Burger buns don’t just come in the white bread variety anymore. Although, that’s still a fantastic option and one of my faves.

We first began branching out with the old sesame seed bun and that really got our taste buds thinking.

These days, there are so many burger buns to choose from. Here’s a list of some of the top contenders:

CIABATTA

This Italian white bread is made from wheat flour and yeast and it’s light, not heavy. It has only been around since 1982 so it’s a relatively new sensation.

BRIOCHE

Puffy, with a golden, flaky crust, its origins are in the French pastry realm. Made with eggs and butter in the mix, this bun is rich and tasty.

PRETZEL

This bun is baked in the traditional pretzel knot shape and comes to us from Germany. Love soft pretzels? You’ll adore this great alternative to the ordinary.

Peruse your local bakery for more options and find one that makes your heart sing!

Want to mix it up a bit? Then try one of these buns on the grill next time it’s burger time. Slice it in half, put the inside down on the grill and leave for 10 seconds. You’ll have a toasty, tasty bun for that delicious burger!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

The marbling!

The flavor!

The tenderness!

Oh, the magic of USDA Prime beef…

What is it?

Only the top 1-2% of all beef can be labeled USDA Prime and you can taste the difference. It’s a designation reserved for only the best beef.

USDA Prime is known for its marbling – you know those little lines of fat delicately running through a great piece of meat? That’s marbling. And it makes beef tender and flavorful. Not fatty. There’s a difference.

Simply put, these steaks and meats are cut above. You can buy USDA Prime steaks of all cuts and in roast form (like the exquisite Chateaubriand).

They are more expensive, but that’s because only 1-2% of beef out there qualifies. Supply and demand, right?

In my opinion, Prime beef is worth it. After all, you want your dining experience to be the best it can be! Try it and see!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Oh, the glorious ribeye! How I love you!

It’s my absolute favorite cut. It’s tender, but rich and hearty. Just the way I like it!

With or without the bone, it’s sliced from the prime rib. And so, so succulent.

The bone has been rumored to give the meat even more flavor, but for me, I prefer the simplicity of boneless. Beauty is, you get to decide for yourself!

Want to pair a ribeye with a nice wine? Try a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for maximum impact. This wine pairing chart is fun to peruse when cooking a beautiful steak dinner.

Trying out a ribeye soon? Watch the ribeye video on this page. It’s a wonderful resource for chef tips and advice on cooking your ribeye perfectly. Check it out and heed this advice! 🙂

And when you’re ready to dive in, the ribeye recipes here are to die for! Try your hand at whipping up some Chipotle Buttered Ribeye Steaks or even Spicy Ribeyes Topped with Blue Cheese. You’ll be a pro in no time!

All this ribeye talk is making me hungry. I know what I’m having for dinner. How about you?

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.