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Spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce with Kahlua

By 15 Comments

This is  a recipe for a Spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce that gets a kick of goodness from Kahlua Coffee Liqueur and a hint of spice from New Mexican chile powder. It’s an adult version of a chocolate treat to use as an ice cream topping and beyond. An easy recipe that’s big with gourmet feel.

Mexican chocolate sauce over vanilla ice cream topped with a raspberry.

What You Can Expect From This Recipe

When I think of chocolate and Mexican food, a savory mole sauce comes top of mind. But how about a Spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce spiked with Kahlua that makes a great topper for ice cream, churros and beyond.

Did you know that cacao was first cultivated by the people of Mexico? Which makes it easily fall under the Mexican Food category. It was used as a bitter drink enjoyed by the elite in society. We spent one whole day in Culinary School learning about the history of Chocolate, tasting chocolate, and of course cooking with chocolate.

This Spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce with Kahlua was one of our creations, a rich, creamy, and slightly fiery twist on traditional chocolate sauce. Infused with red chile powder-like the earthy New Mexico Chimayo variety-and a splash of Kahlua, this spicy chocolate sauce delivers bold flavor in just ten minutes.

It's far superior to anything store-bought, thanks to rich unsweetened chocolate and cream, gently melted using a double boiler or a simple stovetop setup.

Not overly sweet, this Kahlua sauce is deeply chocolatey with a subtle kick, making it perfect for drizzling over ice cream or sneaking by the spoonful for a simple treat. Best of all, it stores beautifully in the fridge for up to three months, so dessert is always just a spoon away.

What Is Kahlua?

Kahlua is the secret ingredient that sends this Mexican Chocolate Sauce over the top. But what is it? Directly from the Kahlua website, Kahlua originated in Mexico in 1936. It’s a rum and coffee liqueur which is used in a range of different drinks from coffees to cocktails. Caramel in color, Kahlua boasts a deep rich flavor of real black coffee and indulgent sweet butter. Classic cocktails like the White Russian, Espresso Martini and Black Russian wouldn’t be the same without it.

With that said, let’s take a look:

What’s In Mexican Chocolate Sauce

Ingredients to make spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce.
  • Chocolate: For this recipe, I’m using unsweetened chocolate, which I can readily find on the baking aisle at the supermarket. Mexican Chocolate has sugar and cinnamon added. If you can find it, and want to use it, please note you’ll end up with a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
  • Sweeteners: We’ll add white granulated sugar and light corn syrup.
  • Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is preferred by chefs due to it’s pure salty flavor. Salt is a flavor enhancer and adding it to this Spicy Chocolate Sauce will make the chocolate taste less bitter.
  • Red Chile Powder: For a spicy kick of heat. Chimayo Chile Powder preferred.
  • Butter: Butter adds fat for a creamier texture.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Unsweetened chocolate squares to make Mexican Chocolate Sauce.
  1. Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate. Ghirardelli unsweetened chocolate is a rich dark chocolate that comes in a flat bar that has been scored. Separate the chocolate into squares.
Step 2: Cooking the Mexican Chocolate Sauce Ingredients.
  1. Step 2: Cooking The Chocolate Sauce: You’ll need a double boiler pan, or use two pans to create a homemade double boiler. Place all of the ingredients in the pan that you’ll use for the top pan.
Cooking Mexican Chocolate Sauce in a double boiler pan.
  1. Step 3: Cook The Sauce: Fill the bottom pan ⅓ of the way with water and bring it to a simmer. No need to boil as you don’t want water splashing into the sauce. Place the pan with the chocolate sauce on top, so it doesn’t touch the bottom of the bottom pan. Cook, stirring constantly until sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly, done!

How To Make A Double Boiler With Two Pots

A double boiler set up is essential when warming up temperature sensitive ingredients that require gentle indirect heat. Like this chocolate sauce. Hollandaise sauce is another good example. All you need is a medium sized pot and a heat proof metal mixing bowl, or smaller sauce pan that can hover over the water.

I see no reason so spend the lofty price of a double boiler when it’s easy to create the cooking process with two pans. And this is how we learned how to do it in Culinary School. I happen to own two Le Creuset pans that are the perfect size to make a double boiler situation. My 7-quart acts as the bottom pan, and my 3-quart as the top pan. It works perfectly because the smaller pan fits perfectly on top without touching the bottom of the bigger pan.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Desserts

Drizzle this Mexican Chocolate Sauce over:

  • Vanilla ice cream is our favorite way. And try it on Snickerdoodle or Cinnamon Ice Cream.
  • A slice of pound cake or Angel food cake.
  • Chocolate Chip Pancakes.
  • Fresh Strawberries or any fresh fruit. Bananas work very well here.
  • Drizzle it over Cream Cheese Flan.
  • And don’t forget about the traditional way to serve Mexican Chocolate Sauce: As a dipping sauce for Churros.
  • I’ve even put a teaspoon of this sauce in my morning coffee.

