Years ago, the Krispy Kreme Doughnut Burger appeared at the North Carolina State Fair. Prior to that, we have no idea its origin… many have made that claim. Some then, and still now, think this is an absurdity. We are here to tell you ‘tis not! Few things pair as good together as sweet and salty. Like salty popcorn with a box of sweet chocolaty Goobers at the movies. Seeing as how we are always concocting ways for our customers to enjoy our North Carolina Rays Country Ham, it seemed fit’n that during this NC State Fair week we give you an ode to this burger, while making this “ham”burger truly that. Bye bye bacon… Hello Ham! Grab yourself a box of Krispy Kremes and some ooey gooey melty cheese to surprise your crowd with these… whether in your back yard, at your dining table or tailgating, this fair food will be fit’n “fare” no matter where you serve them up. Be sure to send us pictures of your KK “HAM”Burgs and let us see what toppings you threw on them with strips of Rays Country Ham.
Makes 8 burgers
1 ½-2 lbs. ground beef (we love 70/30 for the best burgs!)
1 lb. Rays Country Hamslices
oil for cooking ham
2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon oil
8 Krispy Kreme Glazed doughnuts*
softened butter
* Doughnuts will be best if sit out to air-dry overnight. If too fresh and soft, they will not hold up as well.
Burgers: Season ground beef as you like and divide into 8 portions. When ready to serve, cook how you like best… skillet, oven or grilled. Burgers about 3-4 ounces work best for these “ham”burgers.
Ham: Cut ham slices into bacon size strips. (We find this easiest to do with scissors.)
Put slices into room temperature tap water and soak about 30 minutes. (This can be done a day or more ahead of time.)
Remove ham from water and pat dry. Heat a large skillet (not non-stick) over medium high heat and lightly oil. Cook ham about 2 minutes until crispy (or if preferred, a bit less for “floppy” strips). Set aside.
Onions: Reduce heat in skillet to medium and add about 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté onion until lightly browned and caramelized. Watch closely and stir as needed to prevent burning.
Ham and onions can be prepared a day ahead for quick assembly when cooking burgers!
To prepare Krispy Kremes:
Cut in half horizontally. Spread cut side with a small amount of butter. Toast, cut sides up, in toaster oven or oven until lightly browned. Cool a bit before assembling.
To serve:
Put half of cut doughnuts on pan, uncut sides facing up. Top each with some of the caramelized onions, then burgers, slices of ham and cheese. Pop under broiler to quickly melt cheese. Top with remaining doughnut halves, buttered cut side up. And ENJOY!
