Derby Burger® Challenge

Meet the 2026 Derby Burger Champion!

Congratulations to Greg Yopp of La Grange, Kentucky, winner of the 2026 Derby Burger Challenge, sponsored by Dan-O’s Seasoning, Kentucky Beef Council and Kroger.

This year’s winning burger, The Jerk Burger, is stacked with several key ingredients! See below.

The Jerk

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

Derby Burger Challenge