Storage

  • Store Mexican Chocolate Sauce in an airtight container for up to three months. May I suggest a glass container so you can see it’s rich chocolate flavor every time you open the refrigerator door?
  • For longer storage freeze in ice cube trays and thaw individual portions as needed.
  • To Reheat: To warm sauce, set jar in a pan of hot water over low heat. Or microwave for 10 seconds at a time, stirring each time, until you reach the consistency you like.
Storing Mexican Chocolate Sauce in a glass container.

Variations

The beauty of this Kahlua sauce is that you can make it as spicy as you want. Increase or decrease the amount of red chile powder to make it your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Sauce Non-Alcoholic?

Easy. Simply omit the Kahlua liqueur.

How Can I Use This Sauce In Savory Dishes?

While this is primarily a dessert sauce, experiment by adding a bit into your favorite Tex-Mex style Chili recipe. My son always adds chocolate or chocolate sauce when making chili. A method he learned at a Santa Fe Cooking School. And, next time you’re making a pot roast, glaze it with this sauce, then shred the meat and use for Shredded Beef Tacos. It will bring a Mole vibe to Taco Tuesday.

This Spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce with Kahlua brings a fusion of sweet, spicy, and boozy flavors to your next dessert and it’s versatile. Whether drizzled over desserts, stirred into drinks, or used as a dip, it will become a go-to chocolate sauce.

Spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce in a class bowl with a copper stand. Topped with a fresh raspberry

Looking for more Chocolate Dessert Recipes?

And if you’re looking for more Mexican themed desserts, don’t miss this recipe for Gelatina con Tres Leches, Mexican Jello, kids of any age go crazy over this one.

Mexican chocolate sauce over vanilla ice cream topped with a raspberry.
Print Recipe
5 from 7 votes

Spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce with Kahlua

This is a recipe for homemade chocolate sauce that is perfect to drizzle on Vanilla Ice Cream. This Mexican Chocolate Sauce gets a kick of goodness from Kahlua Coffee Liqueur and New Mexican chile powder. An adult version of a chocolate treat to use as an ice cream topping and beyond.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southwestern Mexican
Servings: 6
Calories: 303kcal
Author: Lea Ann Brown

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces Unsweetened chocolate Ghirardelli is readily available on the baking aisle.
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter salted or unsalted
  • ¼ Cup Light corn syrup
  • ¼ Cup Granulated white sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon New Mexico Red Chile Powder Start with ½ teaspoon and taste for your heat tolerance. You can always add more. I always add 1 teaspoon. Or ancho chile powder.
  • ½ Cup Kahlua Liqueur
  • ¼ Cup Heavy cream

Instructions

  • Prepare the chocolate: Ghirardelli unsweetened chocolate is a rich dark chocolate that comes in a flat bar that is scored. Separate the chocolate into squares.
  • Fill the bottom of a double boiler with a few inches of water. Bring the water to a simmer. No need to bring the water to a boil, you don't want water to splash into the chocolate sauce. In top of a double boiler combine all ingredients. Lower the top pan into the bottom pan without letting the top pan rest on the bottom of the bottom pan. Cook, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  • Serve over pound cake or vanilla ice cream. 
  • To store, pour into a jar and cover. Sauce keeps in refrigerator up to 3 months. To warm sauce, set jar in a pan of hot water over low heat. Or microwave for 10 seconds at a time, stirring each time, until you reach the consistency you like.

Notes

Tips For Success: How To Make A Double Boiler With Two Pans
I don’t see any reason so spend the lofty price of a double boiler when it’s easy to create the cooking process with two pans. And this is how we learned how to do it in Culinary School. I happen to own two Le Creuset pans that are the perfect size to make a double boiler situation. My 7-quart acts as the bottom pan, and my 3-quart as the top pan. It works perfectly because the smaller pan fits perfectly on top without touching the bottom of the bigger pan.
All you need is a medium sized sauce pot and a heat proof metal mixing bowl, or smaller pot that can hover over the water without touching the bottom of the bottom pan.
This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of Chocolate Sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 150mg | Potassium: 174mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 361IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 3mg

Spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce with Kahlua … It’s What’s for Ice Cream

Homemade Fresh Cherry Pie

By 7 Comments

Nothing says Classic American Comfort Food like Fresh Cherry Pie. This is the best cherry pie we’ve ever tasted, using fresh cherries and a beautiful pie filling that seems absolutely perfect in every way. A classic, a family favorite and a homemade pie that you can be very proud of.

