Summer is almost here and that means it’s grilling season. There’s nothing better than being outside with a cold drink in your hand and forging food from the fire. Since few things say summer like a hot dog or burger, we’ve brought you recipes for these warm-weather staples with a few creative twists.
The “Gyro” Burger
Burger ingredients:
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 small, snack-sized sleeve of Ritz crackers, finely crushed
Note: While you can use beef, lamb makes this burger truly superior in terms of flavor. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend it.
Instructions:
Gently mix the ingredients together by hand until well incorporated. Roll meat into evenly-sized balls and gently press into patties. Before grilling, press a small dent/hole in the middle with one of your fingers, to keep the burger from puffing up. Grill burger to 135 degrees for a medium cook or 125-130 for a medium rare finish. Allow the patty to rest for a few minutes.
Note: Lamb has a lower cook temp than the ground beef.
Toppings:
- Feta
- Olive tapenade (store-bought)
- Pepperoncini
- Tomatoes, thinly sliced
- Tzatziki (store-bought)
- Lettuce
- Sriracha
Bring it all together:
Top bun with olive tapenade. Add rested burger. Add feta, tzatziki, pepperoncini, lettuce, and thinly sliced tomato. Top with sriracha for an extra punch of flavor. Top with more tzatziki.
Breakfast for Burger
Have you ever had a breakfast-themed burger? It is the dinner of champions.
Burger ingredients:
Makes four patties
- 3/4 – 1 lb ground sirloin
- 3/4 – 1 lb ground chuck
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp McCormick hamburger seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- Sliced cheese of your choice. Havarti or pepper jack works well.
Instructions:
Gently mix everything together by hand. Form the patties into balls and then press into a patty that is roughly ½-inch thick. Before grilling, press a small dent/hole in the middle with one of your fingers, to keep burger from puffing up. Grill burger, typically five minutes per side, until 135 degrees for medium. During the last few minutes of cooking, top with sliced cheese. Allow the patty to rest for a few minutes.
Additional ingredients:
- Bagel
- Note: I used a jalapeno cheddar bagel for extra flavor but any bagel will do.
- Cream cheese
- Cooked bacon
- Note: I recommend using center-cut bacon. Cook in the oven at 400 degrees for 15-18 minutes.
- Cooked haystack french fries
- Note: Heat vegetable oil in a pan and add thinly sliced fries. Cook until golden brown and top with salt.
- Fried egg
Bringing it all together:
Toast bagel. Put cream cheese on both sides. Add cooked burger patty with melted cheese. Add slices of cooked bacon. Add haystack fries. Add fried egg. Add top bagel and voila!
The Peanut Butter Bacon Burger
I know this sounds insane but trust me on this one. If you like peanut butter, you will love this burger.
Ingredients:
Makes 4 patties
- 3/4 – 1 lb ground sirloin
- 3/4 – 1 lb ground chuck
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp McCormick hamburger seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
Gently mix everything together by hand. Form the patties into balls and then press into a patty that is roughly ½-inch thick. Before grilling, press a small dent/hole in the middle with one of your fingers to keep the patty from puffing up too much when cooking. Cook to the desired doneness. Allow the patty to rest for a few minutes.
Additional ingredients:
- Buns
- Peanut butter
- Pickles
- Lettuce
- Tomato, thinly sliced
- Cooked bacon
- Note: I recommend using center-cut bacon. Cook in the oven at 400 degrees for 15-18 minutes.
Bringing it all together:
Grill buns. Spread a generous amount of peanut butter on both sides of the buns. Top with pickles. Add lettuce and tomato. Add burger patty. Add two to three strips of cooked bacon.
Put your top bun on and you’re ready to enjoy a brand-new culinary adventure.
Nacho Average Hotdog
You don’t have to do much to make this American staple blow your mind.
Ingredients:
- Hot dog buns
- Hot dogs or brats
- Note: I used jalapeno cheddar brats for extra flavor.
- Queso
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
- Chopped yellow onion
- Chopped tomatoes
Instructions:
Cook dog or brat. Toast bun. Add cooked hot dog or brat. Top with queso, sliced jalapenos, chopped cilantro, chopped yellow onion, and chopped tomatoes. It is that easy!
Note: Feel free to get creative and add additional nacho toppings.
BBQ Dog
Equally simple. Equally tasty.
Ingredients:
- Hot dog buns
- Hot dogs or brats
- Shredded brisket
- BBQ sauce
- Pickle
- Coleslaw
Note: Refrigerated pickles are better than the ones you find in the condiment aisle. They are crisper and have better flavor.
Instructions:
Cook dog or brat. Toast bun. Add dog or brat. Add shredded brisket. Top with barbecue sauce and a pickle.
Note: I didn’t add coleslaw to mine, but I wish I had.
And there you have it — simple and updated twists on backyard classics. Get outside and enjoy showing off your cooking chops while grilling with friends.
You can find this story and more in our May issue of Military Families Magazine. Download it here.
