LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Derby Burger Challenge spotlights Kentucky beef and local creativity every year.

You can make the 2026 champion burger yourself with the help of Kroger!

Kroger's Brandie Ryan and Kelly Baird visited WDRB Mornings Thursday to demonstrate how to make "The Jerk."

2026 Derby Burger "The Jerk"

Greg Yopp of La Grange, KY

Ingredients:

  • Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef
  • Dan-O’s Original Seasoning
  • Kroger Pepper Jack cheese
  • Walkerswood Traditional Jamaican jerk seasoning, mild
  • Duke’s Mayonnaise
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 mango, thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Grace Green Plantain Chips
  • Kroger brand wheat bread hamburger buns

Directions:

  1. Divide ground beef into equal patties.
  2. Season both sides with Dan-O’s Original seasoning.
  3. Grill patties over medium-high heat until fully cooked (USDA recommends 160F for ground beef).
  4. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with Kroger pepper jack cheese and allow it to melt.
  5. Toast Kroger brand whole wheat hamburger buns on grill.
  6. In a small bowl, blend Duke’s Mayonnaise and Walkerswood Traditional Jamaican jerk seasoning until smooth.

Assembly:

  1. Spread mayo/jerk seasoning mixture on bottom of Kroger whole wheat
  2. hamburger bun.
  3. Add grilled Kentucky Cattleman’s Ground Beef patty with melted cheese.
  4. Top with thinly sliced red onion, mango, and avocado.
  5. Add a handful of Grace Green Plantain Chips
  6. Add top of bun.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy your 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival Derby Burger!

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