We all love fruit pies, don’t miss this recipe for Peach Pie Using Canned Peaches. It’s a treat of a fruit dessert to enjoy year round.

Homemade fresh cherry pie with lattice crust topping.

Before We Talk Pie, Let’s Talk Homemade Pie Crust:

“And her biggest pet peeve was people who didn’t make their own pie crust.” The words stung. Me, her only daughter front and center at my mother’s funeral, guilty of her biggest pet peeve. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Since I had been doing plenty of the later, I found myself chuckling inside. Right then and there, and from that moment on, I made a vow to learn how to make a great pie crust. I had to! I owed it to myself and my mom.

Oh sure, I’ve made pie crusts. Let me rephrase that, I’ve fought with pie crusts. So losing that battle found me in the “lazy” category buying store bought crusts.

Fast forward two years later, and many hours spent in the Pastry Kitchen at Culinary School. I’ve learned to make pate brisee, the original and full-proof French recipe for tart and pie crust dough. And I learned it from one of the best Pastry Chefs in Denver, Chef Jenna DiLullo  My husband is now referring to me as the “Queen of Tarts,” and I’m feeling very proud about the whole thing.

You can find the recipe for a classic French and perfect pie crust using butter right here on my site. This is a classic recipe that yields a beautiful flaky pie shell.

No matter what time of year, I'm always a sucker for warm fruit desserts; pies, tarts, cobblers, you name it, if it's fruity with a crust or crunch, it's got my name written all over it! I used to think peach pie was my absolute favorite…until now…until this cherry pie came into my life.

This cherry pie recipe calls for fresh cherries. I purchased bing cherries, a sweet cherry, that worked beautifully. You’ll need a cherry pitter to make this project bearable. They work quite well and turns the job into a breeze.

The Secret to Making A Great Fruit Pie:

Not only is this the best tasting cherry pie, the cherry pie filling is perfect in texture. A combination of tapioca starch and corn starch makes a thick base for the filling that holds up to any fork. Combined with fruit juice it forms a translucent gel that feels silky and light. And the science involved with the correct combination of sugar and starch is important not to disturb the pie crust and keep it nice and flaky. This recipe insures that all of the right ingredient combinations keep us from having a soggy, runny end result. It all boils down to the proper ratio of sugar and starch for proper gelatinization.

This recipe comes from the masters, the Culinary Institute of America. It’s from the book that my pastry chef instructor used quite often in class and is the one which she acquired because that’s where she attended culinary school.

Recipe for Fresh Cherry Pie:

Fresh cherry pie with homemade lattice pie crust in a 9 inch tart pan.

I hope you give this Fresh Cherry Pie a try. And if you do, please come back and let me know how you liked it and give the recipe a star rating. Your feedback is valuable to me for developing future recipes. And if you have a favorite pie recipe, let me know, I'd love to give it a try.

Variations for this fruit pie recipe:

  • Blueberry Pie: Substitute an equal amount of blueberries for the cherries
  • Apple Pie: Substitute an equal amount of peeled, cored and sliced apples for the cherries
  • Peach Pie: Substitute an equal amount of peeled, pitted and slices peaches for the cherries
  • Nectarine Pie: Substitute an equal amount of peeled, pitted, ands slices nectarines for the cherries

More All American Dessert Recipes

Nothing says “Church Supper Dinners” like these old fashioned recipes.

If you liked this recipe, please leave a star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below and leave a comment. I always appreciate your feedback and hearing how everything went.

And, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Make it a delicious day … every day.

Fresh cherry pie with homemade lattice pie crust in a 9 inch tart pan.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Fresh Cherry Pie

The best fresh Cherry Pie Recipe. A recipe from the Culinary Institute of America.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 244kcal
Author: Lea Ann Brown

Ingredients

  • ½ ounce Tapioca Starch
  • 1 ounce Cornstarch
  • 6 fluid ounces Cranberry Juice or equal parts water and cranberry juice, or apple juice
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg or ⅛ teaspoon dried nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
  • 5 ounces Sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 pound, 8 ounces Pitted Cherries
  • 1 ounce Butter
  • 1 recipe All Butter Double Pie Crust
  • egg wash as needed

