Budget Minded Condiments for Hamburgers

Burgers are a classic way to celebrate Labor Day. This year, consider a burger bar. Your guests will be overwhelmed with the variety of toppings and flavor possibilities. Here's how to do it while on a budget.

You won't have to pay a dime for a large variety of condiments. Just raid the condiment shelf in your fridge. You know which one I'm talking about - the one that's loaded with bottles and jars, most of which you've only used once. Think outside the box and grab that bottle of Thai chili sauce, blue cheese dressing, sliced banana peppers, jelly...Be sure to check the expiration dates, of course.

The money you save on condiments can be put toward different lettuces, cheeses or fancy buns if so desired.

The following suggestions are intended to be added to a cooked, plain, lazy burger that's seasoned with nothing but salt & pepper.

Sautéed Onions

A flavorful way to perk up a burger is with a simple sautéed onion. An easy rule of thumb is one medium-sized onion to four people. You'll want to sauté the onion early as it takes 10-15 minutes to achieve that golden brown color.

Melt a tablespoon of unsalted butter with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. If you use more than one onion, increase this combination as you see fit.

Slice a quartered onion; any type of onion will do. Add the sliced onion to the skillet, sprinkle with a generous pinch of kosher salt, a few grinds of black pepper and sauté on medium-low heat until browned and fragrant. Be sure to keep your heat relatively low to prevent burning. As the onions start to wilt, you'll need to taste for flavor (you may need to add more salt at this point).

Mustards

There are a huge variety of mustards beyond the classic yellow. If you have more than one type in your refrigerator, grab them all.

Asian Sauces

Asian flavors are fantastic with hamburgers. Mix some chopped green onion and toasted sesame seeds into your sauce of choice for added flavor. Thinner sauces work well as dipping sauces.

Lettuce

The typical lettuce that dresses a burger is usually bland. Opt for a more flavorful variety.

Arugula, watercress and frisee lettuces offer a nutty, peppery taste. They also add an exotic look.

Radicchio, with its red and white marbled colors, will add a touch of color and mild bitterness.

If iceberg lettuce is your thing, consider a different approach. Instead of using a plain large leaf, chop the head into a large dice and mix with a salad dressing such as Italian or balsamic vinaigrette. Added to the burger between the bun, it's a nice way to achieve both crunch and flavor.

Salad Dressings

Salad dressings are a great alternative to expensive cheeses or condiments.

Ranch, Parmesan peppercorn and blue cheese dressings taste fantastic on a hamburger. Use them as toppings or dipping sauces.

Cheese

Step away from the standard processed cheese and look for something strong in flavor.

If you want to splurge, pecorino Romano and Gruyere (a strong, Swiss cheese), available in the specialty cheese department of your local grocery store, are hard cheeses that pack a punch.

Blue cheese varieties are flavorful as well. Blue cheese dressing is a handy, inexpensive substitute for the real thing.

These are all budget-minded alternatives with endless possibilities. Fire-up that grill!