My "Once a Year" Burger Recipe

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

brioche buns

🥗Healthier: whole grain buns

💰Cheaper: regular hamburger buns

Whole grain buns add fiber, while regular buns are budget-friendly.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: American cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories, while American cheese is often cheaper.

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Turkey bacon is lower in fat, while pork belly can be more affordable.

Make homemade brioche buns by mixing milk, eggs, and butter, then knead the dough until smooth.

Let the dough rise until doubled in size, shape into buns, proof again, and egg wash before baking at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.

Source quality ground beef, ideally by grinding your own from cuts like short rib, tri-tip, and chuck.

Cube the beef and chill before grinding to maintain texture.

Form burger patties using a ring mold, season with salt and pepper, and refrigerate to cure.

Caramelize onions in a pan with a mixture of butter and oil, adding salt to draw out moisture.

Make aioli by whisking an egg yolk and slowly emulsifying with neutral oil, then add apple cider vinegar, salt, garlic, and parsley for flavor.

Slice Kirby cucumbers for refrigerator pickles, adding garlic and spices to a mason jar for flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens