Hamburger With Roasted Garlic
Incorporating roasted garlic into the hamburger patties or using roasted garlic as a topping adds a savory and nutritious element to this classic dish.
I absolutely love a good hamburger, and you know what makes it even better? Garlic! Not only does it add a delicious flavor, but it also packs a punch with health benefits like anti-inflammatory properties, immune system support, and potential heart health advantages. By incorporating garlic into your burger patties or using roasted garlic as a tasty topping, you elevate this classic dish to a whole new level.
How to Roast Garlic
Roasting garlic is super easy! First, cut the tips off the garlic bulb, about ¼ inch, to reveal the cloves underneath. Next, place the bulb on a large piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle it with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and wrap it up snugly. Pop the foil-wrapped garlic on a baking sheet and roast it in a preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes. It’s done when the cloves are soft and golden brown—perfect for adding that savory kick to your burgers!
How to Make the Perfect Burger
- Choose Quality Meat: Select high-quality ground beef with a good balance of fat to lean meat. The fat is crucial for adding flavor and juiciness to your patty.
- Handle the Meat Gently: Don’t overwork the meat; it’ll result in a dense and tough burger. Keep it light to maintain a tender texture.
- Portion It Out: Divide your ground beef into equal portions based on how big you want your patties. A standard size is usually around 1/3 to 1/2 pound.
- Shape the Patties: Gently form the portions into round patties, being careful not to compress the meat too much. Aim for a patty that’s slightly larger than your bun, as it will shrink during cooking.
- Create an Indentation: Press your thumb into the center of each patty to create a slight indentation. This trick helps prevent puffing up while cooking.
- Chill the Patties: Pop the patties in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape and enhances that delicious golden-brown crust.
- Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Get your grill or pan hot on medium-high heat. A sizzling surface creates that irresistible sear on the outside of the patty.
- Cook to Your Liking: Grill the patties to your desired doneness. For medium-rare to medium, cook for about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Let It Rest: Once cooked, let the patties rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your burger nice and juicy.
How To Check Hamburger Doneness
Knowing the right internal temperature for your burgers is key! The USDA recommends these minimum temperatures for ground beef:
- Medium-Rare: 145°F (63°C) – The center of the patty is warm with a slightly pinkish-red color. The juices should run clear.
- Medium: 160°F (71°C) – The center is pink, and the juices should be clear. This is a popular choice for many burger enthusiasts.
- Well-Done: 165°F (74°C) – The patty is fully cooked with no traces of pink. It will have a consistent brown color throughout.
When using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the burger for an accurate reading. Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking, as the internal temperature will continue to rise slightly, keeping your burger juicy.
Hamburger Topping Ideas
Hamburgers are incredibly versatile, so let your creativity shine! Start with classic toppings like tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, cheese, pickles, and onions, and then think outside the box with unique options like:
- Avocado
- Pickled red onions
- Basil pesto
- Onion straws
- Barbecue sauce
- Garlic aioli
As for buns, my personal favorite is a soft pretzel bun, but you can also try Hawaiian, whole wheat, butter, potato, or classic white buns. If you’re looking for a healthier option, wrap your burger in lettuce and enjoy it that way!
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Roasted Garlic Infused Hamburger
Ingredients
- 1 head of garlic
- ¼ teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon pepper
- Optional toppings: Burger buns, cheese slices, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, pickled red onions, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, or aioli), bacon and any other preferred toppings
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉.
- Cut about ¼ inch off the tops of the garlic bulb to reveal the cloves. Place it on a large piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap the garlic in the foil and place it on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
- Allow the roasted garlic to cool for a few minutes. Carefully unwrap the foil—watch out for hot steam! Once cool enough to handle, squeeze or use a fork to pop out the soft cloves from their skins. Mash them with a fork.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the mashed garlic, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp cayenne powder, and salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands to avoid overworking the meat, which can lead to dense burgers.
- Divide the seasoned meat into equal portions and shape them into patties that are ½-¾ inch thick. Make them slightly larger than your burger buns since they’ll shrink while cooking. Use your thumb to create a small indentation in the center of each patty. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill.
- Get your grill, air fryer, or skillet hot over medium-high heat for a perfect sear.
- Place the chilled patties on the hot grill, air fryer, or skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness. Adjust the cooking time based on your preference.
- For cheeseburgers, place a slice of cheese on each patty 1-2 minutes before they finish cooking. Cover the grill or skillet to melt the cheese.
- While the burgers are cooking, wash and slice your favorite toppings, like lettuce, tomato, and onion.
- Once cooked to your liking, remove the burgers from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes. Place each burger on a bun and add your chosen toppings and condiments. Enjoy!
We loved the garlicky flavors in these burgers. I had no idea it was so easy to roast garlic.