Caprese Burger with Pesto and Balsamic Glaze
As someone who loves a good burger, I've always been on the lookout for unique ways to elevate this classic dish. The Caprese Burger with Pesto and Balsamic Glaze is one of those creations that took my taste buds to the next level.
It’s a creative spin on the traditional burger, blending the fresh flavors of a Caprese salad with a juicy burger patty. Whether you're cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why I Created This Recipe
Back when I was a private chef for professional athletes, I'd often come home after long days of cooking and just grab some cereal or a PB&J rice cake. Over time, I figured out how to whip up quick and tasty meals for myself, usually taking only about 15 minutes. This led me to focus on easy 30-minute recipes with less than 10 ingredients.
This burger is one of my favorites because it’s such a complete and delicious meal. Honestly, I think it's the best burger I’ve ever had! Imagine a fresh Caprese salad in burger form—that’s what this is.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a favorite of mine for several reasons:
Quick and Easy: It takes less than 15 minutes to make, perfect for busy days.
Deliciously Addictive: The combination of fresh ingredients and classic flavors makes it irresistible. You’ll definitely want to make it on repeat.
Fresh and Flavorful: The pesto aioli is out of this world—you could bathe in it!
What Makes This Caprese Burger Stand Out?
Why does this burger stand out from the crowd? It’s all about the combination of classic flavors and fresh ingredients. The Caprese Burger features juicy burger patties topped with fresh mozzarella slices, ripe tomatoes, and a homemade pesto aioli, all drizzled with balsamic glaze. It’s a great recipe for those hot summer days when you want something fresh yet satisfying.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Burger:
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 burger patties (choose from ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chuck)
2 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons mayo
2 tablespoons pesto (store-bought or see homemade pesto recipe below)
2 burger buns (or use gluten-free buns, thin buns, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option)
1 tomato, sliced
Fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
Balsamic glaze
Want to Make Your Own Burgers? Check Out My Easy Burger Recipe Here!
Homemade Pesto Recipe (Optional):
I use store-bought pesto in this recipe, but if you prefer a homemade option, I’ve included a wonderful Homemade Pesto recipe below!
Toast the Pine Nuts: In a skillet over medium heat, toast 1/2 cup pine nuts until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Blend Ingredients: In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, grated pecorino cheese, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Adjust consistency with additional water if needed.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. For the freshest flavor, enjoy it right away. If you have leftovers, store them as instructed.
This pesto is best enjoyed right away for the freshest flavor. However, if you have leftovers, store them properly as mentioned above.
Directions
How To Cook the Burger:
Preheat Your Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Alternatively, preheat a grill pan or the grill for a higher heat sear.
Cook the Burger Patties: Add the burger patties to the hot skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side until caramelized and golden brown. Adjust cooking times for ground turkey or beef as needed. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for your preferred doneness.
Add the Cheese: In the last 2 minutes of cooking, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty and let it melt.
Toast the Buns: Place the burger buns face down in the skillet for about 2 minutes or until toasted. This adds a delightful crunch and helps prevent sogginess.
Assemble the Burger: Spread mayo on the bottom bun. Add the cooked patty with melted cheese. Top with pesto, sliced tomato, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Finish with the top bun.
Sides to Serve with This Burger
Pair your Caprese Burger with delicious sides for a complete meal. Some of my favorites include:
FAQ
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Item desIn a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise and pesto until smooth. You can use store-bought pesto or make your own using the recipe below. Spread pesto aioli on the bottom bun for a burst of flavor. Assemble the burger by spreading the pesto aioli on the toasted bun, adding the cooked burger patty with melted cheese, a slice of tomato, fresh basil leaves, and a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze. Top with the other half of the bun.
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This Caprese Burger is versatile and can be customized based on your preferences. You can add arugula for extra freshness, caramelized onions for a sweet touch, or even some red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. If you prefer a plant-based option, use a plant-based burger patty and a dairy-free mozzarella alternative.
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If you don’t have balsamic glaze on hand, you can substitute it with a balsamic reduction or balsamic vinegar. For a slightly different flavor, try a honey mustard sauce or a simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil with a touch of lemon juice. Each option will give your burger a unique twist.
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Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella adds a wonderful creaminess, you can experiment with other cheeses if you prefer. Provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar can provide a different flavor profile. Just make sure the cheese melts well so it complements the juicy burger patty.
So, next time you’re in the mood for a burger that’s a bit different from the usual, give this Caprese Burger a try. It’s a great recipe that will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family alike!
Caprese Burger with Pesto and Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 burger patties
- 2 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- 2 burger buns
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Add olive oil to a large skillet. Heat the skillet to medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add your burgers to the warm oil in the skillet. Cook the burgers for 4 mins each side until caramelized and golden brown.
- In the last two minutes of the cooking time, add a slice of mozzarella cheese & allow it to melt.
- Pop your buns face down in a skillet for 2 minutes to heat.
- Meanwhile, make your sauce by mixing together mayonnaise and pesto until smooth.
- To assemble the burger, spread the sauce on the toasted bun, add the cooked burger with cheese, a slice of tomato, basil, a generous amount of balsamic glaze and the bun.
