Description
These seasonal inspired apple burgers combine the savory flavors of pork and beef with the sweetness of apples, caramelized onions, and sharp cheddar cheese. Served on homemade brioche buns, these burgers add a fun, fall twist to classic backyard grilling.
Ingredients
Homemade Burger Buns
- Buns made according to homemade recipe (enough for 8 burgers)
Caramelized Onions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, peeled
Burger Patties
- 1 Red Gala apple, core and skin removed, shredded (skin intact on shredding)
- 1.5 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
Toppings
- 8 slices extra sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 Starr Ranch Gala apples, core and stem removed, thinly sliced
- Fresh leafy green lettuce
- Aioli or mayonnaise, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare Homemade Burger Buns: Make burger buns according to your favorite recipe a couple of hours before making the burgers, or prepare the day before and store airtight at room temperature.
- Caramelize Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat until melted and sizzling. Add peeled sliced onions, stirring gently. Cook for 1–2 minutes until they begin to soften and turn translucent, then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir occasionally, cooking until onions become golden blonde (about 15–20 minutes). For darker caramelization, continue cooking on low heat with occasional stirring for an additional 10–15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside; can refrigerate up to 1 week.
- Make Burger Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, fresh sage, and the shredded red Gala apple. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Divide meat into 8 equal balls and form patties slightly larger than the buns.
- Cook Patties: Preheat grill or large skillet to medium heat. Cook the patties approximately 4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Place slices of cheddar cheese on patties while still warm to melt.
- Assemble Burgers: Slice homemade buns in half. Place leafy green lettuce on the bottom half to protect from sogginess. Layer thinly sliced Gala apple on top of the lettuce, then place the cheese-melted burger patty on the apples. Add caramelized onions on top of the patty. Spread aioli or mayonnaise on the underside of the top bun, then close the burger and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make buns ahead of time to save preparation time on burger day.
- Use a large pan for caramelizing onions to prevent overcrowding and uneven cooking.
- If you prefer stronger caramelization, cook the onions longer on low heat with frequent stirring.
- Adjust burger cooking time to your preferred doneness.
- Substitute aioli with your favorite sauce if desired.
- The shredded apple in the burger patty adds moisture and subtle sweetness complementing the savory meat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
