Burger Month at Creamery Creek: Let's Build a Better Burger

Let’s skip the basics. You already know how to salt a patty and melt a slice of cheddar. This is about taking your burger from “yum” to “what even was that?” 

My kids have been teaching me the art of the pile, then smash. You can see Joshua's burger here, complete with onion ring.  I think we can all use some burger variety and sat down and made a list of burger accoutrements.

Because your dry-aged beef burger deserves better than ketchup and American cheese.

The Sauces

It drips, it clings, it seals the deal. Try one of these options I've tried, or seen around lately:

• Horseradish aioli
• Cherry chipotle BBQ
• Garlic brown-butter mayo
• Spicy peanut sauce (yes, really)
• Bacon jam
• Dill pickle ranch
• Chimichurri
• Stone-ground mustard and maple syrup combo

Don’t skip the slather.

The Cheese

Say goodbye to wrapped singles. Here’s what melts like magic:

• Havarti
• Bleu cheese crumbles (Black and Bleu burger!)
• Wisconsin brick (a secret melt bomb)
• Smoked gouda
• Gruyère
• Beer cheese spread
• A thick smear of whipped goat cheese
• Extra sharp cheddar, obviously

Double it up. Cheese below and above the patty. No regrets.

The More Meats

More meat? Always. Try this:

• Duroc bacon (thick, crispy, farm-loved)
• Shaved ham
• Pastrami
• Pepperoni crisped in a cast iron pan
• A grilled brat medallion
• Crumbled chorizo mixed into the ground beef

Meat on meat is not too much.  Ask my boys.

The Veg

Crunch or punch. Or both. Think:

• Pickled red onions
• Sautéed mushrooms with thyme and butter
• Shredded cabbage tossed in vinegar
• Jalapeño coins
• Heirloom tomato slices
• Grilled pineapple
• Fried shallots
• Avocado smash with lime and chili flakes

A little raw. A little cooked. Texture wins here.

The Egg + The Secret

Top it with a fried egg. Runny yolk = instant sauce.

Ready for the Wisconsin secret weapon?

Butter. A thin slice of cold salted butter between two thin patties. It melts from the inside. Adds protein, juice, flavor. That’s your homemade butter burger. And it's glorious.

The Bun

Toasted brioche. Griddled potato roll. Or a crusty pretzel bun slathered with garlic butter. Even a grilled cheese sandwich as the bun. You’re in charge.

Build it tall. Smash it thin. Stack it weird. Make it yours.

Happy Burger Month from all of us at Creamery Creek.

Don’t forget to wipe your chin, and tag us in your creations.  We love to see our beef in the wild.

Louisa