Christmas Burger Recipe

The holiday season calls for festive flavors, and what better way to celebrate than with a Christmas burger that’s as merry as it is mouthwatering? This isn’t your average burger—it’s packed with seasonal ingredients that bring a cozy, holiday-inspired twist to every bite. Think savory, sweet, and a little indulgent, just like the holidays should be.

Christmas Burger Recipe

Ingredients

Here’s what we’ll need to craft our festive Christmas burger:

• For the Patty:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg (for that holiday twist)
• Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Toppings:

• 4 brioche buns (toasted)
• 4 slices of smoked gouda cheese
• ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup arugula
• 8 slices of crispy bacon
• 1 red onion (thinly sliced and caramelized)

• For the Special Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Special Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup until smooth. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the rest of the burger.

1. Season the Patty:

Combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Use clean hands to mix gently until ingredients are well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

1. Shape the Patties:

Divide the seasoned meat into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and gently press them into patties about ¾ inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.

1. Cook the Patties:

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. One minute before removing the patties, place a slice of smoked gouda cheese on top and cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese.

1. Caramelize the Onions:

In a separate skillet, heat 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onions and a pinch of sugar. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft, golden, and caramelized.

1. Assemble the Burger:

Gather the toasted brioche buns and spread a generous layer of the special sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a handful of arugula over the sauce, followed by the cheesy beef patty. Add cranberry sauce, caramelized onions, and crispy bacon. Top with the remaining half of the bun.

Cooking Time Table

Preparation Step	Time Required
Mix special sauce	3 minutes
Season and shape patties	5 minutes
Cook patties	10 minutes
Caramelize onions	10 minutes
Assemble burgers	5 minutes

Total Cooking Time: 33 minutes

Tips for the Perfect Christmas Burger

• Use freshly ground beef for the juiciest patty.
• Toasting the brioche buns enhances their flavor and prevents sogginess.
• For extra holiday flair, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon into the cranberry sauce.

Ingredients

Crafting the perfect Christmas Burger starts with carefully selected ingredients. We’ve divided everything you’ll need into four sections: patties, toppings, buns, and optional add-ons. Follow these lists for a festive burger that’s bursting with holiday flavors.

For The Patties

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean, freshly ground)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For The Toppings

• 4 oz cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought, add a pinch of cinnamon for festive flair)
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions (thinly sliced and cooked until golden)
• 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese (for a rich, bold flavor)
• 4 strips crispy bacon (preferably maple-glazed for a holiday twist)
• 1 cup arugula or baby spinach leaves (washed and dried)

For The Buns

• 4 brioche buns (soft, lightly toasted for the best texture)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted for brushing the buns before toasting)

Optional Add-Ons

Take your Christmas Burger to the next level with these festive extras:

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds a zesty kick)
• Pickled red onions (for extra tang)
• Fried egg (adds indulgence and richness)
• Roasted red peppers (a smoky-sweet addition)

Tools And Equipment

To create the perfect Christmas Burger, having the right tools and equipment in our kitchen is essential. These items not only streamline the cooking process but also ensure consistency and precision in every step. Here’s what we need:

Essential Tools and Equipment:

• Mixing Bowl: For combining ground beef with seasonings to make perfectly seasoned patties.
• Large Skillet or Grill Pan: Ideal for cooking the patties evenly and achieving that golden-brown crust.
• Spatula: A sturdy one for flipping the patties without breaking them.
• Small Saucepan: To heat and thicken the cranberry sauce or other toppings, if desired.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing the brioche buns, caramelizing onions, and preparing toppings such as arugula or baby spinach.
• Basting Brush: For brushing melted butter onto the brioche buns for that soft, golden finish.
• Cheese Grater (optional): If using freshly grated smoked cheddar, this tool will come in handy.
• Plate or Tray: For assembling and plating the burgers before serving.
• Measuring Spoons and Cup: To measure out precise quantities of Worcestershire sauce, seasoning, and other ingredients.

Additional Helpful Items:

Tool	Purpose
Meat Thermometer	To check patties’ internal temperature for achieving desired doneness.
Parchment Paper	For shaping and storing patties before cooking.
Tongs	For handling crispy bacon or roasted red peppers.
Onion Caramelizer Pan	For perfectly soft and golden caramelized onions.

These tools ensure that we can easily follow the recipe to craft a flavor-packed holiday-inspired burger while saving time and effort. Having quality cooking equipment makes all the difference when preparing a festive dish like this, turning it into a standout meal that’s worthy of our holiday table.

