Hungry for a hamburger? Sure, you can go to the nearest drive-thru or buy a pack of frozen patties, sesame-seed buns, and garnish with the typical toppings, but why not broaden your burger horizons? These mouthwatering creations—whose recipes come courtesy of local chefs—are guaranteed to please every burger-loving palate.  

1 shallot (or 1/4 white onion), cut into thin rings
1/2 cup buttermilk 
1/2 lb. 80/20 ground chuck
1/4 cup gorgonzola cheese
1 tbsp. heavy cream
1 1/2 cups canola oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tbsp. blackened or Cajun seasoning
Brioche bun
1 tbsp. butter, melted in microwave 
2 tbsp. BBQ sauce

Cover the shallots with buttermilk; set aside. 

Form ground chuck into a loosely packed patty. Press a divot in the center with your thumb so the burger remains flat and cooks evenly.

In a food processor, blitz the gorgonzola cheese with the heavy cream until a smooth paste forms.

Heat the canola oil in a large pot to 375°. Mix half of the seasoning into flour. Strain shallots and toss in flour mixture till covered. Fry until golden brown.

Sprinkle remaining seasoning onto each side of the burger. Cook on a flattop grill or cast-iron pan for 5 minutes per side on medium-high heat (for medium rare). Remove from heat, top with a large dollop of cheese mixture, cover, and allow to rest for approximately 4 minutes.

Brush the cut side of each bun with melted butter and place on the grill or pan till toasted. Spread BBQ sauce on the bun and top with the patty and crispy shallots. 

FOLSOM TAP HOUSE’S TOP TIPS!
•Look for a bun that doesn’t dwarf the patty—one that’s soft enough to meld with the other ingredients but sturdy enough to not fall apart. Also, toasting it is key.
•When it comes to assembly, we believe in lettuce first, followed by tomato, red onion, patty, and high-quality cheddar cheese; stacking the lettuce first protects the integrity of the bread and holds in the delicious juices.

The Hills Bacon Cheeseburger

Submitted by Relish Burger Bar, 1000 White Rock Road, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-3111, relishburgerbar.com

3 slices applewood-smoked bacon
1/2 lb. 80/20 Certified Angus Beef, ground
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 slice pepper-jack cheese
Bun of choice (preferable one-inch thick bottom so it holds up to the toppings) 
Cooking oil of choice, for sheen and presentation
Green-leaf lettuce
Tomato

Make sinner’s sauce. Cut the stems off all peppers and discard. In a medium pot, add everything but the champagne vinegar and orange. Steep until soft. In a food processor, add chili mixture and the champagne vinegar. Blend with orange juice and zest till smooth, strain the pulp; set aside.

Make Russian dressing by whisking all ingredients together; set aside.

Form beef into patty and season with salt and pepper. Add burger and bacon to cast iron pan at 400° and cook for 3 1/2 minutes on each side. After flipping, add cheese to burger. 

Brush top and bottom of bun with mayo and toast. Coat the bottom with Russian dressing. Add burger patty and bacon then top with shredded lettuce and sinner’s sauce.

BRICKYARD KITCHEN & BAR’S TOP TIPS!
•To avoid a dry burger and soggy bun, let your patty rest for 2-3 minutes before assembling.
•For a crispier bun, use mayo instead of butter to toast.

The Getaway

Submitted by Buck & Sadie’s, 2030 Douglas Boulevard, Roseville, Suite 28, 916-749-3394, buckandsadies.com

1/3 lb. Certified Angus Beef, ground
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 tbsp. teriyaki sauce
1 slice cheddar cheese 
2 slices applewood-smoked bacon
1 slice pineapple
Brioche bun 
1 oz. sweet chili sauce
1 gherkin pickle

Form beef into a flat patty. Place on a hot BBQ, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and baste with teriyaki sauce. Flip after 4 minutes. Baste other side with teriyaki sauce and add cheese. Cook another 4 minutes till internal temperature reaches 145-150°; remove from heat and let rest. Cook bacon to desired crispness. Place pineapple and bun on the grill till warm.