The Art of Building the Perfect Burger

The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and I can hear the grill calling… Sun’s out, bun’s out, it’s BBQ season!!! Join me on a burger-building adventure as I serve up tasty topping ideas and dive into some epic bun-that’s-not-a-bun brilliance, which is the Lazy Daisy Buttermilk Biscuit. Yes. You heard that right. A burger on a biscuit. It’s a both a revolution and a revelation. But first……

IT’S A PATTY PARTY!

Let's begin our burger building journey with the star of the show - the patty. Whether you prefer beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives, it's essential to choose a high-quality patty that is packed with flavor. We always opt for fresh lean ground beef from Sanagan’s Meat Locker for all our Lazy Daisy’s smashburgers. NOTE: not extra-lean! Juicy burgers need a bit of fat in them so always ask for ‘lean ground beef’. I recommend good quality, locally sourced meats over pre-made frozen patties...they’re juicer, pack more flavour and are usually ethically raised, drug and hormone free.

But hey, if you’re in a pinch and you need to grill up a mountain of burgers for your kid’s birthday party, by all means go for the pre-made frozen stuff - you gotta do what you gotta do! It’s not like my BBQ is a frozen patty virgin. However, when the meat is high quality and super fresh, all you really need to do is season generously with salt and pepper. I find adding onion, garlic and Worcester is unnecessary and distracts from great tasting meat. I will, however, bind the meat with egg and add a scant teaspoon of Dijon in addition to salt n’ pepper. Simple tastes good.

COOK TIME

Time on the grill depends on the thickness of your patty and how in tune you are with your inner carnivore. Smashburgers take just two minutes a side, while for a medium-rare burger, cook for 2 minutes and thirty seconds per side for 5 minutes total. For a medium burger, cook for 3 to 3 1/2 minutes per side for 6 to 7 minutes total. For a well-done burger, you’ll want to do 4 to 4 1/2 minutes per side for 8 to 9 minutes total.

For my vegan and vegetarian friends, you know that nothing beats a perfectly grilled and juicy marinated portobello mushroom. For the marinade, try balsamic, soya sauce, olive oil and fresh rosemary. It’s crazy good.

 

TOP IT LIKE IT’S HOT!

The beauty of a burger lies in its versatility, so feel free to get creative with your toppings. Classic options like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy pickles (like our signature Grandma’s Bread & Butter Pickles) are always my go-to toppings, but don't be afraid to experiment with unconventional choices like: 

 

NOT TO GET CHEESY, BUT...

I never met a cheese I didn’t like...especially if it’s on a burger! If you want to beef up your burger game, you need to get your cheese game right. Classic choices like cheddar, American, and Swiss are popular for their creamy textures and meltability, making them perfect for an ooey-gooey, cheesy burger experience BUT you can also go for blue cheese, adding a bold and tangy flavor that pairs well with juicy beef patties. For those looking for a unique twist, pepper jack or jalapeño infused cheddar bring a spicy kick that complements the savory elements of a burger. Ultimately, the best cheese for your burger comes down to personal preference, but experimenting with can lead to discovering exciting flavor combos to add to your BBQing repertoire.

I LIKE BIG BUNS AND I CANNOT LIE

OK, the bun doesn’t need to be THAT big, but it is the foundation of any good burger. I will be so bold as to say the vehicle driving that patty into your face is just as important as the patty. Hear me out.... While traditional burger buns are always a reliable option, they can also be a bit…predictable.

 

Why not do the unexpected? Instead of your usual look, great your guests at the door wearing Elton John heart shaped sunglasses. Instead of setting a traditional table, throw blankets on the ground for a funky picnic. Instead of a brioche bun serve that homemade patty on fresh baked Lazy Daisy buttermilk biscuit. The light n’ flaky, buttery goodness of a buttermilk biscuit adds a uniquely decadent touch to your burger experience, elevating it to, shall I say, gourmet status.

 

To assemble your perfect burger, start by toasting your biscuit to a light, golden brown (I’m assuming you are a rebel and a revolutionary here!). Then, layer your sauce, your choice of patty, a slice or two of cheese, followed by a generous helping of your fave topping combo. Whether you prefer a classic cheeseburger with melted cheddar or a gourmet creation with say blue cheese and caramelized figs, the possibilities are endless.

 

If you’re feeling lazy, come on by the café Thursday to Sunday during our dinner hours (4pm-8pm) and give one of our famous biscuit smashburgers a try. I guarantee it will be love at first bite!