Kerrygold Moments

Homemade hamburgers are definitely a family favourite especially when you use Kerrygold butter and cheese when making them. But there is still a looming question when it comes to hamburger preparation: what is the correct way to build a burger?

Some people like lettuce that the top while others prefer it at the bottom but, just because that is their preference, doesn’t mean that it is the correct way to go about building the burger.

Many foodies and chefs around the world believe that the order in which the toppings are placed on the burger influences the various parts of the tastebuds that are triggered when biting into the burger. And, because of this, the order of the toppings influences the overall taste of the burger.

Let’s take a look at how some of the foodies suggest the burger should be layered.

The Perfect Stacking Method

The most important part of any burger is the patty. If the patty is prepared, seasoned and grilled correctly then you are already halfway there. But once the patty is prepared, the way that the burger is stacked can enhance the overall eating experience.

While there is no incorrect way there are ways to avoid soggy buns, runaway toppings and suboptimal flavour combinations.

Without further ado, this is the optimal stacking method:

Bottom Bun → Condiment → Lettuce → Tomato → Patty → Cheese → Onions → Pickles → Condiment → Top Bun

But why is this method considered the best? Let’s break it down further:

• Condiments – choose between mustard, tomato sauce, mayonnaise and any other sauce preference and place it on the top and bottom bun. Not only does this help to keep the toppings in place, it also helps create a layer on the bun that protects the bun from going soggy.
• Lettuce – By placing lettuce at the bottom also creates a protective layer preventing the patty from making the bun soggy. By not having direct contact with the patty the lettuce will also stay fresh and crispy for longer.
• Tomato – the tomato tends to slip out of the burger which is why it is also placed at the bottom so that the patty can keep it in place. The tomato also acts as a barrier between the lettuce and the patty.
• Cheese – the cheese should be placed on top of the patty as soon as the patty is cooked so that the cheese can melt.
• Onions – by placing the onions on top of the cheese, they will be held in place by the melted cheese and not slip off similar to the tomato.
• Pickles – if you choose to add pickles to your burger, place them between the onion rings so that the onions prevent them from falling out.

Alterative Topping Options

If you are leaning towards a less traditional burger, there are hundreds of other toppings for you to try and test so that you can find your new favourite way to prepare burgers in your home.

Here are some alternative topping combinations to try out:

• Sautéed Peppers and Onions – replace your pickle and onion layer with sautéed peppers and onions for a more rich and smokey taste.
• Chillies – if you love heat then add some jalapenos, green chillies or some of your other types of chilli peppers to your burger. They are best placed atop the melted cheese so that they are held in place.
• Bacon – sometimes the simplest toppings add the most extraordinary flavour. Place your cooked bacon either on top or below your patty to secure it in place.
• Grilled Pineapple – while pineapple seems to strike debate between foodies and people alike, a tasty pineapple ring or two can add a sweet flavour to your burger and create that salty-sweet flavouring. The pineapple rings should be placed on top of the patty to prevent the juices from soaking into the buns.
• Fried Egg – you cannot go wrong with a tasty, runny fried egg. Make your burger all the saucier by adding a fried egg on top of your patty.

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How do you like to stack your burger? What are your favourite topping combinations?

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