{BURGER BASH WEEK} THE FINALE

Friends, it's finally time!  We have reached the last day of Burger Bash Week and I hope you have called your friends because its almost time to set the table - picnic table, that is. 

Burger Bash Burger {Pedantic Foodie}

We have been juicing, baking, and frying all week in preparation for this and it's finally here!  It's time to make some burgers!

Burger Bash Burger {Pedantic Foodie}

The last component of our very fancy burger is, the burger!  This burger is stuffed with Brie and Gruyere, one of my favorite cheese pairings.  

It's seasoned simply, with just a bit of garlic power, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Burger Bash Burger {Pedantic Foodie}

And then it's grilled.  

Hello darling...

Burger Bash Burger {Pedantic Foodie}

Our homemade Caramelized Onion Burger Buns are lightly toasted and spread with our Caramelized Onion and Apple Jam.

Burger Bash Burger {Pedantic Foodie}

Hot, crisp, onion rings are arranged and drinks are poured. 

Burger Bash Burger {Pedantic Foodie}

Ta-da!!!

Burger Bash Burger {Pedantic Foodie}

Refreshing, tropical drink? Check!  Homemade condiment in the form of Caramelized Onion and Apple Jam? Check!  Soft, homemade Caramelized Onion Burger Buns?  Check!  Obligatory fried element a.k.a. crispy onion rings?  Check!  Juicy, cheesy, stuffed burgers?  Check!  And we are done!

These burgers are not only the perfect way to begin your summer, they will also make your backyard picnic the coolest and most delicious picnic of the summer.

Burger Bash Burger {Pedantic Foodie}

If you haven't begun your cooking yet, here are all the recipes you'll need to throw your very own Burger Bash!

Papaya Ginger Lemonade Spritzer

Caramelized Onion and Apple Jam

Caramelized Onion Burger Buns

Tempura-Battered Onion Rings

Oh, and if you'd like to have dessert as well, (I always want dessert), you could definitely make these pies, or these milkshakes.

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Thanks for spending this week with me!  I hope you all enjoy!

Sincerely, 

   Pedantic Foodie

p.s. I didn't forget your shopping list - you'll find a list of everything you need for these scrumptious burgers after the recipe! 

Brie and Gruyere Stuffed Burgers

makes 4

- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 

- freshly ground pepper 

- 1/4 cup grated Gruyere 

- 3 ounces triple cream Brie 

In a large bowl, combine ground beef and seasonings.  Use your fingertips to work the seasonings into the ground beef, being careful not to squeeze into a paste.

Divide the meat into four 4-ounce portions. 

Using a sharp knife, remove the rind from the Brie and cut it into cubes.  Combine Brie and Gruyere in a small bowl and beat with a hand mixer to form a rough paste.

Take about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture and press it into the center of each portion of beef.  Shape the ground beef around the cheese and press gently to flatten and shape the burger.

Wrap each burger in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.  This will allow the burger to set up a bit which will help it to hold onto the cheese once it hits the heat. 

When the burgers have chilled, heat up your grill and place the burgers over medium-high heat.  Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on your desired doneness.  Enjoy!

Here is that shopping list I promised you! 

Grocery List 

{Burger Bash}

things you might already have in your pantry and fridge...

  • mustard seeds 
  • dried thyme 
  • sesame seeds
  • garlic powder
  • cornstarch
  • all-purpose flour
  • bread flour
  • brown sugar 
  • granulated sugar
  • olive oil 
  • canola oil
  • white wine
  • apple cider vinegar 
  • 1 egg
  • whole milk
  • vegetable broth

Produce 

  • apples (2)
  • onions (6)
  • garlic cloves 
  • papaya 
  • lemons (5-6)
  • romaine lettuce 

Refrigerated 

  • apples (2)
  • brie, I prefer triple cream
  • gruyere 
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

Pantry 

  • ginger ale (2)12-ounce cans
  • seltzer water (1 can)
  • active rise yeast (1 packet)  

{BURGER BASH WEEK} Caramelized Onion Hamburger Buns

Happy Wednesday friends! I hope you all have been following along with my Burger Bash but if not, so far we have made an incredibly refreshing Papaya Ginger Lemonade Spritzer and Caramelized Onion and Apple Jam.  Now it's time to make one of the most important burger components - the bun.

Caramelized Onion Hamburger Buns {Pedantic Foodie}

Let's talk about hamburger buns for a second.  I'm always heartbroken when an establishment brags about their ridiculously fancy burger and serves it on a subpar bun.  So many times I have been served an incredible burger on a completely inferior bun.  Why would you do that?  If you have something excellent, don't serve it inside a flat, soggy, flavorless wrapper.  Good hamburger buns are hard to come by, and unless you have a good bakery that offers them, I would suggest that you make your own.

It's easy, I promise.

Caramelized Onion Hamburger Buns {Pedantic Foodie}

I used Joy the Baker's recipe as my base and then changed things up just a tiny bit so that this bun would be the perfect addition to my Burger Bash burger.  

Caramelized Onion Hamburger Buns {Pedantic Foodie}

Our simple dough is made with both bread and all-purpose flours, giving these buns the perfect balance of chewiness and softness. 

