Add menu distinction by reinventing the beloved burger.
The catchphrase "endless possibilities" describes the culinary opportunities of signature burgers. A beef patty nestled between hamburger buns holds universal appeal. From a hamburger dressed with ketchup, mustard, lettuce and tomato to one decked out with grilled red onion, roasted red pepper and chipotle-infused mayonnaise – the flavour combinations range from traditional to transformational.
Although toppings complement the burger and add textural nuances, true flavour infusion comes from what chefs mix into the ground beef.
Boost Burger Appeal
The appeal of a good, juicy burger makes it one of the most menued items across North America. The trick is developing the right formula of burger, buns, toppings, condiments and sides for a unique signature burger. And with so many restaurants offering their takes on the perfect burger, making yours stand out from the crowd is a tall order.
The Meat: Our Kraft Foodservice chefs recommend an 80% lean ground chuck. "It's a good blend of lean to fat. You don't want too much fat, but you need some moistness, flavour and bindings, says Freeman Moser III, senior executive chef for Kraft Foodservice.
The Cooking Method: "We sear the patties on both sides to get a nice crust, and finish them in the oven," says Aliza Katz, senior corporate chef for Kraft Foodservice. "This method gives us more control, and avoids over-charring or drying out the burger."
The Bun: The flavour and texture of the bun depend on the theme of the burger, but sound structure is key. "You need substance to it, so it can hold all of the ingredients and still impart its own good texture and flavour," says Katz.
Great burgers, unexpected ingredients
Our team of chefs took on the classic burger and turned it on its head, creating themed, approachable burgers that deliver great flavour and that all-important menu distinction.
Maui Burgers
To give the ordinary burger a tropical twist, our chefs developed the Maui Burger. Diced pork tenderloin and beef are combined with toasted coconut and soy sauce, and formed into a patty. A ring of golden pineapple, Bull's-Eye Bold Original BBQ Sauce, garlic and parsley round out the Hawaiian theme.
Open-Face Mediterranean Burgers
The Open-Face Mediterranean Burger brings great flavours to life. Grilled ciabatta bread is slathered with roasted garlic mayonnaise, then a roasted portobello cap sits atop the bun. The burger – which has been stuffed with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red pepper, basil and seasoned breadcrumbs – tops the mushroom. More mayonnaise adds a creamy mouthfeel. Goat-cheese cheddar, diced bruschetta and Kraft Signature Balsamic finish the burger.
Shanghai Burgers
To capitalize on the hot Asian trend, our chefs spike the patty with water chestnuts, ginger, garlic, green onion, Sriracha hot sauce, soy and panko bread crumbs. The burger is glazed with Dijon, honey and soy, and then topped with a cooling Asian slaw.
Nuevo Latino Burgers
This sizzling beef patty is stuffed with Mexican rice, chipotle peppers and fajita seasoning. It's topped with a toasted-tomatillo verde sauce, which calms the palate — with the help of avocado, mayonnaise, lime, cilantro and tomatillos.
Cheeseburger Tortilla Pie
A spin on the popular quesadilla. Three layers of flour tortillas are separated by Kraft Bistro Sauce, Kraft Cheddar Cheese, seasoned ground beef, tomato, cilantro, black bean, avocado, roasted red pepper and onion. After baking, the tortilla is sliced into pie wedges, and then drizzled with sour cream.
Simple ways to upgrade your burger pantry
| Buns |
Cheeses |
Spreads |
Glazes |
- Brioche
- Ciabatta
- Dark Rye
- French Roll
- Kaiser Roll
- Pita Bread
|
- Cheddar
- Cheese Blends
- Goat Cheese
- Gouda
- Gruyere
- Havarti
- Monterey Jack
- Swiss
- Blue Cheese
- Italian Gorgonzola
- French Roquefort
- English Stilton
- American Blue
|
- Mayonnaise
- Creamy Dressings
|
- Balsamic Vinegar
- BBQ Sauce
- Honey-mustard
- Jalapeño Ketchup
- Pomegranate Molasses
- Teriyaki
|
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