
Ultimate Ground Pork Burger: Smoked Bacon, Cheddar, and Juicy Perfection
Are you ready to elevate your burger game? Forget the same old beef patty – we’re diving headfirst into a world of flavor with this incredible ground pork burger recipe. We’re talking juicy, seasoned ground pork, crispy smoked bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and all nestled inside a toasted bun. This isn’t just a burger; it’s an experience. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking inside on a skillet, this recipe is surprisingly easy and delivers consistently delicious results.
## Why Ground Pork Burgers?
Ground pork is often overlooked when it comes to burger options, but it’s a fantastic choice for several reasons:
* **Flavor:** Ground pork has a slightly sweeter and richer flavor than ground beef, which pairs beautifully with smoky and savory toppings.
* **Moisture:** Pork tends to retain more moisture than lean ground beef, resulting in a juicier burger.
* **Versatility:** Ground pork is incredibly versatile and can be seasoned in countless ways, making it a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
## The Perfect Ground Pork Burger Recipe
This recipe focuses on creating a well-balanced burger with maximum flavor and texture. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right ground pork to building the perfect burger stack.
**Yields:** 4 burgers
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15-20 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Burgers:**
* 1.5 lbs Ground Pork (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor and moisture)
* 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup Panko Bread Crumbs (or regular bread crumbs)
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
* 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
* 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
* 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
* 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
* 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
* 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or other cooking oil)
* **For the Bacon:**
* 8 slices Smoked Bacon
* **For the Cheese:**
* 4 slices Sharp Cheddar Cheese
* **For the Buns & Toppings (Optional):**
* 4 Burger Buns (Brioche, Sesame Seed, or your favorite)
* Lettuce Leaves
* Tomato Slices
* Red Onion Slices
* Pickles
* Your favorite Burger Sauce (e.g., Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ Sauce, Special Sauce)
**Equipment:**
* Large Mixing Bowl
* Cast Iron Skillet or Grill
* Spatula
* Small Bowl
* Paper Towels
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Bacon:**
* Place bacon slices in a cold skillet. This helps render the fat slowly and evenly, resulting in crispier bacon.
* Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown (about 8-10 minutes).
* Remove bacon from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
* Once cooled, you can break each slice of bacon in half.
**2. Make the Burger Patties:**
* In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground pork, egg, panko bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough burgers. Use your hands to lightly incorporate all the ingredients.
* Divide the mixture into four equal portions.
* Gently shape each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This helps prevent the burgers from puffing up in the middle while cooking, ensuring they cook evenly.
**3. Cook the Burgers:**
* **Skillet Method:** Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet (or another heavy-bottomed skillet) over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the burger patties in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well-done (or 145°F (63°C) for medium). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for accuracy.
* **Grilling Method:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the burger patties on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well-done (or 145°F (63°C) for medium). Close the grill lid while cooking for more even heat distribution.
**4. Add the Cheese:**
* During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each burger patty. Cover the skillet (or close the grill lid) to allow the cheese to melt evenly.
**5. Toast the Buns (Optional):**
* While the cheese is melting, lightly toast the burger buns. This adds a nice texture and prevents them from becoming soggy from the burger juices and toppings. You can toast them in a toaster, under the broiler, or directly on the grill grates for a few seconds per side.
**6. Assemble the Burgers:**
* Spread your favorite burger sauce on both the top and bottom buns.
* Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun (this helps protect the bun from becoming soggy).
* Top with a juicy cheeseburger patty.
* Add two slices of crispy smoked bacon (or more, if you’re feeling decadent).
* Add tomato slices, red onion slices, pickles, or any other toppings you desire.
* Place the top bun on the burger and serve immediately.
## Tips for the Best Ground Pork Burger:
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the ground pork mixture can result in tough burgers. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined.
* **Don’t Press Down on the Patties:** Avoid pressing down on the burger patties while they’re cooking, as this will squeeze out the juices and result in a dry burger.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature. Ground pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for well-done.
* **Let the Burgers Rest:** After cooking, let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the burger, resulting in a juicier burger.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings! The possibilities are endless.
* **Choose Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of your burgers. Use high-quality ground pork, bacon, and cheese for the best results.
* **Make it Spicy:** For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground pork mixture, or top the burger with jalapeños or spicy mayo.
## Variations:
* **Asian-Inspired Burger:** Add soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil to the ground pork mixture. Top with pickled carrots, cucumbers, and a sriracha mayo.
* **Italian Burger:** Add Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes to the ground pork mixture. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
* **Hawaiian Burger:** Add pineapple chunks, teriyaki sauce, and a slice of grilled ham to the burger.
* **Mushroom and Swiss Burger:** Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter and garlic. Top the burger with the sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
## Serving Suggestions:
These ground pork burgers are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with sides such as:
* French Fries
* Sweet Potato Fries
* Onion Rings
* Coleslaw
* Potato Salad
* Corn on the Cob
* A simple green salad
## Storing Leftovers:
Cooked ground pork burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or skillet until heated through.
## Nutrition Information (Approximate):
*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*
* Calories: 650-800 per burger
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 45-60g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
## Conclusion:
This ground pork burger recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of juicy pork, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese is simply irresistible. With a few simple steps and high-quality ingredients, you can create a burger that rivals anything you’d find at a restaurant. So, fire up the grill (or skillet) and get ready to enjoy the ultimate ground pork burger experience!