Caramelized onions are folded in at the very end of the kneading process and the dough is left to rise for a bit.  Pour yourself a glass of sweet tea and read a magazine while you're waiting.  

Caramelized Onion Hamburger Buns {Pedantic Foodie}

Next, our dough is shaped into buns and then left to rise again. 

You should really divide this dough into eight even buns, but I got carried away and made twelve smaller buns.  Real life. 

Caramelized Onion Hamburger Buns {Pedantic Foodie}

After the buns have risen a second time they are brushed with egg wash, which is basically bronzer for baked goods, then sprinkled with salt and sesame seeds.  

Caramelized Onion Hamburger Buns {Pedantic Foodie}

Look at you!  You just made homemade, perfectly imperfect hamburger buns!

I love these buns because their flavor is truly present.  These buns are not just a vehicle to get the burger into our mouths, they are one of the many parts that make this burger something special.  They are soft, yet sturdy, and super easy to make.

Caramelized Onion Hamburger Buns {Pedantic Foodie}

Stay tuned for more Burger Bash fun!  

Sincerely,

  Pedantic Foodie 

Caramelized Onion Burger Buns 

recipe adapted from Joy the Baker / makes 8 burger buns 

for the caramelized onions 

  • 1 1/2 cups diced onions, about 1 1/2 onions 
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 
  • 1 teaspoon salt 

In a small frying pan melt butter over medium high heat.  Add onions and salt and cook, stirring often for 15-20 minutes, until deep golden brown and caramelized.  Allow to cool completely.  

for the buns 

  • 1 cup warm water 
  • 3 tablespoons warm whole milk
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar 
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 package)
  • 3 cups bread flour 
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt + extra for topping
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water 
  • sesame seeds

In the work bowl of your stand mixer combine warm water, milk, granulated sugar, and yeast.  Allow to sit for 5 minutes.  The yeast will be foamy and frothy.  

In a large bowl whisk to combine flours and salt.  Using the tips of your fingers, work softened butter into the flour mixture.  The flour will be slightly crumbly, like the beginnings of a pie dough.  

Add dry ingredients to the yeast mixture in the stand mixer and mix on low speed using the dough hook attachment.  When the ingredients are thoroughly combined, increase speed to medium and knead for 10 minutes.  During the last minute, add cooled, caramelized onions. The dough will be somewhat sticky, but not overly so.  

Turn the dough out unto a floured surface and shape into a ball.  Place the dough in a large bowl greased with nonstick spray and cover loosely with plastic wrap.  Place in a warm place and allow to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size. 

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease lightly with nonstick spray.  Turn the risen dough out unto a floured surface and divide into eight equal pieces.  Roll each piece of dough into a round ball and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Cover the buns loosely with plastic wrap and allow to rest for 1 hour.  

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  

In a small bowl prepare egg wash by whisking egg with 1 teaspoon water.  Brush the tops of the risen buns with egg wash and sprinkle with salt and sesame seeds.  

Bake the buns for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown. 

Allow to cool before slicing and serving.  

Enjoy!

{BURGER BASH WEEK} Caramelized Onion and Apple Jam

It’s day two of Burger Bash Week and I hope you all have been sipping spritzers and sending out picnic invitations.

Every burger needs a condiment and though we could go to the store and buy a collection of lackluster mustards and ketchups, this is a very special burger so we need a very special condiment.  

Meet caramelized onion and apple jam, I think you two should be friends. 

Caramelized Onion and Apple Jam {Pedantic Foodie}

Think of this jam as apple chutney meeting relish.  It's sweet, tangy, and it has all the richness and depth of caramelized onions.

This jam adds all the moisture of ketchup and mustard but unlike the standard condiments, it brings a deep, savory flavor to our burger. 

Caramelized Onion and Apple Jam {Pedantic Foodie}

Apples and sweet onions are cooked down and seasoned with thyme and mustard seed.  I really love the spicy tang that comes from the mustard seed.

Caramelized Onion and Apple Jam {Pedantic Foodie}

This recipe makes 3 small jars, which means that you'll definitely have some leftover.  So, if you run out of burgers you can always make a quick crostini by toasting a baguette, spreading it with a bit of goat cheese and some sweet and tangy onion and apple jam. 

Versatility! 

Caramelized Onion and Apple Jam {Pedantic Foodie}

Stay tuned for more Burger Bash excitement! 

Sincerely, 

   Pedantic Foodie

Caramelized Onion and Apple Jam 

makes about 12 ounces 

  • 2 medium sweet onions, sliced into matchsticks 
  • 2 gala apples, chopped 
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt 
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme 
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth 
  • 1 1/2 cups filtered water 
  • 2 tablespoons dry white wine
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard seed
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar 

In a large dutch oven heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat.  Add onions, apples, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and thyme.  Cook for 10 minutes.

Reduce heat and add vegetable broth, 1/2 cup filtered water, white wine, mustard seed, vinegar, and remaining salt.  Cook for 20 minutes. 

When the onions have cooked down significantly, add 1 cup water and brown sugar.  Cook for a remaining 20 minutes or until the mixture has a thick, jam-like consistency.  

Distribute the jam between three four-ounce jars and allow to cool before sealing.  Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Enjoy!