Directions

Let’s bring the holiday spirit to life with this Christmas Burger recipe. Follow these well-structured steps to craft a festive burger that’s juicy, flavorful, and unforgettable.

Prep

1. Prepare the Patties

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:
• 1 lb freshly ground beef
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Mix lightly but thoroughly with clean hands. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the patties tender.
• Form into four 4-inch patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Use parchment paper to separate them for easy handling.

1. Caramelize the Onions

• Slice 2 medium-sized yellow onions thinly.
• Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and soft (about 15-20 minutes). Set aside.

1. Prepare the Cranberry Sauce (optional)

• In a small saucepan, combine:
• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Cool slightly.

1. Toast the Brioche Buns

• Slice 4 brioche buns in half.
• Brush the cut sides with melted butter.
• Lightly toast in a skillet or under a broiler until golden.

Cook

1. Cook the Patties

• Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease with oil.
• Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side or until an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached (use a meat thermometer for accuracy).
• In the final minute of cooking, place smoked cheddar cheese slices onto the patties. Cover the pan to melt the cheese.

1. Cook the Bacon

• In a separate pan or on the grill, cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Assemble

1. Layer the Base Bun

• Place the bottom bun on your serving plate. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (optional).

1. Stack the Ingredients

• Add a small handful of arugula or baby spinach for crunch.
• Gently place the cheese-melted patty on top.

1. Add Toppings

• Spread cranberry sauce over the patty.
• Layer on caramelized onions and crispy bacon. For extra indulgence, top with a fried egg or pickled red onions (optional).

1. Finish with the Top Bun

• Spread a light coating of special sauce or a touch of butter on the top brioche bun. Place it gently atop your stacked ingredients.

1. Serve and enjoy the rich, festive flavors of this Christmas Burger masterpiece!

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing parts of our Christmas Burger ahead of time can save us effort on the festive day, keeping stress out of the kitchen while ensuring maximum flavor. Here’s how we can streamline the process:

1. Prepare the Patties Ahead

• Mix the ground beef with all the seasonings as per the recipe (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce).
• Shape the mixture into patties and place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
• Stack patties with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 1 month.
• If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

2. Caramelize the Onions in Advance

Caramelized onions are best when prepared in advance, as their flavors deepen.

• Slice the onions and cook them low and slow with a touch of butter or olive oil.
• Once caramelized to a rich golden brown, allow them to cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat: Warm gently in a small skillet over low heat before using.

3. Make the Cranberry Sauce

Prepare the cranberry sauce up to a week in advance.

• Use fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and a touch of cinnamon. Simmer the ingredients until thickened and jam-like.
• Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer to a sealed jar or container.
• Refrigerate for up to 7 days.

4. Prep Optional Toppings

Optional add-ons like pickled red onions or roasted red peppers can also be made ahead:

• Pickled red onions: Prepare these 2 to 3 days in advance. They get better with time as the tangy flavor infuses.
• Roasted red peppers: Roast, peel, and slice them a day or two prior. Store in olive oil with a pinch of salt in an airtight container refrigerated.

5. Toast the Brioche Buns & Assemble Last Minute

To enjoy crispy buns without the last-minute hassle:

• Lightly toast the brioche buns in advance by brushing them with melted butter and toasting briefly in a skillet or under a broiler until just golden.
• Do not assemble the burger ahead of time to avoid sogginess. Keep all ingredients separate until moments before serving.

Storage & Timeline at a Glance

Component	Prepare Ahead (Max Time)	Storage Instructions
Beef Patties	1 day (Refrigerator) / 1 month (Freezer)	Airtight container or wrapped with parchment
Caramelized Onions	5 days	Airtight container (Refrigerator)
Cranberry Sauce	7 days	Sealed jar/container (Refrigerator)
Pickled Red Onions	3 days	Airtight container (Refrigerator)
Roasted Red Peppers	2 days	Submerged in olive oil (Refrigerator)
Toasted Brioche Buns	Prepare same day	Store in dry, covered area if not assembling

Tips For The Perfect Christmas Burger

Creating the perfect Christmas Burger is as much an art as it is a science. By paying attention to small details and adopting a few pro tips, we ensure each bite is mouthwateringly festive. Below are our favorite tried-and-true techniques.

1. Choose High-Quality Ingredients

The foundation of a great burger is always the ingredients. Opt for freshly ground beef with at least an 80/20 fat-to-lean ratio to achieve juicy patties. For the buns, soft brioche buns brushed with melted butter bring a sweet, rich contrast to the savory elements.

