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Beyond Basic Burgers: 4 Delicious Twists on a Classic

The sizzle of a burger on the grill, the first juicy bite, the simple joy of summer evenings spent with friends and family – these are some of my fondest memories. As a kid, burgers were more than just food; they were a symbol of celebration and togetherness. My grandfather, a true grill master, always had a secret ingredient in his burgers. It wasn’t just about the toppings; he believed the real flavor came from within. This recipe collection honors that belief, taking inspiration from his approach and elevating the humble burger to something truly extraordinary.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14-18 minutes
Total Time: 29-33 minutes
Servings: 4 per burger type
Yield: 16 burgers
Dietary Type: Varies (see individual burger descriptions)

Ingredients

For the Ground Chicken Burgers:

1 lb ground chicken
½ cup Kraft shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits
2 ½ ounces Shake ‘n Bake Original Chicken Coating Mix (½ of a 5.5oz package)
¼ cup Original Barbecue Sauce, divided

For the Ground Beef Burgers:

1 lb ground beef
½ cup Kraft shredded low moisture part-skim Mozzarella cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup Thick ‘n Spicy Original Barbecue Sauce, divided

For the Ground Pork Burgers:

1 lb ground pork
½ cup chopped apple
2 ½ ounces Shake ‘n Bake Original Pork Seasoned Coating Mix (½ of a 5.5oz package)
¼ cup Honey Barbecue Sauce, divided

For the Ground Turkey Burgers:

1 lb ground turkey
1 cup Stove Top Stuffing Mix, Chicken flavor (from canister)
½ cup water
¼ cup Thick ‘n Spicy Hickory Flavored Barbecue Sauce, divided

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowls
Grill or grill pan
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

Instructions

Each of these recipes follows the same general method, with specific mix-ins tailored to the type of meat. Here’s how to craft these amazing burgers:

Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean to prevent sticking.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of your chosen ground meat (chicken, beef, pork, or turkey) with the corresponding add-ins and 2 tablespoons of the specified barbecue sauce according to the ingredient lists above.
- Ground Chicken Burgers: Combine ground chicken, Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, bacon bits, Shake ‘n Bake Chicken Coating Mix, and 2 tablespoons Original Barbecue Sauce.
- Ground Beef Burgers: Combine ground beef, Mozzarella cheese, breadcrumbs, Shake ‘n Bake Pork Seasoned Coating Mix, and 2 tablespoons Thick ‘n Spicy Original Barbecue Sauce.
- Ground Pork Burgers: Combine ground pork, chopped apple, Shake ‘n Bake Pork Seasoned Coating Mix, and 2 tablespoons Honey Barbecue Sauce.
- Ground Turkey Burgers: Combine ground turkey, Stove Top Stuffing Mix, water, and 2 tablespoons Thick ‘n Spicy Hickory Flavored Barbecue Sauce. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the stuffing mix to absorb the water.
Shape the Patties: Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough burgers. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, about ¾ inch thick.
Grill the Burgers: Place the patties on the preheated grill.
- Grill for 7-9 minutes on each side, or until the burgers are cooked through.
- During the last 2 minutes of grilling time, brush the patties with the remaining 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Note: It’s crucial to ensure the burgers reach a safe internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness. For chicken and turkey, aim for 165°F (74°C). For beef, aim for 160°F (71°C) for medium and 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare. For pork, aim for 160°F (71°C).
Serve: Remove the burgers from the grill and place them on buns of your choice. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing ground meat develops the gluten in the protein, resulting in a tough burger. Mix gently until just combined.
Chill the Patties: For best results, chill the shaped patties in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart on the grill.
Thumbprint Technique: Before grilling, make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps prevent the burgers from bulging in the middle as they cook.
Control Flare-Ups: Keep a spray bottle filled with water nearby to control any flare-ups on the grill. Excessive flames can char the outside of the burgers before they are cooked through.
Cheese Placement: If adding cheese slices, place them on the patties during the last minute of grilling time. This allows the cheese to melt without burning.
Toast the Buns: Toasting the burger buns lightly adds texture and prevents them from becoming soggy from the burger juices.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These burgers are best served hot off the grill on your favorite buns. Consider offering a variety of toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and additional barbecue sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

Ground Chicken Burger: Serve with a side of coleslaw and sweet potato fries.
Ground Beef Burger: Top with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and a slice of cheddar cheese. Serve with classic potato salad.
Ground Pork Burger: Accompany with applesauce, a side of roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of honey mustard.
Ground Turkey Burger: Garnish with cranberry sauce, sliced avocado, and sprouts. Serve with a green salad.

Storage:

Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, microwave for 1-2 minutes, or pan-fry over medium heat until heated through.
Cooked patties can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap before freezing to prevent freezer burn. Thaw completely before reheating.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (Chicken)	Amount per Serving (Beef)	Amount per Serving (Pork)	Amount per Serving (Turkey)	% Daily Value (Based on 2000 Calorie Diet)
Calories	450 kcal	520 kcal	580 kcal	480 kcal	Varies
Total Fat	25g	30g	35g	28g	Varies
Saturated Fat	10g	12g	15g	11g	Varies
Cholesterol	150mg	120mg	130mg	140mg	Varies
Sodium	700mg	650mg	750mg	800mg	Varies
Total Carbohydrate	20g	25g	22g	30g	Varies
Dietary Fiber	2g	3g	2g	3g	Varies
Sugars	8g	7g	9g	6g	Varies
Protein	30g	35g	32g	35g	Varies

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the ground beef burgers, gluten-free Shake ‘n Bake coating mix, and ensure your buns are gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese in all burgers, or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Vegetarian: Replace the ground meat with a plant-based burger alternative. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to any of the burger mixtures for added heat.
Seasonal Variations:
- Fall: Use apple cider barbecue sauce with the pork burgers, and add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the mixture.
- Summer: Add grilled corn kernels to the beef burgers for a sweet and smoky flavor.
Regional Twists:
- Southwest: Add diced jalapenos and pepper jack cheese to the beef burgers.
- Mediterranean: Mix crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and oregano into the ground turkey burgers.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese in these burgers?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Cheddar, Swiss, provolone, and pepper jack are all great options.

Q: Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the burger patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent them from drying out.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent turkey burgers from being dry?
A: Turkey burgers tend to be drier than beef burgers due to their lower fat content. The addition of Stove Top Stuffing Mix and water helps to keep them moist. Be careful not to overcook them.

Q: Can I bake these burgers instead of grilling them?
A: Yes, you can bake the burgers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Q: What can I serve alongside these burgers?
A: These burgers pair well with a variety of sides, such as potato salad, coleslaw, French fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, and grilled vegetables.

Final Thoughts

I hope these creative burger recipes inspire you to go beyond the basics and explore new flavor combinations. Grilling, baking, or pan-frying, these patties promise a delightful and satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own favorite ingredients and toppings to create a burger that’s uniquely yours. Enjoy, and happy cooking!

Beyond Basic Burgers – 4 Different Burgers Recipe