Sunnys Sizzling Summer Burger Recipes

SUNNY'S EASY BRUSCHETTA BURGER

Steps:

• In a large bowl, add the ground chuck, onion and oregano. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the bowl and add a hefty amount of black pepper. Gently mix, divide into 4 balls and allow to dry-marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.
• Preheat a gas grill or large griddle on high.
• Divide each ball in half to create 8 smaller balls, then press each into a thin flat patty between 1/4 and 1/8 inch thick. The easiest way to do this is between 2 pieces of parchment paper, using a glass or rolling pin. Brush the top side of each patty with the olive oil. Add the patties oiled-side down to the grill and cook until the edges are golden, about 5 minutes. Top half of the patties with the Parmesan and cover each with another patty, creating 4 sandwiched patties. Turn off the heat and cover with aluminum foil or an upside-down metal bowl to tent for just 2 minutes.
• Place the patties on a garlic bread round (crust-side down) and top each with some tomatoes and basil and a drizzle of balsamic syrup. Top with another garlic bread round (crust-side up) and serve.

SUNNY'S MEATLOAF BURGERS

Steps:

• For the sauce: Combine the ketchup, vinegar, sriracha and pepper in a small pot. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced slightly, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and refrigerate.
• For the patties: Add the olive oil to a small pan on medium-high heat, then add the onion, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon water. Stir to coat everything and cook until the onions are translucent but not browned, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the bread, egg, pesto, Worsterschire sauce, Parmesan and garlic in a medium bowl. Add the sauteed onions to the breadcrumb mixture and stir to completely combine. Break up the beef in a large bowl with your hands or a wooden spatula. Add the breadcrumb mixture and gently mix together.
• Preheat the grill for cooking with direct and indirect heat at 350 degrees F or heat a pan over medium-high heat.
• Evenly divide the mixture into 3 or 4 balls and form into patties. Place on the direct heat of the grill or into the pan. Cook on one side until the patties release, 5 to 6 minutes, then flip, transferring to the indirect heat of the grill. If using a pan, simply lower the heat and cover the patties with a lid or upside-down metal bowl. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F, 5 to 6 minutes more. Remove from the heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
• For the burgers: Add a patty to each bun bottom, then top with the sauce and a pile of potato chips. Top with the bun tops. Enjoy!

SUNNY'S BREAKIN'-THE-FAST BURGER

Steps:

• For the rolls: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
• Scoop a bit of bread out of each roll top to create a well, discarding the scooped bread. Brush the insides, top and bottom, with the melted butter. Close the rolls and wrap individually or together in aluminum foil, then place directly on the oven rack to warm while preparing the burgers, no longer than 20 minutes.
• For the burgers: Add the ground chuck, bacon, paprika, salt and a few grinds of pepper to a large bowl. Gently mix with your non-dominant hand, using your fingers like a pitchfork so you don't squish the meat. Mound the mixture into a ball and divide in half, then divide each half in half again to make 4 even portions.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil to a griddle pan over high heat. Gently roll each portion of meat into a ball and place on the pan. Using the back of a plate, a flat lid or a spatula (with no holes), press each ball into a flat patty, slightly larger than the rolls. Cook the patties until they easily release from the griddle, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip, then top each with a slice of cheese and continue to cook until the patties are cooked through and the cheese is melted, another 2 to 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add the jalapeño to the griddle and char on all sides, then remove and finely chop, removing the seeds if you would like less heat.
• Build the burgers: Whisk the hot sauce and maple syrup together in a small bowl. Remove the rolls from the oven and unwrap. Put a patty on each roll, then drizzle each with the maple hot sauce. Top each with some jalapeño followed by a fried egg and more hot sauce as desired.

SUNNY'S SPICY GREEN GODDESS BURGER

Steps:

• For the patty. In a large bowl, add the beef and gently break it up so it isn't in one big lump. High over the top, sprinkle the salt, cumin and a few nice grinds of black pepper. With your less dominant hand, make a claw or pitchfork and fold the beef over itself while turning the bowl with your other hand. The goal is to blend but not over-mix the beef. Divide into 4 equal parts and make into balls. Cover and let them rest at room temperature for 2 hours.
• For the glaze. In a medium bowl, add the jelly, cilantro, dill, mint, parsley, scallions and jalapeno. Stir to combine.
• To grill and glaze. Heat the grill to 400 degrees F.
• Press or form each ball of beef into a patty slightly larger than the circumference of the buns. Place over the direct heat of the grill and cook until they release, about 4 minutes. Flip the burgers, move to the indirect heat of the grill and immediately top each with a nice spoonful of the glaze. Continue to cook until desired doneness.
• For serving: To build the burgers, start on the bottom buns and build up. Place the cheese, grilled and glazed patty, a spritz of lime and a handful of chips on each. Smear equal amounts of avocado on the inside of each top bun. Top the burgers and serve.