Savor the Ultimate Italian Burger: A Gourmet Grilling Experience

Indulge in a culinary masterpiece featuring a blend of rich Italian sausage and lean ground beef, expertly grilled and crowned with luscious fresh mozzarella cheese, savory marinara, and fragrant fresh basil. All nestled within a golden, toasted garlic bread bun, this isn’t just a burger—it’s an unforgettable Italian-inspired feast.

There’s an undeniable magic about Italian food that captivates taste buds and brings families together. In our home, the mention of “spaghetti for dinner” is always met with cheers, never disappointment. Italian cuisine, known for its deep, comforting flavors, has a special place in our hearts. This very love for robust, soul-satisfying dishes inspired the creation of our incredible Italian Burger—a symphony of flavors that promises to be nothing short of delicious every single time.

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Just a few weekends ago, our backyard patio buzzed with an impromptu grill-out. All the kids, along with several nieces and nephews, arrived with hearty appetites. It was perfect timing, as I had been eager to perfect this particular Italian Burger recipe. As usual, I cooked enough to feed an army, ensuring no one left hungry—a common occurrence when the grill is fired up at our house!

Celebrating National Burger Month with a Twist

Did you know that May is widely celebrated as National Burger Month? It often coincides with National Grilling Month, and for good reason. After enduring long, chilly winters, there’s a collective eagerness to emerge from hibernation, embrace the sunshine, and fire up the grill for something truly magnificent. This year, I enthusiastically joined a vibrant community of blogger friends for a special #BurgerMonth event, masterfully hosted by Kita, the brilliant mind behind the popular blog Girl Carnivore.

Signing up for Burger Month ignited a spark in my culinary creativity. I dusted off the grilling recipe section of my brain, a part that had been happily stashed away since the last exhilarating Tailgating Season in the fall. To kickstart my ideas, I enlisted the help of my youngest son, who is something of a burger connoisseur. Together, we brainstormed and ultimately landed on the winning concept: the Italian Burger. Luckily, I had all the necessary ingredients on hand, perfectly ready for our unexpected, yet delightful, patio gathering.

When it comes to crafting a truly exceptional Italian-inspired dish, Johnsonville Sweet Italian Sausage is an absolute game-changer. I honestly feel like I should own stock in the company because I use their ground Italian sausage so frequently! It’s incredibly versatile, finding its way into countless recipes in my kitchen—from hearty soups and comforting meatloaf to rich stews, succulent meatballs, and savory meat sauces. It was only a matter of time before this flavorful sausage made its debut in a burger, and the results were spectacular.

For the patties, I combined the robust Italian sausage with lean ground beef, ensuring a perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. A touch of Italian seasoned bread crumbs helped bind the patties and added another layer of aromatic Italian goodness. The toppings were carefully selected to complement the savory meat: a jar of my favorite marinara sauce, vibrant fresh basil leaves for a pop of freshness, and, of course, a trip to the cheese counter for a ball of creamy, fresh mozzarella cheese. These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in building the authentic Italian flavors of this gourmet burger.

The Secret to an Epic Italian Burger: Garlic Bread Buns

What truly elevates any Italian meal? Without a doubt, it’s garlic bread! And for our ultimate Italian Burger, a regular bun simply wouldn’t do. That afternoon, I whipped up a batch of my renowned Roasted Garlic Butter. This homemade butter is infused with tender, slow-roasted garlic and a blend of fresh herbs and spices, creating the most incredibly aromatic and mouth-watering garlic bread you can imagine. Spreading this rich, savory butter generously on our hamburger buns transformed them into the perfect, flavorful foundation for our Italian masterpiece.

Grilling to Perfection: Tips for a Juicy Italian Burger

With our flavorful patties prepped and garlic butter ready, it was time to hit the grill. We carefully placed the burgers on the grates, allowing them to develop a beautiful sear and lock in all their juicy goodness. As soon as the burgers were ready for their first flip, I began toasting the garlic buns. For this, I absolutely love using my Grilling Mat. This kitchen tool is truly remarkable; it ensures perfectly toasted buns without any risk of burning, and it’s also fantastic for grilling delicate meats and vegetables. Plus, cleanup is incredibly easy, making the entire grilling process a breeze. Once the burgers reached their desired doneness, the final touch was to melt a generous slice of fresh mozzarella over each patty, allowing it to become wonderfully soft and gooey, ready to complement the rich flavors of the meat and marinara.