Instructions

  • 1 Recipe All Butter Double Pie Crust. Divide the dough in half. Roll out one portion ⅛ inch thick and line the pie pan or tart shell. Refrigerate the shell for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, dock the shell with a fork, sides and bottom.
  • Combine the tapioca and cornstarch with just enough of the fruit juice to make a slurry.
  • Combine the nutmeg, cinnamon, lemon juice, sugar, salt and the remaining fruit juice and bring to a boil. Add the slurry and return the mixture to a boil, sitrring constantly. Add the cherries and bring to a boil once again. Add the butter and gently stir it in until melted. Cool completely.
  • Spoon the filling into the pie shell. Brush the rim of the dough with egg wash.
  • Roll our the remaining dough ⅛ inch thick and place it over the filling. Or with a pastry wheel, cut the shell into strips for a lattice topping. Crimp edges to seal.
  • Bake at 425 degrees just until the crust is lightly browned. About 45 minutes. Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 98IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

Fresh Cherry Pie … It’s What’s For A Summer Dessert

Chicken Apple Sausage Breakfast Hot Dogs

By 25 Comments

This is a recipe for Chicken Apple Sausage Hot Dogs that appeared on an Ina Garten episode for an outdoor grilling brunch party. Chicken and apple sausages are drizzled with an amazing mayo and mustard dressing that makes this a delicious chicken hot dog brunch idea.

Chicken apple sausage hotdogs served with fried cubed potatoes.

Breakfast hot dogs.  Awhile back I watched Ina Garten putting on Sunday brunch outdoor extravaganza grilling party and promptly bookmarked her chicken sausage breakfast hotdogs to try soon.

I couldn’t think of a better time to give this a try than the beginning of grilling season, a Memorial Day grill-a-thon. First I made and served these up with some spicy country fried potatoes, which I pan cooked before I cooked the sausages and covered in foil to keep them warm.

Meanwhile out on the grill were the sizzling apple flavored chicken sausages waiting to be drizzled with the star of this meal…Ina’s Mustard and Mayo sauce . It’s a luxurious white creamy mayo, sour cream mixture with a hint of tangy mustard. This sauce would make a shoe taste good. On a beautiful sunny Memorial Day morning was a perfect holiday meal. And an easy one at that because the brand of chicken sausages I used are pre-cooked. All they need is a good browning to heat through.

There are so many chicken sausage flavor combinations for us to experiment with these days. Whole Foods carries a nice variety and right now, Costco sells Sabatino’s Chicken Apple Sausage and Smoked Mozzarella with Artichoke and Garlic Chicken Sausage. I always try to pick up these different flavor combinations to experiment with, and we’re loving the Chicken Apple most. A nice flavor combo for our liking. And they’re pre-cooked which makes them an easy meal option, they brown up nice with some impressive grill marks, and they’re low-sugar, gluten-free, nitrite-free and relatively low in fat.

The sauce for these sausage dogs calls for sour cream, so before I share the recipe, let’s talk about that. A couple of months ago when posting a recipe that included sour cream, I received an email from Cathy over at Noble Pig saying  “all sour creams are  not created equal”.  Hmm…never really thought about it. She continued that she always buys the high quality Tillamook brand.  I did indeed buy Tillamook and the difference between it and the run of  the mill product from Safeway was  like night and day …and only for about a dollar more. It had a consistency comparable to Greek Yogurt and a creamy richer flavor that was simply divine.

My advice … spend the extra buck or two for quality. It will make a difference in your recipes. Not to mention that baked potato = ohmy.

Disclaimer: Sabatinos and Tillamook probably don’t know I'm alive and they have never paid me or given me samples to write about their products. Ok, with that said, back to the breakfast.

Looking to host a grilled brunch party, these chicken sausages are an easy way to go. Serve them with:

Recipe for Chicken Apple Sausage Breakfast Hotdogs

Ina Garten Grilled chicken apple sausage breakfast hotdogs with a mayo and mustard dressing and spicy country fried potatoes

If you’re looking for chicken apple sausage recipes, I hope you give this one a try.  And if you do, please come back and let me know how you liked it and give the recipe a star rating. Your feedback is valuable to me for developing future recipes. And if you have a favorite grilled sausage recipe, let me know, I'd love to give it a try.

If you’re looking for more unique hot dog recipes, you won’t want to miss this one for Hawaiian Hotdogs.

And if you’re interested in more breakfast grilling recipe ideas, take a look at this recipe for Zesty Grilled Ham.

