Daily Dish the Fork Lift blog

Grilling Tips for Brilliant Burgers
From bun to bun and all the fancy fixin’s in between, burgers are some of summer’s tastiest traditions. The humble hamburger reaches new heights (literally!) when stacked with sauces, cheese, and produce aplenty. Make yours a towering triumph with flavorful favorites and pro tips like these.
From bun to bun and all the fancy fixin’s in between, burgers are some of summer’s tastiest traditions. The humble hamburger reaches new heights (literally!) when stacked with sauces, cheese, and produce aplenty. Make yours a towering triumph with flavorful favorites and pro tips like these.
On the Grill:
- If making your own patties, start by choosing a good grind. This means a quality beef brand (like Fresh to Market or Certified Piedmontese) that’s about 80% lean and 20% fat for just the right amount of juiciness.
- Season to your liking, then shape into patties with a diameter larger than your chosen buns (as the meat will shrink) and up to an inch thick. Ensure all patties are similar in size for even cooking.
- Grill to your desired doneness over medium-high heat with the barbecue lid open, flipping patties only once.
- Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking, as this will cause the fat to seep out and dry out the meat.
- If making cheeseburgers, add your cheese after flipping the patties about a minute before they’re done.
- For extra taste appeal, toast the cut-side of your buns on the grill just before serving.
Iconic Ingredients:
- Pre-Made Patties: Don’t want to press your own patties? Drop by our Meat Department and take your pick of premium, pre-made beef patties like our Fresh to Market Beef Burger Patties or Mishima Reserve American Wagyu Beef Patties, or visit our Frozen Department for picks like Holten’s Chop House Smashed Burgers.
- Fresh-Baked Buns: Start your burger off right with scratch-made, artisan buns fresh from our Bakery. For a classic creation, try our Brioche Hamburger Buns, add a little savory spice with our Asiago Black Pepper Brioche Hamburger Buns, or think outside the bun with our scratch-made Ciabatta. Every bun’s a winner!
- Specialty Cheese: When it comes to the Käse (“cheese” in Hamburg), American and cheddar are only the beginning! Drop by our Specialty Cheese Department for Cotswold, blue cheese, and so much more.
- Premium Produce: Add fresh flavor and texture to your burger with all sorts of produce! From fresh heirloom tomatoes and crisp lettuce to caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms, the right veg will make any burger better.
There you have it—you’re grilling guide to beautiful burgers. Now all you need is the ingredients! Drop by your local Nugget Market to get started.
Selection may vary by store.