados.

Pine Nuts, Broccoli and Feta Cheeseburgers

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 2 tbsp. sun dried tomatoes
• 2 tbsp. roasted pine nuts
• 2 tbsp. chopped broccoli
• 2 tbsp. crumbled feta
• 2-3 tbsp. olive oil

* Amounts given are for 2 burgers

Directions

Divide ground beef into 4 patties. In a bowl, mix the sun dried tomatoes, roasted pine nuts, chopped broccoli and crumbled feta with a little olive oil. Place a large spoonful of this mixture on one patty and cover with a second patty. Pinch the edges together. Repeat for the other burger and grill. Toast the buns and garnish the burger with some mayo and lettuce or spinach.

Garlic, Onion and Blue Cheeseburgers

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 Tablespoon of spicy brown mustard
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 2 chopped green onions
• 2 ounces of crumbled blue cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 Tablespoon of water
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

In a bowl, mix all the ingredients just until blended. Shape the mixture into patties a bit larger than the bun and about 1 inch thick. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more. Make sure the grill is well oiled and very hot. Place the burgers over the direct heat and grill for 5 minutes on each side. Serve on toasted buns.

Burgers aren’t just burgers anymore. With a little imagination you can create flair-filled burgers that will be the talk of the town.