Assembling Your Italian Burger Masterpiece

The moment of truth arrives with the assembly of these magnificent Italian Burgers. Begin by placing your perfectly grilled, cheese-topped patty onto the bottom half of a golden, toasted garlic bread bun. Next, generously spoon warm, savory marinara sauce over the melted mozzarella, allowing its rich flavors to meld beautifully with the meat. Finally, crown this creation with a vibrant fresh basil leaf, adding an aromatic touch and a pop of color, before gently placing the top bun. Each bite promises a harmonious blend of textures and authentic Italian tastes.

Serving Suggestions for Your Gourmet Italian Burger

To complement our gourmet Italian Burgers, we opted for Alexia frozen Truffle fries, elevated with a delicate sprinkling of Pecorino Romano cheese and fresh Italian parsley. The earthy aroma of truffle combined with the sharp, salty cheese and vibrant herbs created a side dish that was, in a word, sensational. For other delicious pairings, consider a crisp arugula salad with a light vinaigrette, a classic pasta salad, or even some roasted balsamic vegetables. A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or a robust Chianti would perfectly round out this exquisite meal. This combination truly takes the Italian Burger experience to an unparalleled level. Oh. My. Word—it’s pure culinary bliss!

Burger Month: A Celebration of Grilling and Deliciousness

Our #BurgerMonth event wouldn’t be possible without the incredible generosity of our amazing sponsors. Their support allows us to host fantastic giveaways, making this celebration of all things burgers even more exciting. Keep an eye out for opportunities to win incredible prizes, including the chance to snag a top-of-the-line Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill! These events are a fantastic way to discover new recipes, connect with fellow food enthusiasts, and perhaps even upgrade your grilling setup. It’s truly a sweet deal!

I wholeheartedly recommend bringing these sensational Italian Burgers to your own corner of the planet this weekend. They are more than just a meal; they are an experience, a delightful fusion of classic American grilling and rich Italian flavors that will undoubtedly impress everyone at your table. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate gourmet burger experience right from your own backyard!

Much Love & Sunshine,

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Average rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars from 12 votes

Print Recipe

Italian Burger

A gourmet Italian Burger featuring a succulent blend of Italian sausage and lean ground beef, perfectly grilled and topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, rich marinara sauce, and aromatic fresh basil, all served on a flavorful garlic bread bun!

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Cuisine: Italian | Keyword: Italian Burger

Servings: 8 burgers

Calories: 255 kcal per serving

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Italian sausage
• 1 lb lean Ground Beef
• 1/3 cup Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs
• Marinara Sauce (warmed slightly)
• 1/4 pound fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced)
• Fresh basil leaves
• 8 hamburger buns
• Roasted Garlic Butter

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground Italian sausage, lean ground beef, and Italian seasoned bread crumbs. Mix until just combined, then gently form the mixture into 8 uniform patties. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can lead to tough burgers.
2. Carefully slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into rounds that will fit nicely on top of your burger patties. Set the slices aside.
3. Separate the fresh basil leaves, ensuring they are clean and dry. Keep them ready for the final assembly.
4. Generously butter the cut sides of your hamburger buns with the prepared Roasted Garlic Butter. This step is crucial for adding that signature Italian garlic bread flavor to your burger.
5. Preheat your grill to a medium heat. Place the burger patties on the hot grill. Once they are about halfway cooked through (you’ll see nice grill marks and some cooking up the sides), begin toasting your buttered buns on the grill, preferably using a grilling mat to prevent burning and ensure even crispness. Once the buns are golden and fragrant, remove them from the grill and set aside on a plate while the burgers finish cooking.
6. When the burgers are fully cooked to your preferred doneness, place a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese over the top of each burger patty. Close the grill lid (if applicable) or cover the burgers briefly to allow the cheese to melt into a luscious, gooey layer.
7. To assemble, place a cheese-topped burger patty onto the bottom half of a garlic bread bun. Spoon a generous amount of warm marinara sauce over the melted cheese. Top with a few fresh basil leaves, then complete your masterpiece with the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Serving: 1 | Calories: 255kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 533mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g

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Discover More Incredible Burger Creations from #BurgerMonth Participants!

Join us in celebrating the diverse and delicious world of burgers by exploring the fantastic creations from all the talented participants of this year’s #BurgerMonth event. Each link below leads to a unique and mouth-watering burger recipe, offering endless inspiration for your next grilling adventure. From classic comfort to innovative gourmet, there’s a burger here for every palate:

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• Jolene’s Recipe Journal
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