This Delicious Irish Pub Burger is a tasty twist on the classic! It features a juicy beef patty topped with creamy cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a zesty sauce that packs a punch.
It’s perfect for game day or a casual dinner! I love serving mine with a side of crispy fries. Trust me, they disappear fast—just like my last attempt at keeping my burger secret! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for juicy burgers. If you prefer leaner meat, go for 85/15, but you may sacrifice some juiciness. For a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works, but expect a different texture.
Irish Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds a wonderful flavor. Can’t find it? Sharp cheddar or even a nice Gouda can be great substitutes. Just choose cheeses that melt well.
Bacon: Crispy bacon brings a nice crunch and flavor. Turkey bacon can be a lighter substitute, but the taste will change. You can also try crispy pancetta for something different.
Brioche Buns: These buns are soft and slightly sweet, making them perfect for burgers. If you want to avoid white bread, whole grain or gluten-free buns are good alternatives too.
Chives: They add a fresh element to your sauce. If you don’t have chives, green onions or even a touch of dill can give a similar freshness.
How Do I Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions is key for adding depth to your burger. It’s simple but needs some patience. Start by slicing your onions thinly so they cook evenly. Then, follow these steps:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and sprinkle with a touch of salt to help draw out moisture.
- Cook slowly, stirring occasionally for about 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown.
Don’t rush it! Allow them to cook thoroughly to develop their rich and sweet flavor, which is a game-changer for your burger.
How to Make a Delicious Irish Pub Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 slices of Irish cheddar cheese
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1 large onion, sliced (for caramelizing)
- 4 brioche hamburger buns
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking onions)
Optional Garnish:
- Lettuce
- Tomato
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Irish pub burger takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. With a little bit of patience for caramelizing the onions, you’ll have a fantastic meal ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Caramelized Onions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions to the skillet, sprinkle them with a pinch of salt, and cook slowly. Make sure to stir occasionally so they don’t stick. You’re aiming for that beautiful golden-brown, caramelized look, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once done, set those caramelized onions aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In the same skillet, add your bacon strips. Cook them until they are nice and crispy. When they’re ready, remove them and let them drain on paper towels to soak up any excess grease. Yum!
3. Mix the Beef:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of salt, and some pepper. Mix everything well, then form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties. Make sure they are nice and compact!
4. Cook the Burger Patties:
Now, preheat your grill or use the same skillet over medium-high heat. Cook your burger patties for about 4-5 minutes on one side. Then, flip them over. Place a slice of Irish cheddar cheese on each patty and continue cooking for about 3-4 more minutes, just until the cheese is melted and the burgers reach your desired doneness.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
While the burgers are cooking, let’s whip up the sauce! In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and chopped chives until everything is combined nicely. Season it with a little salt and pepper to taste. This will be your special burger sauce!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
If you like, you can toast the brioche buns for an extra touch. On the bottom half of each bun, place the patty, topping it with those yummy caramelized onions and crispy bacon. Drizzle some of the chive sauce over the top, and feel free to add lettuce and tomato if you want!
7. Serve:
Finally, place the top bun on each burger and serve right away. Enjoy your tasty Irish pub burger with your favorite sides like fries or a fresh salad. Dig in and savor every bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to make a lighter version of this Irish pub burger. Just be mindful of cooking it slightly longer, as turkey may take a bit more time to reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How to Caramelize Onions Quickly?
If you’re short on time, increase the heat to medium-high and add a splash of water or broth to the onions. This can speed up the caramelizing process, but keep a close eye to prevent them from burning. Stir occasionally until they turn a nice golden color, about 8-10 minutes.
What Can I Use Instead of Irish Cheddar?
If you can’t find Irish cheddar, feel free to use any sharp cheddar or even a creamy Gouda for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the cheese melts well to enhance the burger’s deliciousness!
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds. Consider reheating the buns separately to keep them nice and toasty!
