Calling all grill masters! The KDF Derby Burger Challenge is back with big prizes

Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal
·2 min read
Derby Burger Challenge calling for entries
Derby Burger Challenge calling for entries

Do you have the best burger recipe in town? It's time to put your culinary skills to the test in the Kentucky Derby Festival's annual Derby Burger Challenge, sponsored by the Kentucky Beef Council.

“Burgers are one of the most popular foods in America and they’re even better made with 100% beef,” said Alison Smith, retail and food service representative for the Kentucky Beef Council. “With the many ways burgers can be prepared, seasoned, and dressed, we always look forward to the unique recipes that are submitted from around the state.”

Now in its 11th year, the annual beef showdown is open to all chefs — from the home kitchen to restaurants. Aside from never-ending burger glory, the winning chef in this year's contest will receive a brand new grill and accessories, a $100 gift certificate to Kroger and a lot of other great prizes.

How the KDF Derby Burger Challenge 2023 works:

The winner of the 2023 Derby Burger Challenge will receive a new grill and accessories plus other prizes.
The winner of the 2023 Derby Burger Challenge will receive a new grill and accessories plus other prizes.

Contestants ages 18 and older can submit your best 100% beef burger recipe online at kdf.org/beef until Friday. Be sure to take photos or video of your entry because it's important that voters have a good visual of your delicious burger.

The field will be whittled down by March and eight semifinalists will move to an online battle where the public will vote for their favorite.

The top four 2023 Derby Burger recipes with the most votes will move on to a final cook-off at the end of March where contestants will make samples of their burgers for a live tasting by four judges.

The burgers will be judged based on taste, appearance, creativity and ease of preparation.

What do Derby Burger Challenge winners get?

Besides a new grill, grilling accessories, beef provided by the Kentucky Beef Council and an official 2023 Derby Festival poster, the winner of the 2023 Derby Burger Challenge will be featured at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville during Derby Festival, as well as inside Kroger stores. The winner will also receive two VIP tickets to Thunder Over Louisville and VIP tickets to Republic Bank BourbonVille, as well as a $100 gift certificate to Kroger.

Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KDF Derby Burger Challenge 2023 now accepting submissions