Delicious Cheeseburger Subs with Ice Cream Soda Sparklers: A Perfect Party Combo
Looking to add some zest to your gathering? Dive into these Cheeseburger Subs accompanied by Ice Cream Soda Sparklers—a match made in culinary heaven. This delightful combo is not only packed with flavor, but it also brings a playful touch to your table. These additions to your feast are guaranteed to impress friends and family with both their taste and visual appeal. Whether you're hosting a BBQ or a fun family night, this recipe ensures everyone goes home satisfied.
To ensure success, start by choosing sub rolls that are fresh and soft; they should be bakery-quality for the best texture. When forming the beef patties, aim for uniform size and thickness to ensure they cook evenly. Coating the rolls with a mix of ketchup and horseradish mustard adds a tangy base that perfectly complements the savory beef and creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Preparing the rolls ahead of time on foil helps them steam to toasty perfection when heated.
Don't forget to chill your soda glasses well in advance, ensuring your Ice Cream Soda Sparklers are as refreshing as possible. The key to that extra pop lies in gently drizzling grenadine inside the frosted glasses; it creates a vibrant, sweet undertone that marries beautifully with chilled ginger ale and velvety vanilla ice cream. For a seamless party planning experience, make sure these steps are prepped before your guests arrive, allowing you to bask in the glory of culinary triumph.
Ingredients
- 2 Bakery deli-style sub rolls
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish mustard
- Aluminum foil
- 1 ½ lb ground beef chuck
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup prepared Cheddar cheese sauce, divided
- ½ cup prediced tomatoes, divided
- ½ cup prediced red onions, divided
- 2 cups lettuce shreds, divided
- 6 tablespoons grenadine (or cherry-flavored syrup)
- 48 oz ginger ale, chilled
- 12 maraschino cherries
- 6 (½-cup) scoops vanilla (or other flavor) ice cream
The sub rolls serve as the sturdy base, while the ketchup and mustard deliver a sweet and spicy foundation. Cheddar cheese sauce adds creamy richness, and the fresh tomatoes and red onions infuse zest. Maraschino cherries and vanilla ice cream transform the Ice Cream Soda Sparklers into a creamy, bubbly delight.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan.
- Slice the sub rolls in half lengthwise, leaving a 1-inch uncut section for better handling.
- Spread a mix of ketchup and horseradish mustard inside each roll. Place the rolls on a sheet of foil for later grilling.
- Shape the ground beef into four evenly sized patties and season with salt and pepper. Grill the patties for 3–4 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Split each burger in half and place them into the prepared sub rolls. Top each with ¼ cup of cheese sauce, tomatoes, and red onions.
- Bring the foil sides up around each roll and place them back on the grill, away from direct heat, for 6–7 minutes, or bake in the oven at 400°F until the bread is toasted and cheese is melted.
- Add shredded lettuce after removing the subs from the heat, then cut each sub into three pieces for serving.
- For the Ice Cream Soda Sparklers, chill the soda glasses in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before preparation.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon grenadine inside the rim of each glass. Slowly fill the glasses with chilled ginger ale, ensuring there's room left for ice cream.
- Drop in two maraschino cherries per glass before adding a scoop of ice cream to complete the drink. Serve immediately as the soda will foam up enticingly under the ice cream.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Sub rolls getting too soggy? Toast the inside layers lightly before adding condiments.
- Beef not holding its shape? Make sure it's cold and not overhandled during shaping. Use parchment paper to help form uniform patties.
- Cheese not melting well? Cover the sub sandwiches with foil to trap heat when melting.
- Soda glasses not frosty enough? Increase chilling time in the freezer, or briefly rinse with cold water before pouring in grenadine.
Ideas for Pairing
- Side Dishes: Complement the richness of the subs with crispy French fries or a refreshing corn salad.
- Drinks: A light lager or a sparkling lemonade can balance the flavors beautifully.
- Desserts: Finish the meal with cupcakes or a slice of lemon tart to counterbalance the savory elements.
Contrast is key—pairing contrasting flavors and textures will enhance your tasting experience, making every bite and sip memorable.
How to Store Properly
- For refrigeration: Store the cooked subs in airtight containers; they stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- For freezing: Wrap individual sub portions in foil, then place them in freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, let thaw and place in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
- For storing syrup and ice cream, ensure containers are sealed to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Don't assemble Ice Cream Soda Sparklers ahead of time; keep ingredients separate until serving, then assemble quickly for optimum frothy results.
FAQs
- Can I use turkey or veggie patties instead of beef? Yes, substitute with turkey or veggie patties while keeping the seasoning intact to retain flavor.
- What's a good alternative to cheddar cheese sauce? Melted Swiss or American cheese also works well; both offer a smooth finish.
- How do I prevent the soda from foaming over too much? Pouring the soda slowly against the side of the glass can help control foam production.
- What if I can't find grenadine syrup? A reduced raspberry or pomegranate juice can mimic the flavor effectively.