Chicken apple sausage hotdogs served with fried cubed potatoes.
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Chicken Apple Sausage Breakfast Hot Dogs

This is a recipe for Chicken Apple Sausage Hot Dogs that appeared on an Ina Garten episode for an outdoor grilling brunch party. Chicken and apple sausages are drizzled with an amazing mayo and mustard dressing that makes this a delicious chicken hot dog brunch idea.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Breakfast Recipes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 701kcal
Author: Lea Ann Brown

Ingredients

  • 6 Chicken Apple Sausages Good Quality and pre-cooked
  • 6 Hot Dog Buns
  • 1 ½ cups Mayonnaise
  • 3 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons Whole-grain mustard
  • ⅓ cup Sour cream
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  • Whisk the mayonnaise, mustards, sour cream and salt together in a small bowl. Set aside while you cook the chicken sausage. 
  • Heat a grill, or a stove-top grill pan over medium high heat. Add chicken sausages and cook 3 minutes per side. Or until heated inside and you’ve got some good grill marks.

Notes

Buy chicken sausages that are pre-cooked.

Nutrition

Calories: 701kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 58g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 1672mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 416IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 2mg

Ina’s Chicken Apple Sausage Hot Dogs…They’re What’s For Breakfast.

** this is an updated post from June of 2010. Same great recipe, with updated and much better photos.

The Ultimate Father’s Day Burger Lineup: 34 Epic Recipes Dads Love

By 6 Comments

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and if there’s one universal truth about celebrating Dady, it’s that the menu must involve the grill. But why settle for a basic cheeseburger when you can create a centerpiece worthy of the occasion. We’ve put together the Ultimate Father’s Day Burger Lineup, packed with epic recipes that go beyond the basics.

Whether the Dad in your life is a classic-cuisine purist or a global flavor enthusiast, or someone who believes more cheese is always better, in this lineup, you’ll find the best Father’s Day Burgers to satisfy every craving. Get ready to fire up the grill and crown Dad the king of the backyard.

Table of contents

Juicy Perfect Bison Burgers with A Special BBQ Sauce

And if you’re looking for side dishes to go with hamburgers, don’t miss this lineup for 4th Of July Side Dishes.

The Gourmet and Indulgent Lineup (For the Foodie Dad)

Just Click On The Bold Title Link Above Each Photo – That’s the Link To the Recipe

LAMB BURGERS WITH FETA AND HARISSA AIOLI, Pinch and Swirl

Freshly ground lamb cooked to perfection, creamy feta cheese, peppery arugula, sweet tomato and a feather light brioche bun slathered with harissa aioli.

Lamb burger with feta cheese and harissa aioli.

Shrimp Burgers, Asian Style, This is How I Cook

Shrimp burgers seasoned with garlic, ginger and chile are my favorite thing cooking on the grill. Filled with flavor and topped with a slice of grilled pineapple, these shrimp burgers are one of the best grilled burgers!

Asian shrimp burgers.

Lamb Sliders with Sweet Tomato Chutney, Cooking On The Ranch

Adding rosemary and mint to ground lamb is a classic Mediterranean flavor combination. Top with a sweet tomato chutney and you've got ground lamb burgers with so much flavor you'll savor every bite.

Lamb sliders with mint and sweet tomato chutney.

PEPPER-JACK STUFFED BURGERS WITH BOURBON CARAMELIZED ONIONS, The Cooking Bride

These huge half pound stuffed burgers are filled with spicy pepper jack cheese and topped with sweet bourbon caramelized onions.

Pepper Jack Cheese Stuffed Burgers

Cheesy BLT Burger with Tarragon Dressing, Cooking On The Ranch

Try this unique spin on your next BLT burger by slathering with some homemade Tarragon Dressing.

BLT Burger with creamy tarragon dressing.

ROSEMARY BRIE BURGER WITH RED ONION CHUTNEY, Cooking on the Ranch

These Brie Burgers are seasoned with fresh rosemary and garlic and topped with Red Onion Chutney. Add some Spicy Brown Mustard and a slice of tomato and you've got one fabulous cheeseburger.

Rosemary Brie Burger with Red Onion Marmalade.

DELUXE PIZZA BURGERS, Simply Stacie

Loaded to the max with all your favorite pizza toppings. Take one bite and you'll see why my family raves about these delicious burgers!

Pizza burger

UNAMI MUSHROOM BURGER WITH BACON JAM, Beyond Mere Sustenance

This lean umami-rich burger patty pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet, smoky, tangy flavor of the bacon jam.

Mushroom burger

SMOKED LAMB BURGERS WITH ROSEMARY AIOLI AND AND PICKLED ONIONS, Vindulge

A simple recipe for smoked lamb burgers with a rosemary aioli sauce and pickled onions. Includes instructions on how to smoke meat on a simple Weber Kettle Grill.

Smoked lamb burger with lettuce and tomatos.

