Herr’s Bodacious BBQ Potato Chip Burgers: A Flavor Explosion!

The scent of grilling burgers always transports me back to summer evenings at my grandpa’s house. He was the undisputed grill master, and his secret ingredient was…well, usually just good quality beef and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. But one year, my mischievous cousins decided to “help” and accidentally dumped a bag of crushed BBQ potato chips into the burger mix. Grandpa, never one to waste food (or disappoint his grandkids!), just shrugged and grilled them up. The result? An unexpectedly delicious, smoky, and crunchy burger that became a family legend. Now, while Grandpa didn’t use Herr’s specifically (he was a classic lays man) I think he’d be tickled by this amped-up, flavor-packed version of his accidental masterpiece.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 burgers
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 ounces evaporated milk
• 1 (2 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
• ¾ cup finely crushed Herr’s Barbecue Potato Chips (or your favorite flavor of Herr’s Chips)

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Grill or skillet
• Spatula

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef and evaporated milk. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough burgers.
2. Add the onion soup mix and the finely crushed Herr’s Barbecue Potato Chips to the beef mixture. Use your hands to gently incorporate all ingredients until just combined. Be sure to thoroughly crush the potato chips for even flavor distribution.
3. Divide the mixture into approximately 6 equal portions. Gently mold each portion into a patty, about ¾-inch thick. Press gently to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grill grates or the skillet to prevent sticking.
5. Place the patties on the preheated grill or in the skillet.
6. Grill or pan-fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. Pressing down on the patties with the spatula while cooking is not recommended.
7. Remove the burgers from the grill or skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the ground beef will result in tough, dry burgers. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Chill the patties: For firmer patties that hold their shape better on the grill, chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking.
• Toast the buns: Toasting the burger buns adds texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Chip Flavor Variations: Experiment with different Herr’s potato chip flavors! Buffalo Wing Kettle Cooked chips add a spicy kick, while Sour Cream & Onion chips create a tangy flavor profile.
• Baking Option: If grilling isn’t possible, these burgers can be baked in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Herr’s Bodacious BBQ Potato Chip Burgers on your favorite buns with classic burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. A creamy coleslaw or a side of potato salad would perfectly complement the flavors. For a real explosion of flavor, try a tangy BBQ sauce or a homemade chipotle mayo.

Leftover cooked burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the potato chips may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	216.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	13.2 g	20%
Saturated Fat	5.3 g	26%
Cholesterol	57.4 mg	19%
Sodium	828.9 mg	34%
Total Carbohydrate	7.6 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	0.6 g	2%
Sugars	1.9 g	7%
Protein	16.1 g	32%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: While the recipe as written is not gluten-free due to the onion soup mix and potato chips, you can adapt it. Use a gluten-free onion soup mix alternative and gluten-free potato chips (ensure Herr’s or another brand offers a gluten-free variety).
• Leaner Beef: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat option. The flavor will be different, but still delicious.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the burger mixture for extra heat.
• Cheese it up: Add a slice of cheddar, pepper jack, or your favorite cheese during the last minute of grilling for a melty, cheesy burger.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different flavor of Herr’s chips?
A: Absolutely! Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination. Buffalo Wing Kettle Cooked chips or Sour Cream & Onion chips are great alternatives.

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 before cooking.

Q: How do I keep the burgers from falling apart on the grill?
A: Gently mold the patties and avoid overmixing the ingredients. Chilling the patties before grilling can also help them hold their shape.

Q: What’s the best way to crush the potato chips?
A: You can crush the potato chips by placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin or by pulsing them in a food processor.

Q: What internal temperature should the burgers reach to be safe to eat?
A: Ground beef burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.

Final Thoughts

Get ready to experience a burger like no other! The combination of savory ground beef, flavorful onion soup mix, and the unmistakable crunch of Herr’s BBQ Potato Chips creates a truly unforgettable taste sensation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different chip flavors and toppings to create your own signature version. Grill up a batch of these Bodacious BBQ Potato Chip Burgers for your next cookout, and watch them disappear in minutes! Share your creations and favorite variations – happy grilling!