National Burger Month is Your Cue to Get Cookin’!

May is National Burger Month — and it also marks the unofficial start of summer. Coincidence? We think not! The truth is, when the weather warms up, there’s nothing quite like digging into a homemade burger and all the delicious fixin’s. At Food Town, we’re here to help you make the most of mealtime! Read on for great tips for amping up your next cookout (or meal around the family table.)    

Have Fun with Flavors
While there’s nothing wrong with burgers’ traditional ketchup and mustard, there are a TON of other accoutrements out there. (And a hamburger makes the perfect canvas!) When setting up your burger stations, make it a point to offer a full range of flavor options. A good aioli can really transform your food, for instance, while a spoonful of guac adds a delicious Southwest kick. Of course, there are options you can incorporate into the cooking process, too. How about topping things off with a little Dr pepper-glazed bacon, or incorporating pimento cheese right into the meat itself? Don’t be afraid to get creative. You could just find a new favorite combo.

Don’t Skimp on Sides
A primo patty is important during National Burger Month, but other details matter, too. Take time to think through the other offerings you can — literally — bring to the table. Consider unique chip and dip sides to compliment your meals. Buffalo chicken dip is always a crowd-pleaser, while a well-constructed seven-layer dip tastes just as good as it looks! Other favorites include beer-battered onion rings, golden fries or a tasty take with corn on the cob! (For the record, we’re big believers that the best meals are the ones where everyone gets involved. Ask guests to bring a favorite side along!)

Keep Food Safety Front and Center
That outdoor cookout can turn south quickly if the food you serve isn’t safe to eat. (The CDC notes that food poisoning hits its peak during summer months.) Keep raw meat properly chilled, and separated from your fresh veggies and other foods. Once it comes time to get cookin’, be sure you’re cooking ground beef to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit — while chicken should go to 165 degrees. Mayonnaise (and any sides or condiments containing mayonnaise) should remain properly chilled until it’s time to eat — and should go back to the chill chest once people have what they need. Check out the CDC’s Basic Food Safety page for more great information.

We hope these tips serve up a bit of inspiration during National Burger Month! You can find other tasty recipes on our Burger Time Pinterest board. And as always, you can find great prices on every delicious ingredient you need at your Food Town. Check out our weekly ad for a glimpse at some of this week’s sales — then stop by to see us, neighbor!