PINEAPPLE BARBECUE BURGERS, Seasoned Sprinkles

These burgers are well worth the sticky hands that come from mixing the ingredients together. Topped with a slice of juicy, sweet grilled pineapple and a crunchy cheddar cheese crisp. 

Pineapple bbq burgers.

ASIAN STICKY PORK BELLY BURGERS WITH QUICK PICKLED VEGETABLES, Kitchen Sanctuary

Sticky Asian style melt-in-the-mouth pork belly, stuffed into a soft brioche bun and loaded with quick pickled veggies and a jalapeno kick! This is one indulgent pork burger.

Asian pork belly burger.

BEEF BOURGUIGNON BURGER WITH HORSERADISH CREME FRAICHE, The Suburban SoapBox

All the flavors of the classic french stew packed into a burger! This Beef Bourguignon Burger with Horseradish Creme Fraiche is as amazing as it sounds.

Beef bourguinon burger.

NO MESSIN’ VEAL BURGER, Krumpli

This Veal Burger is my idea of a real indulgent treat, a rose veal patty is accompanied by nutty Gouda cheese, Parma Ham and sticky cooked Onions. 

Veal Burger with Cheese.

ROAST CHICKEN AND CREAMY GARLIC MUSHROOM BURGER, Kitchen Sanctuary

My Roast Chicken & Creamy Garlic Mushroom Burger is a complete meal in burger form.  So delicious - but make sure you have napkins on hand!!

Roast chicken burger on a brioche bun.

The Classics, Perfect (For The Traditionalist Dad)

The Maverick Burger, Cooking On The Ranch

Meet The Maverick Burger, proof that "simple" can still be next level. A juicy burger patty, melted American and Swiss cheeses … the secret to it's unique flavor is in the bun.

Maverick burger with American and Swiss Cheese.

BEER CHEESE BURGERS ON SOFT PRETZEL BUNS, Farm House Eats

Juicy burgers smothered in beer cheese sauce and topped with caramelized beer onions and jalapeños all on soft pretzel buns! 

Beer cheese burger with french fries.

Grass Fed Beef Burger with Chipotle Mayo and Avocado

Unleash a flavor fiesta and kick up your burger game with Homemade Chipotle Mayo.

Grass fed burger with chipotle mayo.

BRAT BURGERS, An Affair From The Heart

Perfectly seasoned, flavorful brat burgers - looks like a burger, tastes like a bratwurst! Top it with a mound of sauerkraut, and grab yourself a cold one.

When Looking For The Best Grilled Hamburger Recipes, Don’t Forget Ground Chicken or Ground Turkey.

Jalapeno Turkey Burgers For The Grill – Cooking On The Ranch

Who says Turkey Burgers have to play second fiddle to beef? These Turkey Burgers for the Grill are juicy, boldly seasoned and so full of flavor you'll forget they're the "healthy" option. Fire up the grill because this is a grilled turkey burger that can finally rival, and maybe replace your favorite beef burger.

Jalapeno turkey burgers for the grill.

The Juicy Lucy Burger, The Hungry Bluebird

A Juicy Lucy is an inside-out cheeseburger. An iconic burger that is popular in the Twin Cities.

Juicy Lucy Burger, Stuffed Cheeseburger.

BEER BURGERS WITH BEER ONION JAM, Charlotte’s Lively Kitchen

Take your burgers to the next level by adding a little beer and serving them with delicious, homemade beer onion jam and melted cheese. Perfect for summer barbecues.

Beer burger with beer onions

Steakhouse Burger with Fry Sauce, Cooking On The Ranch

Looking for the ultimate burger recipe? How about a classic steakhouse burger made easy in your own kitchen. This burger is fully loaded with flavor using a special mix of seasonings. And becomes even more special by adding a drizzle of Fry Sauce. You'll flip your lid over the combo of flavors.

Steakhouse cheese burger with fry sauce served with onion rings.

Silver Spur Ranch Blue Cheese Burger, Cooking On The Ranch

Elevate your burger game with these Silver Spur Ranch Blue Cheese Burgers. Juicy and full of flavor, this Western style blue cheese burger is absolutely mouthwateringly delicious.

Blue Cheese Burgers served with a salad and fries.

STUFFED BURGERS,  Low Carb With Jennifer

Stuffed burgers with cheese and bacon are all the rage so I am showing you my version! Juicy, full of flavor (literally), and all of the stuffing stays in the middle where it belongs!

Low carb stuffed burgers without a bun.

