While the summer seems to be flying by, there’s still plenty of time for cookouts! if you’re wondering what burger recipe to make, I’ve got you covered! Today, I’m sharing how each of Ina’s burger recipes stack up.
Ina only has four burger recipes, but Laurent Tourondel shared two additional ones on the show, which I’ve included. To be honest, you won’t be disappointed with any of the options – these are burgers, after all – but this wouldn’t be a competition without some winners and losers!
There was one burger that was a complete game-changer for me and over the years has become my go-to recipe. There are burgers with butter encase in the patty, ones served on English muffins, and plenty of amazing toppings – what IMHO takes a burger from good to fabulous!!
1. Niman Ranch Burgers with Caramelized Onions
Back to Basics, page 120 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5
FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.9
With two simple additions, these instantly became my go-to burgers. In fact, they were so good I ended up making them two days in a row after first discovering them! Toasted English muffins turn out to be the perfect vehicle for a burger, with plenty of nooks and crannies to soak up all the tasty flavors. The sherry wine vinegar and thyme caramelized onions are a divine and flavorful topper. Add a smear of good mayo and a piece of lettuce, and you have a simple burger that’s astonishingly good!
2. Blue Cheese Burgers
Barefoot Contessa at Home, page 92 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5
FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.2
The thing that makes these special is the thin slice of butter encase in the meat, which adds flavor and keeps these moist! And I always appreciate the addition of blue cheese to a burger. If you’re wondering, this is the same burger recipe as the Real Hamburger on FoodNewtwork.com.
3. LT Backyard Burgers
Food Network (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5
FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.6
Not technically an Ina burger—it was made by Laurent Tourondel on an episode of Barefoot Contessa—but I thought I’d include it! The actual burger is rather simple to prepare, with just a brush of butter and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. However, the real star is the sauce: a mix of mayo, ketchup, sweet relish, cornichons, pickled jalapenos, and cognac. I could drink it out of a cup!
4. LT Guacamole Burger
Food Network (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5
FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.3
Another burger by Laurent Tourondel this one topped with a wonderfully spicy guacamole – one of my favorite burger additions!
5. Smashed Hamburgers with Caramelized Onions
Modern Comfort Food, page 116 (Recipe)
RATING: 4/5
FOOD NETWORK RATING: N/A
Overall delicious, but I think my expectations set me up for disappointment on this one. I thought they’d be thinner patties for a different burger experience. The gruyere and caramelized onions were delicious, but I think I prefer the onions from the Niman Ranch burger. I did appreciate the technique of freezing the burgers before cooking, which allowed the outside to sear while the inside cooked to medium-rare.
6. Sliders
How Easy Is That, page 141 (Recipe)
RATING: 4/5
FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.9
I mean all of Ina’s burgers are delicious, but one had to come in last! Other than it’s small size, this was a rather straight forward burger recipes – which doesn’t mean it was bad just that the others were better!
More Best of Ina lists here.
I actually make a different Ina burger recipe. It’s from the TV show, and it’s also called Blue Cheese Burgers, but the recipe is different than the one linked to above. Here’s the URL: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/blue-cheese-burgers-recipe-1948164
I like how foolproof they are. Even if you cook them past medium, they are still most and juicy!