Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- What makes a Krystal burger special
- Ingredients
- How to make Krystal burgers at home
- Recipe variations
- Customizing your toppings
- Perfect side dishes
- Storage and reheating tips
- Cooking tips for the perfect Krystal burger
Krystal burgers: A southern delight you can make at home
Ever craved a Krystal burger but couldn’t find a restaurant nearby? Don’t worry! You can now make these tasty little burgers in your own kitchen. Perfect for game day snacks or late-night munchies, this homemade version will satisfy your Krystal cravings.
What makes a Krystal burger special
Krystal burgers have been a southern favorite since 1932. While they might look similar to White Castle sliders, there are some key differences that make Krystal burgers unique:
- Toppings: Krystal burgers come with mustard, a dill pickle slice, and diced onions.
- Patty: Unlike White Castle burgers, Krystal patties don’t have holes punched in them.
- Onions: Krystal uses dehydrated onions reconstituted in beef broth, giving the burgers an extra beefy kick.
Ingredients
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To make Krystal burgers at home, you’ll need:
- Dehydrated onion
- Ground beef
- Water
- Salt
- Beef bouillon cube
- Yellow mustard
- Hamburger dill pickle chips
- Soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls
How to make Krystal burgers at home
- Prepare the meat: Mix ground beef with salt and water in a food processor until it’s almost paste-like.
- Form the patties: Spread the meat mixture on a plastic-lined baking sheet. Cover with another sheet of plastic and press until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Cut into 3×3-inch squares and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Prep the onions: Soak dehydrated onions in warm water with beef bouillon.
- Cook the burgers: Spread the onions in a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the semi-frozen patties on top of the onions. Add the bottom buns on top of the patties, followed by the top buns. Cover and steam until cooked through.
- Assemble: Remove the burgers from the skillet. Top with a pickle slice, mustard, and the cooked onions. There is a short video to show you how to cook the Krystal burger.
Recipe variations
Want to mix it up? Try these variations:
- Bacon cheese Krystal: Add a slice of American cheese and crisscrossed bacon.
- Cheese Krystal: Simply add a slice of American or cheddar cheese.
- Double Krystal: Stack two patties with pickles and mustard between each layer.
Customizing your toppings
While the classic Krystal burger has a specific set of toppings, you can get creative at home:
- Cheese options: Try different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or swiss for a milder flavor.
- Sauces: Experiment with different sauces like barbecue, ranch, or spicy mayo.
- Veggies: Add fresh tomato slices, lettuce, or jalapenos for extra crunch and flavor.
- Protein add-ons: Besides bacon, try adding a fried egg or ham slice.
- Pickles: Switch up the dill pickle for bread and butter pickles or even pickled jalapenos.
Remember, the key is to keep the toppings thin so the burger doesn’t become too tall to eat easily.
Perfect side dishes
Complete your homemade Krystal burger experience with these complementary side dishes:
- French fries: The classic choice. Try seasoning them with garlic powder or cajun spices for extra flavor.
- Onion rings: Crispy and savory, they pair perfectly with the small burgers.
- Tater tots: A fun alternative to fries that adds a nice textural contrast.
- Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy flavor balances the richness of the burgers.
- Fried pickles: For pickle lovers, these crispy bites complement the pickle on the burger.
- Sweet potato fries: A slightly healthier option that adds a touch of sweetness.
- Chili: A small cup of chili makes for a hearty side, especially in colder months.
Storage and reheating tips
- Cool burgers to room temperature before storing.
- Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the wrapped burgers.
- Reheat gently in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop.
Cooking tips for the perfect Krystal burger
- Don’t skip the food processor step: This creates the right texture for the patties.
- Use beef broth for the onions: This adds extra flavor to the burgers.
- Steam, don’t fry: Steaming is key to getting that authentic Krystal texture.
- Keep the patties thin: Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Don’t flip the burgers: Let them steam on one side for the best results. Here is a recipe of buns.
- Use soft, fluffy rolls: The right bun makes a big difference in texture.
- Serve immediately: These burgers are best enjoyed hot and fresh.
With this recipe, you can enjoy the taste of Krystal burgers without leaving your home. Whether you’re a long-time fan or trying them for the first time, these little sliders are sure to be a hit. So fire up that skillet, get creative with your toppings, and prepare some tasty sides. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your very own homemade Krystal burger feast!