Black and Blue Burgers,  Cooking On The Ranch

Black and Blue Burgers will wow your burger loving family. Blackened seasoning gives burger patties a little extra kick while sharp blue cheese adds a layer of complex flavor. You can either use a store-bought blackening spice or make your own.

Black and blue burger with red onion, tomato and lettuce.

Jalapeno A1 Steak Sauce Burger

A little heat from diced jalapeno and a savory kick from A-1 steak sauce, a wonderful combo for an exciting burger. 

Jalapeno steak sauce burger on a sesame seed bun with american cheese, lettuce and tomato.

CARAMELIZED ONION AND GRUYERE BURGER, Foodie Girl Chicago

This one is topped with caramelized onions and melted Gruyère for an extra pop of flavor!! 

Caramelized onion burger with cheese.

Regional and Unique Flavors (For The Adventurous Dad)

Hatch Green Chile Cheeseburger, Cooking On The Ranch

Roasted New Mexico Hatch Chile peppers turn a normal burger into an iconic Green Chile Cheeseburger that will capture your burger loving attention.

Green Chile Cheeseburger with a toasted bun.

HATCH GREEN CHILE CHICKEN BURGERS – Cooking On The Ranch

Looking to switch up your Burger Game this Summer? Try these Green Chile Chicken Burgers. Oozing with green chiles and Southwestern flair.

Green chile chicken burger on a sesame bun with red leaf lettuce.

CANYON CREEK BURGER FROM TED’S MONTANA GRILL, Creative Culinary

Whether you choose beef or bison, you simply cannot go wrong with this Canyon Creek Burger from Ted's Montana Grill. Beef or Bison served with cheese, bacon, fried egg, jalapeno, and jam.

Ted Montana Grill Canyon Creek Burger.

Chicken Chorizo Burgers, Cooking On The Ranch

These Chicken Chorizo Burgers nail it when it comes to flavor and texture. The chorizo adds just enough pizzaz to make this a juicy burger that you’ll want to make over and over. Take a whole new approach to burgers and try this combination with a spicy kick.

Chicken chorizo burger with homemade quick pickles.

JUICY PERFECT BISON BURGERS,  Cooking on the Ranch

Ground Bison meat is flavored with onion, rosemary, thyme and Worcestershire sauce. And with a special homemade secret sauce you've got a delicious version for a lower cholesterol burger! Simply a great way to make Bison Burgers.

Bison burger recipe topped with onions and special bbq sauce.

You’ll want to reference these hamburger recipes all Summer long for your backyard grill parties.

Bobby Flay Texas Burgers with Cole Slaw, Cooking on The Ranch

Juicy, delicious, topped with slaw and BBQ Sauce. Perfect crowd pleasing burger for your next back yard cookout.

Bobby Flay Texas Burger topped with cole slaw and BBQ sauce served with grilled corn

FAQ’s

What Is The Best Cut Of Beef For A Juicy Burger?

A blend of 80/20 Chuck is usually recommended for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture.

Should I Flatten My Burger Patties Before Grilling?

Using your thumb, gently create a small dimple in the center of the patty to prevent it from swelling and becoming football shaped while cooking.

How Far In Advance Can I Prepare Burger Patties?

Burger patties can be shaped and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Separate them with parchment paper and cover them loosely with plastic wrap.

What Side Dishes Pair Best With Father’s Day Burgers?

Keep it classic: Classic Old Fashioned Potato Salad, Classic Macaroni Salad, Coleslaw, Baked Beans or Oven Fries.

In Conclusion

What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than with a mouth-watering lineup of the best Father’s Day Burgers. Whether your dad is a traditionalist who prefers a classic cheeseburger, or an adventurous eater who likes to try unique burger recipes, there’s a burger out there that will make his day.

If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration on what to cook for Father’s Day, this line-up will give you plenty of ideas. So fire up the grill and get ready to make dad’s day delicious with these burger recipe for dads.

Best Grilled Shrimp Recipe

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I’ve had this recipe in my database for as long as I can remember. Its title reads The Best Grilled Shrimp Recipe. It’s somewhat my go-to recipe for grilled shrimp kabobs, which I make several times during the grilling season. In this a recipe the shrimp is marinated in bright flavors, grilled and then served with a sassy butter dipping sauce. This grilled shrimp skewer recipe is one that you’ll want to keep on hand for your next BBQ.

Best grilled shrimp recipe served with dipping sauce.

I take a hard stand when it comes to calling a recipe on my blog “the best.” After all, it’s only my opinion and everyone’s tastes are different. I feel like if I’m often calling something the best, it’s as if I’m simply using a marketing ploy to gain traffic.

Not to mention, I spent my career in sales, and the number one golden rule was always “under promise, over deliver”.

