NorCal Vs. SoCal is the ultimate rivalry…

And these burgers are no different!  

We created the ultimate foodie competition using Foster Farms Organic Ground Turkey and BBQ’d each burger to perfection.  

The contest was fierce!

We pitted NorCal against SoCal and the end result is sure to be your two new favorite summertime burgers.  Nothin’ but love for California!

The NorCal incorporates leafy greens and has an earthy,  sophisticated flavor.  Feta cheese and carmelized onions are incorporated into the the meat mixture before grilling, lending a sweet, smoky flavor to the patty that works well with the other ingredients.

The SoCal merges traditional, spicy ingredients with a twist on greens.  There was an argument, as with all rivalries, as to which burger was best.  Hubby was all about the SoCal…he favors big, bold flavors and the heat in this burger is no joke.  It’s not intolerable by any means, but there is a definite warm factor that comes out in the patty and the chipotle aioli.  Not for the faint of heart….

They both were fantastic and different in their own right.  They each had their own bold, distinct flavor and I think we captured the essence of each region perfectly.  I couldn’t make a decision as to my favorite!  It was like when my kids ask me to judge their artwork.  I truly loved them both!

I challenge you to make these burgers this week and hold your own burger challenge!  Tell me which version you like best.  

Father’s Day is right around the corner and the perfect reason to fire up the grill and make a day out of it!

They really aren’t hard either.  We kept the toppings bold yet simple….

For the SoCal here’s what we did…

Combined a pound of ground turkey with garlic, bleu cheese, sautéed jalapeño, panko breadcrumbs and an egg

We toasted the bun and slathered a simple chipotle aioli (recipe included below)

Topped with the grilled turkey burger and luscious white cheddar

Fresh California avocado

And a handful of red leafy greens

A bit more chipotle aioli and you are ready to sink your teeth in.

SoCal Perfection!

For the NorCal version….

We started with our ground turkey, caramelized red onion, garlic, feta cheese, panko breadcrumbs and an egg

We added a load of chopped basil to a traditional mayo base

Grilled the patty and melted jack cheese over the top

Topped with a handful of arugula 

And a big, beautiful, thick slice of yellow heirloom tomato

Of course more basil-infused mayo

And that my friends is NorCal goodness!  Doesn’t get much better than this….

Check out these rival stacking videos and tell me which one you think you’d like better!

NORCAL TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT…

SOCAL DRUMROLL….

Here are the printable recipes if you’re into that sort of thing….