Creating a Red Robin Bleu Ribbon Burger at home brings the taste of the beloved restaurant chain into the comfort of your own kitchen. I’ve always been a fan of their juicy burgers, especially the iconic Bleu Ribbon, known for its bold flavors and the tang of bleu cheese. I decided to make my own version, capturing the essence of Red Robin’s creation—right down to the Heinz 57 Sauce and the perfect char on the beef patty.
I found that the secret to a successful copycat recipe is not just in the ingredients, but also in the way you cook them. A well-seasoned grill, the right temperature, and the careful layering of flavors are essential. From the distinctive blue cheese crumbles to the zesty sauce and butter-toasted buns, each part of the burger plays an important role in creating a perfect tasting burger!
Key Takeaways
- Recreating the Red Robin Bleu Ribbon Burger at home satisfies cravings with a familiar restaurant taste.
- Select ingredients like bleu cheese crumbles and Heinz 57 Sauce are crucial for authenticity.
- The cooking method, including grilling and sauce layering, is key to achieving the right flavor profile.
Ingredients Overview
I’ll guide you through the essentials, from the heart of the burger—the patty—to the carriers of taste—buns and condiments.
Burger Patty Selection
Choosing the right ground beef for your patty is important. I recommend a blend with a higher fat content, typically around 80% lean to 20% fat, which ensures your burger will be juicy and rich in flavor.
Always choose fresh, never frozen beef to take your patty to the next level.
Choosing the Right Bun
A great bun serves as the foundation. You’ll want something that can handle the juiciness of the patty and the sauces without falling apart.
A brioche or sesame seed bun, lightly toasted, offers not only a delightful texture but also a touch of sweetness to complement the savoriness of the meat.
Sauce and Condiments
The condiments are where you can truly make this burger your own!
Mayo can be mixed with a bit of chipotle pepper for a spicy twist!
Blue cheese sauce is a must! Blending bleu cheese crumbles with sauces like Heinz 57 enhances the rich flavor.
Of course, no burger is complete without crisp lettuce and fresh tomato.
Finally, don’t forget to season your patty generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Instructions
Crafting the perfect Bleu Ribbon Burger from Red Robin starts with grilling a juicy, flavorful patty and ends with stacking the layers just right. I’ll guide you through each step to ensure your burger is a hit.
Grilling the Perfect Patty
When I grill a patty, I’m looking for that golden brown exterior while keeping it juicy on the inside.
I make sure my grill is hot and the grates are lightly oiled.
You must cook the burger to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F. This ensures the meat is safely cooked yet still bursting with flavors. I grill each side for a few minutes until they’re just right.
- Preheat grill to a high temperature.
- Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place patty on the grill; cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Flip once for an even cook.
Assembling the Burger
Now, for assembling the Bleu Ribbon Burger!
I start with the toasted buns, add the patty with melted bleu cheese crumbles, then all those lovely toppings. The right build order creates a tasty blend of textures and flavors in each bite.
- Place the patty on the bottom bun.
- Add bleu cheese crumbles. Toast lightly on the grill for cheese melting.
- Layer toppings:
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Fried onion straws (optional)
Red Robin Bleu Ribbon Burger Copycat
Course: LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes10
minutesIndulge in the savory bliss of Red Robin’s Bleu Ribbon Burger, featuring juicy beef, melted bleu cheese, crispy bacon, and a tangy mayo-Dijon sauce, all nestled between buttery brioche buns.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
4 brioche hamburger buns
8 slices of bacon (optional)
4 slices of bleu cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Lettuce, tomato, onion (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape each into a patty.
- Season the patties with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the bacon slices until crispy, then set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Grill the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- While the burgers are cooking, mix the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl to create the sauce.
- In the last minute of cooking, top each burger with a slice of bleu cheese and allow it to melt slightly.
- Toast the brioche hamburger buns on the grill for a minute or two until lightly browned.
- Assemble the burgers by spreading the mayo-Dijon sauce on the bottom bun, then adding lettuce, tomato, onion (if desired), a burger patty with melted bleu cheese, and two slices of crispy bacon.
- Top with the remaining bun and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions about the Bleu Ribbon burger from Red Robin to give you all the delicious details on making this iconic dish at home and what to expect from it.
What toppings are typically found on a Bleu Ribbon burger?
The Bleu Ribbon burger is a gourmet delight, usually topped with bleu cheese crumbles, crisp onion straws, lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy steak sauce. It’s that special blend of savory, tangy, and crunchy that hits the spot every time.
How can I make a Bleu Ribbon burger at home?
To recreate the Bleu Ribbon burger, you’ll need to season your hamburger patties with your choice of spices, grill them to perfection, and then baste them with a steak sauce. Top them with a generous amount of bleu cheese and serve on a toasted bun with the classic accompaniments.
What are the nutrition facts for a Red Robin Bleu Ribbon burger?
The exact nutrition facts can vary, but a typical Bleu Ribbon burger from Red Robin would include a significant amount of calories, protein, and fat, primarily due to the beef patty and bleu cheese. For detailed nutrition info, it’s best to check the official Red Robin menu or use a nutrition calculator for a homemade version.
Has the Bleu Ribbon Burger been discontinued at Red Robin?
As of my knowledge cutoff date, the Bleu Ribbon burger had times where it was not featured on the standard menu. To confirm its current availability, I recommend checking directly with Red Robin or visiting your nearest location.
What type of cheese is used on a Bleu Ribbon burger?
The star cheese in a Bleu Ribbon burger is, of course, bleu cheese. This gives the burger its characteristic sharp and tangy flavor profile that complements the richness of the beef.
What are some similar burgers to the Blue Ribbon burger available at other restaurants?
The Bleu Ribbon burger is unique to Red Robin. However, you can find similar burgers with a bleu cheese twist at other restaurants.
Look for burgers labeled as “Black and Bleu,” “Bleu Cheeseburger,” or any burger that pairs bleu cheese with savory steak sauces or crispy onions.