Burgers are a summer staple, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. There are many ways you can jazz up a burger to make it a new, exciting, must-have menu item. Let’s take a look at some current trends on menus around Portland and some fun, new ideas to help you create the ultimate summer burger.
1) Get Saucy
Dressing up a burger can be as simple as replacing traditional ketchup or mayonnaise with your own special sauce. A sweet and spicy chutney, a smoky barbecue, or a bacon jam can elevate your burger to the next level.
2) Mix It Up
Who says a burger has to be ground chuck? We love throwing some short rib into the mix, or some sautéed mushroom and onions right into the blend. Alternate burger meats are a big 2017 food trend too; think Mediterranean spiced lamb burgers or a flavorful chorizo burger!
3) Say Cheese
Cheddar and American cheese are classic choices. Don’t get us wrong, sometimes there is nothing better than a plain ol’ burger with a slice of melted American cheese on top, but if you are looking to change things up, a different cheese is a great way to upgrade the burger on your menu. Try topping a BBQ burger with smoked gouda and let us know what you think!
4) Top It
There are almost no rules when it comes to burger toppings, so get creative! Coleslaw, pastrami, pickled veggies, center cut bacon, and fried eggs are all toppings that are popping up on burger menus around Portland. Food carts in Colombia serve up burgers topped with pineapple sauce and potato chips (it’s delicious, trust us!) – break away from standard burger toppings this summer and try some new or international flavors.
5) Stuff It
Stuffed burgers are taking off in a big way. Whether it’s cheese, sautéed veggies, bacon or all the above, hiding a delicious surprise inside your patty will make your burger exciting to eat. People also love stuffed burgers because they can be easier to eat with most of the topping contained rather than sliding around on top.
If you own a fast-casual restaurant in Portland, a great burger is an essential part of your summer fare. We hope these trends and ideas have you inspired, but feel free to contact us if you are still struggling. Our team has experience helping thousands of restaurant owners develop menus that are both popular and profitable, and we’d be happy to help you!