Bobby Flay transforms a classic burger recipe with Hidden Valley Ranch

Bobby Flay brings bold flavor to a classic burger recipe thanks to Hidden Valley Ranch.

Bobby Flay knows a great burger. While a classic burger recipe never goes out of style, some times those favorite recipes need a little flavor update. Thanks to Hidden Valley Ranch, that classic burger is ready for Ranch Night.

Every family has some go-to, easy weeknight dinners. Whether it is ease in the kitchen or just classic recipes that everyone loves, those dinners might need a little shake-up. From cooking fatigue to just wanting a different taste, even a favorite recipe can use a little update.

When it comes to a delicious burger, Bobby Flay is an expert. From his popular burger restaurants and his Burger Bash titles to his Food Network shows and his cookbooks, Flay knows every burger tip and trick. While some of his burger recipes build on flavors and textures, there are a few keys to a great burger.

From using a cast iron skillet to treating the meat gently, all of those aspects come into play. Even that little divot in the patty matters. Still, flavor is the most important part of any great burger. In this classic burger recipe, Flay embraces the concept of Ranch Night and uses some Hidden Valley Ranch as his secret ingredient.

As part of the Ranch Night campaign, Flay and Hidden Valley Ranch will be sharing some easy ways to transform classic recipes with Hidden Valley Ranch. Using Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning, a variety of recipes can go from boring to bold.

To kick off this partnership, Flay is sharing his recipe for Bobby Flay’s Ranch Crusted Burgers with Avocado Ranch Sauce.

Ranch Crusted Burgers with Avocado Ranch Sauce

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Avocado Ranch Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon well-shaken buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 avocados, peeled, pitted and diced

Ranch Spice Crusted Burger:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• kosher salt
• freshly ground pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (80% lean)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 8 slices American cheese
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 brioche buns, split in half
• Avocado Ranch Sauce

Directions

To make avocado ranch sauce:

• In bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, salt and pepper until smooth. Fold in green onions and diced avocados; set aside.

To make burgers:

• In small bowl, whisk ranch seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper.
• Heat large cast-iron pan or griddle over high heat. Divide meat into four 6-ounce patties and make deep depression in centers with thumb. Season each with spice rub on one side.
• Add canola oil to pan and heat until shimmering. Place on burgers in pan, spice side down, and cook until golden brown and lightly charred, 4 minutes. Turn burgers over and cook 4 minutes, or until they reach desired doneness.
• Top each burger with two slices cheese. Add water to pan and cover tightly with lid 10 seconds, or until the cheese is melted.
• Place burgers on bottom buns and top each with avocado ranch sauce and top buns.

The key to this burger is the ranch seasoning on the burger itself. The spice rub not only flavors the burger but adds a good char to the seasoned side. It is important to not over season the burger, which is why you do not cover the entire burger in the ranch seasoning. The flavor of the meat should come through, not just the seasoning or the condiments.

Also, the Avocado Ranch Sauce is a great recipe to have on hand for a variety of dishes. While it works perfectly with the burger recipe, it could pair well with a chicken sandwich or even as a dipping sauce for fries.

If you are ready to give your classic burger recipe a little makeover, consider making this Bobby Flay recipe with Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning. It could become a family favorite on the weekly dinner menu.

How do you use Hidden Valley Ranch? Do you have a secret to making a great burger?