Imagine biting into a burger that's not just another ordinary patty, but a symphony of juicy ground pork, sweet apple, and melted cheddar cheese that transforms your typical burger night into a gourmet experience. These Grilled Pork Loin Apple Burgers are about to revolutionize your grilling game, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 apple, grated
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 4 burger buns
- 1/2 cup sliced cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Grate the apple using a box grater or food processor. This will add moisture and sweetness to the burgers.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, grated apple, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients until well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
- Once the mixture is combined, divide it into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, making sure they are about the same size as your burger buns.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill, oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Place the pork patties on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
- While the patties are grilling, you can toast the burger buns on the grill for about 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown.
- Once the patties are cooked and the cheese is melted, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
- To assemble the burgers, spread a layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cheese-topped pork patty on top, then finish with the top half of the bun.
- Serve the grilled pork loin apple burgers immediately with your choice of sides, such as fries or a salad.
Tips
- Keep your meat mixture cold: Chill the ground pork mixture for 15-20 minutes before forming patties to help them hold together better.
- Don't overwork the meat: Mix ingredients gently to keep the burgers tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
- Use a meat thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F to ensure food safety.
- Let the patties rest: Allow the burgers to rest for 2-3 minutes after grilling to redistribute the juices and maintain moisture.
- Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is classic, try smoked gouda or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
- For extra moisture, grate the apple just before mixing to prevent browning and maintain maximum freshness.
- If you don't have a grill, these burgers work perfectly in a cast-iron skillet or on a grill pan.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 125mg
