Being the proud inventors of the original Smokehouse Burger, we like to think we know a thing or two about the perfect burger. Everyday we feature a new original creation for customers to enjoy at Matty's Bar & Grille. We figured it was time to let people in on our Top 10 picks for ultimate burger toppings....Let's get started!
1. Bacon
Obviously, this topping is number one for a reason. It really needs to go without saying that ALL burgers need to contain bacon in some form. Whether you go classic with 3-4 strips, get inventive with bacon smoked ketchup or sauteed some onions in bacon fat to inject in the flavor. One point I can't stress enough though: DO NOT SKIMP ON QUALITY. Buy good cuts of quality bacon, preferably smoke it in the cooking process too. Bonus points for cutting your own from a nice pork belly!
2. Mac & Cheese
Mac & Cheese will forever have a soft spot in our hearts because it reminds you of being a kid. It also has a quality to it that makes it possible to eat it by the pound and not feel full! Mac & Cheese adds a great texture to a burger while also contributing to the all important cheese factor that is paramount to a great burger. Again-go for quality on this one people! Put some extra effort into this topping and make it from scratch and get creative with the cheese like a smoked cheddar or a good dill Havarti!
3. Fried Egg
This one is a personal favorite and a featured topping that we like to do at Matty's....A LOT. The main reason is it's just so delicious! It adds a different savory element, especially if you like your yolk more on the runny side. There is something magical that happens when the egg yolk and a good slathering of mayo combine on a burger. Even tastier, combine the fried egg with bacon like we have pictured above on our Great BLT Smokehouse Burger.....like a BLT on steroids!
4. More Meat Please!
This topping is not for the faint of heart but is a must for true meat lovers. Take for example The Mr. Cool pictured above that tops our Smokehouse Burger with sliced Prime Rib.....drool. Another great combination is the shredded pork and smoked ham that's used in The Miami, pictured below. One way to keep these meaty monstrosities manageable is to slice the meat toppings thin or work with it in the shredded form.
5. Shrimp
I know it may sound a little weird, but especially when fried-shrimp adds such an unexpectedly delicious addition to a good burger. It goes without saying that quality fresh shrimp is a necessity for this combination to work. Also finding the right sauce to top this off is key-my suggestion to compliment the seafood is a nice remoulade mayo!
6. Caramelized Onions
Not everyone is an onion lover but even those that are opposed to the semi-sweet taste of a good onion can be persuaded once the onion has sat and been beautifully caramelized for a good 30-40 minutes. Classic with a good dousing of oil and butter is always a safe bet, a beer bath is never a bad option or live a little and finish them off in the pan with balsamic vinaigrette...unexpected sweetness that is out of this world.
This is a no-brainer and is pretty essential for any burger. Finding the right cheese with the perfect taste and texture to blend with your other toppings is what can start to separate the men from the boys though. Classics like cheddar, Monterrey and Jack cheeses are great go to's with fantastic melting points to achieve the necessary gooeyness. Experiment with boursin or feta for a creamier texture or different varieties of gouda can always be a nice surprise.
8. Love Those Veggies!
Vegetable toppings can sometimes be the most often over looked part of any good burger. Don't leave them out in cold with flavor profiles! Try out an olive oil infused with pesto and let those tomatoes take a bath in it. Beer make a delicious addition to any type of saute bath of mushrooms and onions.
9. Peppers
Whether your a fan of Jalapenos, Habaneros or Banana peppers-good heat can add a whole different element to a burger. A refreshing and light sauce though can help to balance out the truly overwhelming heat like a cucumber ranch or a few slices of avocado to cool things down. For the true thrill seeker, pick up a few Ghost Peppers and pop a few of those onto your next burger.....but be prepared to down an ice cold beverage immediately following!
10. The Bun
The glue that holds it all together-the bun. Quality bread that's got a good crust on the outside but is soft and slightly chewy when you bite into it. A true professional always takes that bun and ever so lightly toasts it on the grill right before the construction of the burger begins. Nothing makes me sadder than being at a cookout and seeing someone take a sad looking bun straight out of the package and put it directly onto their plate! At Matty's we prefer a Brioche bun for our little beauties but on occasion we've been known to mix it up with a good dense Pretzel bun.
What's in your Top 10 list? We are always working in the kitchen trying out new recipes and flavor combinations so we can bring you the best burger every time! If you have a killer recipe that you think would be a home run here at Matty's....we want to know! Heck-maybe you'll end up with a Smokehouse named in your honor.
Email christina@mattyscatering.com and tell her all about it!
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