Burgers Done Better: 5 Heinen’s Premade Gourmet Burgers to Grill this Summer

The following story was written by Heinen’s partner Elaine T. Cicora.

It’s finally here! Time to bring out the lawn chairs, unfurl the patio umbrella and dust off the grill for one of summer’s greatest pleasures: Burger season!

Heinen’s takes their burgers seriously. After all, when Joe Heinen launched his business more than 95 years ago in Shaker Heights, it was as a butcher shop, distinguished by its promise to offer the highest quality meats while embracing a deep respect for animal welfare.

Heinen’s has never wavered in its devotion to those values. Today’s customers, however, are seeking one additional factor: Convenience. And that’s where Heinen’s Premade Gourmet Burgers fill the bill.

Made fresh, in-house, from premium ingredients (including CARE Certified beef, a designation that ensures the participating farmers and ranchers are implementing exceptional practices in animal care and environmental stewardship), the burgers are available in an enticing array of flavors and varieties, including black bean, turkey and chicken options. All of the premade gourmet burgers are Heinen’s original creations, developed by store associates and corporate chefs. And because they are seasoned, mixed and shaped in advance, all a hungry shopper needs to do is fire up the grill (or heat up the oven) to enjoy them when they please.

Of course, there’s more to a delicious burger than what’s between the buns. Here are some of our favorite top-selling premade gourmet burgers, along with suggestions for preparations and pairings that will help make the most of your summertime grilling.

1. Steakhouse Beef Burgers
Meaty and robust, these all-beef burgers may be simple, but they’re anything but basic. Seasoned with a well-balanced blend of black pepper, garlic, onion, salt, basil, oregano and thyme, they are champs on the grill and can take all the toppings you care to dish out. Lettuce, fresh tomato, a thin slice of onion and your choice of cheese are all tasty options. For a little extra sizzle, we like to slap them onto fragrant onion rolls and top with a dollop of Bacon & Bourbon Ketchup, from local maker Cleveland Ketchup.

A classic burger deserves a classic go-with: A tangle of crisp French fries would be hard to beat.

2. Bruschetta Beef Burgers
A perfect choice for grilling, this thick beef patty, made with CARE Certified beef and studded with roasted red tomatoes and basil, delivers all of summer’s herbal fragrance in a tasty, handheld package. To contain it, try a buttered and toasted ciabatta roll; then top the burger with a slab of fresh, locally grown tomato, some sliced provolone cheese, and a pouf of arugula for a real warm-weather classic.

A veggie-studded pasta salad would be the perfect go-with.

3. Inside Out Beef Burgers
An homage to Mom’s home cooking, these zesty beef burgers are based on a Heinen’s associate’s favorite family recipe. One bite, and these could become your family’s favorite too, thanks to the shredded Monterey Jack and bits of bacon that elevate the basic, beefy goodness. Grill them, settle them onto Kaiser rolls and minimalists can stop right there. Maximalists, however, may choose to gild the lily: A slice or two of crisply fried bacon and bit of red onion truly bring out the best in this crowd pleaser.

Add some toothsome counterpoint with a side of crunchy cabbage slaw or broccoli slaw.

4. Buffalo Chicken Burgers
Featuring ground chicken and shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses, these generously sized patties are tender, moist and mild, with just a hint of heat from cayenne and black pepper.

Cook them on the grill, preferably using a grill basket; or toss them in a pan on the stovetop. We love to serve them on a toasted Heinen’s brioche bun, topped with lettuce and slathered with a simple blue cheese dressing (mayo, crumbled blue cheese and a few drops of lemon juice), and – for those who like a little bang to their buffalo chicken – perhaps a splash of Tabasco or other zesty hot sauce. (Better yet, Stonewall Kitchen’s Sriracha Aioli adds just the right touch of fire and finesse.)

On the side, consider a golden stack of sweet-potato fries and some crunchy celery sticks. To drink, a cold, crisp-tasting beer would not be out of order.

5. Black Bean Veggie Burgers
Perfect for vegetarians – yet hearty enough for carnivorous appetites – these meat-free burgers are delicious and versatile. Amply sized at nearly 8 ounces, and studded with golden gems of corn and glistening red pepper, the patties gain a firm but tender texture from a blend of black beans and whole-grain brown rice. A generous boost of ground cumin, dark chili powder and red pepper flakes add a bit of Southwestern sizzle.

While their tender texture suggests caution on the grill (if you go that way, a grilling pan is definitely in order), the patties cook up easily on the stove top; using a cast-iron pan will help ensure an engagingly crispy exterior while maintaining inner moistness.

To serve, place a patty on a whole wheat bun, and extend the Southwestern vibe with toppings of leaf lettuce, sweet onion and sliced avocado.

Or try this: Coarsely chop the cooked patty and place it atop a Southwestern-style salad bowl, filled with lettuce, cubed avocadoes, diced tomatoes, black olives and chopped green onions. Finish it with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream and a scoop of your favorite salsa, with tortilla chips on the side.

There’s More in the Store
Heinen’s Premade Gourmet Burgers come in other styles too, including Blue Cheese Beef Burgers, BBQ Cheddar Beef Burgers and Goat Cheese Turkey Burgers. The wide variety allows each Heinen’s store to cater to specific customer preferences while offering a range of delicious options. The downside is that not every flavor is available every day. The upside is that your Heinen’s butcher will be delighted to make your favorite burger upon your request. Just place your order when you arrive and pick it up at the end of your shopping; or better yet, place an order by phone and your burgers will be ready when you arrive.

With so many tempting burgers to try, this grilling season promises to be a hot one!