For the Burger Patties:

• 2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended): The foundation of any great burger is, of course, the beef. An 80/20 blend of ground beef is ideal because it provides the perfect ratio of lean meat to fat. The fat is essential for keeping the burgers juicy and flavorful during cooking. Too lean, and your burgers will be dry and tough. Too fatty, and they might shrink excessively and become greasy. If you prefer a slightly leaner burger, you can use 85/15, but be extra careful not to overcook them. For the best flavor, opt for ground chuck, which is known for its rich beefy taste. You can also ask your butcher to grind a custom blend for you, perhaps combining chuck with a bit of brisket for added depth of flavor.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: This umami-rich sauce is a secret weapon for enhancing the savory notes in your burger patties. Worcestershire sauce adds a complex depth of flavor that you can’t quite put your finger on, but it makes a significant difference. It’s a blend of vinegar, molasses, anchovies, tamarind, garlic, and other seasonings, which work together to create a savory and slightly tangy profile. Don’t skip this ingredient – it really elevates the burger’s taste!
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard brings a tangy kick and a subtle sharpness to the burger patties. It helps to balance the richness of the beef and adds a layer of complexity to the overall flavor profile. Dijon mustard is also a great emulsifier, helping to bind the ingredients together and keep the patties moist. Use a good quality Dijon mustard for the best flavor.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a consistent and convenient way to infuse the burger patties with a savory garlic flavor. Fresh garlic can be used, but garlic powder disperses more evenly throughout the meat mixture, ensuring every bite is garlicky. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can use 2-3 cloves of minced garlic, but be sure to mince them very finely so they incorporate well into the patties.
• 1 tsp Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder adds a foundational savory note to the burgers. It complements the garlic and enhances the overall umami flavor. Onion powder is less pungent than fresh onion and provides a more subtle and evenly distributed onion flavor throughout the patty. If you’re a big onion fan, you could also add finely diced caramelized onions to the patties for a sweeter, more intense onion flavor, but this is optional and not part of the core recipe.
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth and a beautiful reddish hue to the burger patties. It’s not overpowering, but it contributes a layer of complexity that makes these burgers taste like they were grilled over an open flame, even if you’re cooking them on a stovetop grill pan. If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika, but the smoky flavor really enhances the overall burger experience.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste: Seasoning is paramount! Salt enhances all the flavors in the burger and is crucial for bringing out the best in the beef. Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent bite and complements the savory notes. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; generously salt and pepper the meat mixture to ensure flavorful patties. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• 4–6 Burger Buns: The bun is just as important as the patty! Choose high-quality burger buns that can stand up to the juicy patty and the generous blue cheese spread without becoming soggy. Brioche buns are a fantastic choice – they are soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy. Sesame seed buns are another classic option. Potato buns are also wonderfully soft and flavorful. Consider toasting the buns lightly before assembling the burgers for added texture and to prevent sogginess.

For the Blue Cheese Spread:

• 4 oz Blue Cheese (such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton), crumbled: Blue cheese is the star of this spread! The type of blue cheese you choose will significantly impact the flavor profile. Roquefort is a sheep’s milk blue cheese from France with a strong, pungent, and salty flavor. Gorgonzola is an Italian cow’s milk blue cheese that can range from mild and creamy (dolce) to sharp and crumbly (piccante). Stilton is an English cow’s milk blue cheese known for its rich, creamy texture and complex, nutty flavor. For this recipe, a medium-strength blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Stilton is a good starting point. If you love a bold blue cheese flavor, go for Roquefort. Make sure the blue cheese is good quality for the best taste.
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the blue cheese spread. Use a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the richest flavor and texture. Mayonnaise adds moisture and helps to bind the crumbled blue cheese and other ingredients together. You can use homemade mayonnaise or a store-bought brand you trust.
• 1/4 cup Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a tangy counterpoint to the rich blue cheese and mayonnaise, balancing the flavors and adding a pleasant slight acidity. Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best texture and flavor. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier and healthier option, but sour cream provides a classic flavor that complements blue cheese perfectly.
• 2 tbsp Milk (or more, to adjust consistency): Milk is used to adjust the consistency of the blue cheese spread, making it smoother and easier to spread on the burger buns. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You want the spread to be creamy and spreadable, but not too runny.
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the blue cheese spread, adding a zesty note that cuts through the richness and enhances the overall flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred over bottled for its brighter, cleaner taste. The acidity of the lemon juice also helps to balance the strong flavor of the blue cheese.
• 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, finely chopped: Fresh parsley adds a touch of herbaceousness and freshness to the blue cheese spread. It also provides a nice visual contrast and a pop of green color. Finely chopped parsley blends well into the spread and adds a subtle, clean flavor that complements the other ingredients. Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) is generally preferred for its stronger flavor compared to curly parsley.
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: A touch more garlic powder in the spread reinforces the garlic notes in the burger patty and adds another layer of savory flavor to the overall burger. It enhances the savory profile of the blue cheese and mayonnaise.
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and depth to the blue cheese spread, complementing the blue cheese and other flavors. Just a pinch is enough to add a little warmth and complexity to the spread.