HOW TO GRILL BURGERS FOR THE HOLIDAYS! TWO AWESOME FESTIVE RECIPES

When we say that at Mountain Grillers we grill 365 days a year, we're not joking! Whether you're looking for New Year's Eve BBQ ideas, Christmas recipes, or recipes to celebrate any other festivity right beside your grill, you've come to the right place.

 

Anything goes between two buns, even the classic and not so classic flavors of the holidays. And to prove it, here are two mouthwatering Christmas burger recipes so that nothing can stop you from throwing a backyard barbecue before the year is through!

 

HOW TO GRILL BURGERS

 

While you get your grill going, here's a list of tips on how to grill burgers. It might seem like this is a piece of cake, but actually, there are some secrets and hacks to make sure you don't have a total blowout in your hands when grilling burgers.

 

I'm talking gooey burgers that start dripping down the grill, undercooked burgers, or patties burnt to a crisp. Yuck. We don't want any of that. Check out these tricks —Griller invented half of 'em so you know they're legit:

1. Cook the burgers straight outta' the fridge: for this, you'll need a hamburger press and hamburger wax paper. Use top-quality ground beef with an 80/20 ratio, that is, 80% meat, 20% fat. This will ensure a flavorful and JUICY burger.
2. Mix in a bit of butter for extra moisture and fat: for every 1 ½ pounds of meat, you can grate half a stick of cold, unsalted butter (or 4 tablespoons) into the mix.
3. Season your burgers right before cooking: only right before! If you salt the meat before it's formed into a patty, the muscle proteins will acquire a mushy, dissolved texture. Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over the burger, and put it on the grill.
4. Oil the grill: using a paper towel soaked in melted butter or oil, gently grease the grate of your grill before placing the burgers.
5. Flip when the time is right: 4 to 5 minutes on each side (avoid flipping before the 4-minute mark) is all you need to get a juicy, perfectly done burger with mouthwatering grill marks your friends and family will praise...
6. Melt the cheese on the burger: when your burgers are ready to go, put your cheese on top of the burger for 20 seconds before taking the whole thing out.

See, just by reading these tips, you're a better pitmaster already. Now, let's get to the meat of it (pun intended) and take a look at two amazing Christmas burger recipes that are a great dinner for any kind of holiday BBQ.

 

HOLIDAYS BURGER RECIPE #1: BLUE CHEESE AND CRANBERRY SAUCE TURKEY BURGER

 

The cranberry sauce on top of the turkey ticks the festive box, while the blue cheese adds a layer of creamy, salty goodness. If you have turkey leftovers, you can use this recipe to make a sandwich, but nothing matches a juicy, grill-charred turkey patty. Follow for the recipe.

 

For the burgers:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• Blue cheese slices
• Cheddar cheese slices
• 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• Butter
• 4 brioche burger buns

Form 4 burgers with the ground turkey (this recipe yields four ¼ pound burgers) with your hamburger press. Season with salt and pepper, grill for 4 minutes on each side, then place the cheddar cheese slices over each burger. Lightly butter your burger buns and place them on the grill for about 2 minutes or until toasted. Place the burger on the buns, then top with the slices of blue cheese and cranberry sauce.

 

For the cranberry sauce:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 4 cups (about 12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries

To a saucepan, add the water and sugar and bring to a simmer. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Rinse the cranberries, add them to the saucepan and simmer over low heat until they burst. Stir to lightly purée the mix, then remove from the heat, let it cool to room temperature, and refrigerate.

If the mix looks too liquid, keep in mind that it will get thicker as it cools down.

 

HOLIDAYS BURGER RECIPE #2: CANDIED BACON AND TRUFFLE MAYO BEEF BURGER

 

This burger is the true king of the party: sweet, savory, and delicious. The candied bacon is addictive and the truffle aftertaste makes it hard not to be obsessed with this burger for weeks after trying it, which will make your holiday celebration truly memorable. Check the recipe out below.

 

For the burgers:

• 8 tablespoons truffle mayo
• 10-12 strips of candied bacon
• 1 pound ground beef
• Cheddar cheese slices (optional, quantity as desired)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• Butter
• 4 brioche burger buns

Prep the burgers with your hamburger press (you'll get four ¼ pound burgers with this recipe), season, and grill for 4-5 minutes on each side. Place the cheddar cheese on top and let it melt. Lightly butter your buns and toast for about 2 minutes directly on the grill rack. Generously spread the truffle mayo on each half of the bun, then place the burger and top with the candied bacon.

 

How to make candied bacon:

• 10-12 strips of bacon
• ¼ cup brown sugar or maple syrup

Preheat your oven to 375° F (190º C). Place the bacon strips on the oven rack, perpendicular to the lines. Below the rack, you'll need to place an oven tray covered with a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper. Sprinkle the bacon with sugar or glaze it with maple syrup. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove it from the oven and let it cool.

 

For the truffle mayo:

• 8 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 8 teaspoons canned, oil-preserved truffle

While nothing stops you from making homemade mayonnaise and adding fresh grated black truffle for a gourmet finish, my recommendation is to add canned, oil-preserved black truffle to the store-bought mayonnaise of your choice. The ratio is about half a teaspoon of black truffle for each tablespoon of mayo, but you can alter the quantity for a softer or bolder taste.

 

Happy grillin' and Happy Holidays!