I’ve only done it a couple other times on this blog for The Best Pasta Salad Ever. And that’s because, just for fun, I used those words as a search term to find a pasta salad recipe. That’s what the recipe was named, and after reviewing the ingredients, and deciding it sounded delicious, I made it, and really? It may just be the best pasta salad ever.

Then there was this recipe for The Best Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe. That was voluntary on my part, because honestly thought this recipe was outstanding and the best I’d ever had.

So, with all that said, this is a really good recipe for grilled shrimp kabobs, and for some reason twenty years ago, I entered this into my data base as, The Best Grilled Shrimp Recipe.

Cooking shrimp on the grill is about the most classic way to cook our favorite little crustaceans. It’s quick, it’s easy and they cook in less time that it takes to pre-heat your grill. And the smoky flavor that clings to the sweet shrimp meat is divine.

To kick this recipe up a notch, this version for grilled shrimp spends some time in a bright and lively marinade consisting of some of some of my favorite staples, olive oil, soy sauce and dry sherry. The end result is a highly flavored treat.

 Tips for Grilling Shrimp:

  • Buy large or jumbo shrimp. Larger shrimp are much easier to manage on the grill and are easier and less apt overcook and dry out.
  • Marinate and grill the shrimp with shells on. The shells act as a cocoon and a barrier to keep the moisture in and prevent the heat from overcooking the interior too quickly. That shell helps keep that flavor inside.
  • If cooking shrimp that has been shelled, skewer them close together, even touching. This slows down the process of the interior of the shrimp overcooking and allows one to get a nice golden color on the skin. This is how I cooked the shrimp for this recipe.
  • When skewering shrimp, use two rods. It prevents the shrimp from spinning and makes them a much easier to flip and maneuver.
  • Shrimp should be grilled hot and fast. The shrimp are ready to turn when the underside is just beginning to turn pink.
  • To know if shrimp are cooked properly: straight shrimp are undercooked, shrimp curled into a "C" are done, shrimp closed in a tight curl are overcooked.
  • Please purchase Wild American Shrimp as opposed to farmed shrimp from over seas. There’s a world of difference in both flavor and texture. It’s the right thing to do and it just flat out tastes better.

The Best Grilled Shrimp Recipe:

The best grilled shrimp recipe served with asparagus peas and brown rice with a bowl of butter sauce

I hope you give these BBQ shrimp skewers a try. And if you do, please come back and let me know how you liked it and give the recipe a star rating. Your feedback is valuable to me for developing future recipes. And if you have a favorite grilled shrimp recipe, let me know, I'd love to give it a try.

This recipe makes a great main course served alongside some Green Rice and a Vegetable Medley. Or can be served as a shrimp appetizer. Either way, it’s a flavorful Summer treat.

And if you’re looking for more grilled shrimp recipes, you won’t want to miss this one for Shrimp and Mahi Mahi Kabobs with Jalapeno Butter.

Best grilled shrimp recipe served with dipping sauce.
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

The Best Grilled Shrimp Recipe

I’ve had this recipe in my database for as long as I can remember. It’s title reads Best Grilled Shrimp Recipe. It’s somewhat my go-to recipe for grilled shrimp kabobs, as we make this several times during the grilling season. This is a recipe where shrimp is marinated in bright flavors, grilled and then served with a sassy butter dipping sauce.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course Seafood
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 604kcal
Author: Lea Ann Brown

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Large shrimp In shell
  • For the marinade
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ½ cup dry sherry
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ½ clove garlic mashed
  • For the dipping sauce
  • 4 ounces butter
  • ½ whole lemon for the juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon soy sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon tabasco sauce

Instructions

  • For the Marinade: Combine shrimp and all marinade ingredients in a large non-reactive bowl and stir well. Marinate in refrigerator 3 – 4 hours. 
  • For the dipping sauce: Melt butter in sauce pan. Add remaining ingredients. Keep warm.
  • Remove shells and devein. Skewer shrimp close together. Cook over a hot grill 2 – 3 minutes per side, basting with the marinade every 30 seconds. 
  • Place a small individual bowl of dipping sauce on each plate for each person to dip their shrimp.

Notes

If using wooden skewers, soak them for at least 30 minute before skewering shrimp.
Use two wooden skewers for each line of shrimp.

Nutrition

Calories: 604kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 347mg | Sodium: 2922mg | Potassium: 210mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 708IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 4mg

If you liked this recipe, please leave a star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below and leave a comment. I always appreciate your feedback and hearing how everything went.

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Best Grilled Shrimp … It’s What’s For Dinner