Bergeron’s Smoke Can Grilled Hamburger Ideas.
This versatile recipe makes 6 juicy, smoke-infused burgers. Use one Smoke Can flavor for the entire batch or divide the patties into groups and try several flavors side by side.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef, preferably 80/20
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
6 slices cheese, optional
6 sturdy hamburger buns
Lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles
Burger sauce, barbecue sauce or desired condiments
1 Bergeron’s Smoke Can in your chosen flavor
Directions
Prepare the patties
Gently combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and onion powder. Avoid overmixing. Form six equal patties, approximately ⅓ pound each and slightly wider than the buns.Season the outside
Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper. Press a shallow indentation into the center of each patty so it cooks evenly.Prepare the grill and Smoke Can
Preheat the grill for two-zone cooking, with one medium-high direct-heat area and one cooler indirect-heat area. Activate the Bergeron’s Smoke Can according to the package directions and position it where it can begin producing smoke.Smoke the burgers
Place the patties over indirect heat, close the lid and let them absorb the flavored wood smoke for approximately 5–8 minutes.Finish over direct heat
Move the patties over direct heat. Grill for approximately 3–5 minutes per side, flipping only once when possible. Add cheese during the final minute and close the lid.Check the temperature
Cook ground-beef hamburgers to 160°F in the center, measured with a food thermometer inserted sideways into the patty. Do not judge safety by color alone.Toast and assemble
Lightly toast the buns, then add the burgers and your preferred toppings.
Seven Flavor Combinations
1. Apple & Honey Crisp — Sweet Orchard Burger
Top with:
Sharp cheddar
Thinly sliced grilled apple
Caramelized onions
Honey-Dijon sauce
Crispy bacon
Sauce: Mix 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon honey.
2. BBQ Mesquite — Classic Smokehouse Burger
Top with:
Smoked cheddar or pepper jack
Crispy onion strings
Dill pickles
Barbecue sauce
Bacon
This is the strongest traditional barbecue choice and works especially well with a thick beef patty.
3. Bing Cherry — Cherry Bourbon BBQ Burger
Top with:
White cheddar
Grilled red onions
Bacon
Cherry barbecue sauce
Arugula
Quick cherry sauce: Combine ½ cup barbecue sauce with 2 tablespoons cherry preserves and 1 teaspoon apple-cider vinegar. Warm until blended.
4. Black Peppered Bacon — Steakhouse Bacon Burger
Top with:
Smoked Gouda
Extra-crispy bacon
Sautéed mushrooms
Grilled onions
Peppercorn mayonnaise
Peppercorn mayonnaise: Mix ¼ cup mayonnaise, ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper and ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
5. Hickory on Hickory — Double-Hickory Burger
Top with:
Aged cheddar
Hickory-smoked bacon
Grilled onions
Bread-and-butter pickles
Tangy barbecue sauce
For maximum smoke flavor, keep the toppings traditional and avoid overly sweet sauces.
6. Maple Brown Bourbon — Bourbon Maple Burger
Top with:
Smoked Gouda
Maple-glazed bacon
Caramelized onions
Bourbon-style barbecue sauce
Crispy fried onions
Maple glaze: Mix 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce and ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard. Brush lightly onto the cooked burger during the final minute.
7. Summertime Smoky Chipotle — Southwest Heat Burger
Top with:
Pepper jack
Grilled jalapeños
Avocado
Pickled red onions
Chipotle mayonnaise
Crushed tortilla strips
Chipotle mayonnaise: Mix ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1–2 teaspoons chipotle sauce and a squeeze of lime.
Best Three for a Hamburger Flight. Serve three smaller sliders so family & friends can compare:
BBQ Mesquite: cheddar, bacon and barbecue sauce
Apple & Honey Crisp: cheddar, apple and honey-Dijon
Summertime Smoky Chipotle: pepper jack, avocado and chipotle mayonnaise
Bergeron’s “Let Your Flavor Flag Fly” Burger Flight
