Bruschetta Burgers

Making burgers at home is definitely something that gains interest during the summer months because people can actually grill outside in the nice [sometimes sweltering] weather.  But making plain burgers or cheeseburgers gets old, so with my love of Italian food, I put a twist on my burgers.  These burgers allow you to spare all the condiments that you’d normally load onto a burger, making these a more healthy option to a not so healthy all-American favorite.

Typically, I make my own burgers from scratch using a leaner ground beef and mixing in herbs and spices, but for the sake of my stomach (I was so incredibly hungry when I made these), I used Bubba Angus burger patties.

Time it takes to make: 20 minutes (if using pre-made patties)

Serves: 2

Here’s What You’ll Need:

½ tomato

2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette

2 garlic cloves, chopped

Dried basil (I didn’t measure, sorry!)

2 slices provolone cheese

2 Bubba Angus burger patties

2 Cracked wheat Kaiser buns

Before I cooked my burgers, I made the topping, because that takes the longest, which isn’t actually very long at all.

Directions (very wordy ones for something quite simple, sorry ‘bout it):

1. Dice up ½ of a tomato into small pieces and place into a bowl.  Chop garlic cloves into pieces as small as you can get them…remember, you will be eating these raw (which are delicious, but you just might not want a huge chunk of one in your mouth) and add to bowl.  Pour your balsamic vinaigrette on top and add basil.  Mix.
2. Cook Bubba Angus burgers as instructed on package.  Once they are finished cooking, remove from heat and lay provolone cheese on top of them while they are still in the skillet, so it can start to melt.
3. Place your Kaiser rolls in a toaster oven to get them just toasted enough that they keep their shape, but aren’t crunchy.  I do this so the bun doesn’t fall apart while I’m eating it and also so the balsamic vinaigrette and juices from the burger don’t make my bread all soggy.  Yuck.  No one likes soggy bread.
4. Build your burger!  Just simply top your actual burger patty with the bruschetta mixture from the bowl and top with the bun.
5. Enjoy!

If you wish to make your own patties, here’s what you’ll need and how.

1 pound of Ground beef (or turkey) of your choice

1 tsp Rosemary

1 tsp Oregano

1 tsp Garlic powder

Break apart ground beef and mix with rosemary, oregano, and garlic powder.  You can add more or less of the herbs and spices as you wish…my measurements are just a guess, as I always eyeball my recipes…I’ll get better with measuring for you guys in the future.  I promise!

Once mixed, separate ground beef into 4 patties and grill accordingly.  If you don’t have a grill, you can use a skillet on the stove as well.

So there ya go!  A simple and healthier alternative to a regular burger!  I ate mine with blue corn chips and a creamy spinach dip.  Try it out, and let me know what you think!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda