21 Ways to Make a Better Hamburger

This post brought to you by Private Selection. All opinions are 100% mine.

My husband and I are big fans of cooking food with fire (although you might call it grilling.) Grilling is a quick and easy way to put dinner on the table in the summer without heating up the kitchen. It is also one of the best ways to feed a crowd and please everyone. We do that by offering our guests a range of hamburger protein, spice, condiment, and topper options.

 

Four Non-Beef Burgers

I love an Agus beef hamburger just as much as anyone but sometimes we like to switch things up.

 

Bison burger with Private Selection® Smoked Gouda Cheese, Private Selection® Peppercorn House Rub, Private Selection® Country Potato Buns, and Private Selection® Blackberry Preserves, and Fresh Baby Arugula. This burger isn't my recipe but that doesn't keep me from wanting it on my plate!

• Black bean burgers - You will need to use bread crumbs, rice, etc. as a binder so the burger holds its shape. This is a great option if you have vegetarian guests. 
• Ground turkey burgers  
• Ground chicken burgers
• Bison burgers - Bison doesn't have a lot of fat and is easy to dry out because it cooks more quickly than beef. The taste is worth it though.

Four Spicy Hamburger Combos

If you like to mix in a little flavor before your burger hits the grill try these!

Private Selection Angus patties, slices Private Selection Provolone, Private Selection (potato-bread) Hamburger Buns, red onion, slices tomato, Mayonnaise, Private Selection Texas BBQ Rub

• Taco seasoning
• Shwarma seasoning
• Your favorite steak or rib rub
• Worcestershire sauce - works best in beef 

Six Hamburger Condiments Besides Ketchup

I like ketchup too. Sometimes it pays to live a little and go crazy with the condiments. Your taste buds will thank you.

• Wasabi mustard or any flavored mustard, really.
• Horseradish
• Wasabi
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Salsa Verde

Seven Interesting Hamburger Toppers 

Iceberg lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion tend to be the standard burger toppers. Branch out and give these a whirl!

• Cheese - instead of the traditional American or cheddar cheese, try mozzarella, gouda, or Swiss
• Avocado
• Banana peppers
• Jalapeno
• Kale
• Spinach
• Grilled vegetables such as  zucchini, eggplant, or summer squash
• Black olives

Whatever type of meat you choose to grill, make sure it is not too lean or it may come out tough. You don't want it to be too full of fat either because the fat drips onto the flame and cause grill flares or, worse, a fire.

We like to use Kroger's Private Selection® meats because it has just the right meat to fat ratio for grilling.  Private Selection® is a premium private-label brand available exclusively at the Kroger Family of Stores and affiliated stores, including Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Fry’s, Gerbes, Pay Less, QFC, JayC, King Soopers, Owen’s, Ralphs, Smith’s and Fred Meyer. If you aren't sure if there is a Kroger Family of Stores near you? Use the Store Locator to find out!

Not to mention there is a Kroger close to my house.

I makes the long. hard. drive around the block to the store worth it because I pick up one of  little beauties to sustain myself on the arduous journey home.

Two of my favorite things: dessert and Mason jars. Private Selection® Mason Jar Desserts are available in 10 flavors I can't wait to try including Cherry Crumble, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Brownie, and Salted Caramel Cheesecake.

Make Your Mark on Grill Nation

Get your summer party started off right by entering the Burger Nation Sweepstakes for a chance to win a Weber®  Summit® 670™ Gas Grill.  

Isn't she a beaut? 

Entering is easy. To enter, visit Burger Nation Sweepstakes and select your local retailer from the drop-down list, complete the on line entry form and you’re all set! Every quick tip, recipe or Burger Nation Sweepstakes submission gives entrants a coupon for a free Private Selection® Mason Jar Dessert. Yum.

You can come back and log in to enter once a day, every day, until June 6, 2014. See the Official Rules for more details.

  

For more information, tips, and recipes from Private Selection®:

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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Offered only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. including D.C. (except FL, NY, RI, AK AND HI), 18 or older. Void in and to residents of FL, NY, RI, AK AND HI, and where prohibited by law. Participants must have a participating Kroger Shopper Card which may be obtained without cost. Begins on or about 9:00 a.m. ET April 28, 2014 and ends on or about 8:59 p.m. ET June 6, 2014.Limit 1 entry per person/Shopper Card account/household per day, across all banners. Limit 30 total Sweepstakes enteries per person/Shopper Card account/household during the Promotion Period. For prize details, odds of winning, and limitations, see complete Official Rules.