2. Use Seasonal Toppings For Festive Flavors

To embrace the holiday theme, incorporate toppings like cranberry sauce and caramelized onions for both sweetness and texture. We like to sprinkle a touch of cinnamon into the cranberry sauce for a spice-forward holiday flair. Choose smoked cheddar cheese; its bold, nutty flavor complements the burger beautifully.

3. Toast Your Buns

Toasting brioche buns is a game-changer. Lightly brush them with melted butter and toast them on a grill or skillet over medium heat until golden brown. The crisp texture holds up better against juicy toppings, ensuring no soggy mess.

4. Perfect Your Patties

• Season Properly: Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce into the ground beef, distributing it evenly without overmixing.
• Shape Evenly: Create patties slightly wider than the buns and press a slight dimple in the center to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
• Cook to Desired Temperature: Use this temperature guide for accuracy:

Desired Doneness	Internal Temperature	Approximate Cooking Time
Medium-Rare	130°-135°F	3-4 minutes per side
Medium	140°-145°F	4-5 minutes per side
Medium-Well	150°-155°F	5-6 minutes per side

5. Layer Thoughtfully

The order in which we assemble our burger directly impacts the texture and flavor. Start with a base layer of crispy bacon for solid structure and balance. Stack toppings as follows for ultimate bite satisfaction:

• Bottom bun
• Bacon
• Patty with melted cheese
• Cranberry sauce
• Caramelized onions
• Fresh greens (arugula or baby spinach)
• Top bun (optional spread of Dijon mustard or pickled red onions for an extra kick).

6. Make-Ahead Elements

Streamline your cooking process by preparing components in advance. Caramelize onions, mix cranberry sauce, and shape patties the day before. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Always toast buns right before serving for maximum crispness.

7. Serve Hot & Fresh

A Christmas Burger is best enjoyed hot off the grill or skillet. Ensure all components—patties, toppings, and buns—are warm when assembled for a cohesive experience. You can even preheat plates slightly to keep the burger at its ideal serving temperature.

Conclusion

Crafting a Christmas burger is more than just cooking; it’s about bringing festive flavors to life in every bite. By combining seasonal ingredients with thoughtful preparation, we can create a holiday meal that’s both comforting and unforgettable.

Whether it’s the touch of cinnamon in the cranberry sauce or the buttery toasted brioche buns, every detail adds to the magic. This recipe isn’t just a burger; it’s a celebration of the season, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Let’s make this Christmas extra special with a burger that truly captures the spirit of the holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Christmas burger unique?

The Christmas burger stands out due to its festive ingredients like cranberry sauce, caramelized onions, smoked cheddar, and a touch of cinnamon in the sauce. These seasonal flavors create a cozy, indulgent holiday experience.

Can I prepare parts of the Christmas burger in advance?

Yes, you can! Prepare the patties, caramelized onions, and cranberry sauce ahead of time. Store them properly in the fridge and toast the brioche buns just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What type of buns should I use for the burger?

Soft, lightly toasted brioche buns brushed with melted butter are recommended. They provide the perfect balance of softness and slight crispness to complement the festive flavors.

Which toppings pair best with the Christmas burger?

Suggested toppings include arugula or baby spinach, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, smoked cheddar, and cranberry sauce. Optional add-ons like pickled red onions, Dijon mustard, or a fried egg can further enhance the flavor.

How can I elevate the cranberry sauce?

For a festive twist, add a pinch of cinnamon to the cranberry sauce. This adds a warm, holiday-inspired depth that enhances the overall flavor of the burger.

What tools do I need to make the Christmas burger?

You’ll need a mixing bowl, skillet or grill pan, spatula, and measuring spoons. These tools help ensure the patties, sauce, and toppings are prepared to perfection.

How should I season the burger patties?

Season the 1 lb of freshly ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. This robust seasoning creates a flavorful base for the burger.

Can the Christmas burger accommodate dietary preferences?

Absolutely! Use plant-based patties, dairy-free cheese, or gluten-free buns to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the festive flavors intact.

How can I ensure the burger is served fresh and hot?

Cook the patties just before serving and assemble the burger immediately. Serve on freshly toasted buns with warm toppings for the best flavor and texture.

Can the leftover components be stored?

Yes, you can refrigerate leftover patties, caramelized onions, and cranberry sauce for up to 3 days. Toasted buns, however, are best prepared fresh for maximum crispness.