We’re Giving a Big Shout to the Top Five Finalists in our Sutter Home Build a Better Burger Recipe® Contest

Open wide for this year’s top five jaw-dropping burger recipes because here they are!

Chuck Vogel | Shingle Springs, California

El Porque Burger | Wine Pairing: White Zinfandel

Chorizo, by itself, is delicious, but not very practical to cook as a patty. This burger combines other ingredients into the patty to make it much easier to grill or fry, and still get all that delicious chorizo flavor. Then staying with Mexican theme, a salsa relish, Mexican cheese, guacamole and a toasted cheesy bun, all complement the chorizo.

Kaitlin Jorgensen | Berlin, New Jersey

Ethiopian-Inspired Lamb Burger | Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc

This burger was inspired by the flavors of Ethiopia. The unmistakable flavors and spiciness of berbere are irresistible, while the timatim offers a welcome cool crunch to the burger. Most meals are served with injera, a type of sourdough flatbread, but we’re using a sourdough bun. While it’s traditional to eat with your right hand in Ethiopia, you’re going to need both for this burger!

Susan Mason | Puyallup, Washington

Happy Apple Day Swiss Burger | Wine Pairing: Pinot Grigio

The third Friday of September in Switzerland is Happy Apple Day. They believe that they grow the very best apples and import very few because they are some of the most popular fruits consumed there. This burger is built around the Braeburn apple to complement it and Gruyere cheese. This burger is perfectly paired with Sutter Home Pinot Grigio.

Brett Youmans | Lewes, Delaware

Lucky Duck Burgers With Pinot Noir Jam, Charred Brussel Sprouts Slaw & Citrus Aoli | Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir

This burger is definitely one to quack about! Duck always seems like an indulgent and special treat and this burger is no exception. Combined with fresh citrus notes, a scrumptiously silky Pinot Noir jam, and a char on the greens that only a grill’s flame can provide, this burger is a winner! It tempts the senses with an infusion of sweet, salty, bitter, and savory flavors and is unified by the fruit-forward blend of the Sutter Home Pinot Noir. The ripe, dark berry flavors and earthy notes of the wine complement this burger to perfection.

Marc Strasen | Las Vegas, Nevada

Wine Don’t Whine Burger | Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir

Italian inspired, bold flavors with sweet, savory, smoky, and spicy elements with hints of wine throughout the burger ingredients make it the perfect pairing with a full glass.