The weather here in Southern California is definitely beginning to show signs of summer. Let’s face it, things never really get bad here – we’re very spoiled. I grew up with super harsh winters and have memories of de-icing my car door locks by pouring hot water over them (not fun). But it’s nice to feel the warm flip-flop wearing sunshine which also makes me want to start cooking outdoors more. I gave my smoker a deep clean a few days ago so that it’s ready to cook up some brisket or pork butts, and in the height of the summer I’ll probably cook more on the grill than in the kitchen.
I think a burger always needs cheese and there’s so many awesome varieties to choose from. But whether it’s on the top, the bottom or even the inside is up to you, Mr. or Mrs. burger czar. Usually I’ll put it up on top so that it’s gooey goodness melts all over the patty. This time I decided to try stuffing it inside the patty. Some say it keeps the meat more moist, but I just like the way it bursts open like a poached egg
when you take that first jaw-stretching bite. Stuffed burgers are epic and should always be part of summer!
Burrata is a really creamy- actually ultra creamy- mozzarella-type Italian cheese. Once you slice it open the cream starts to ooze like lava. It goes fantastic on a margharita pizza, but don’t count on using nice even slices like a mozzarella. This cheese is so soft that I usually just rip blobs from it and randomly dot it around the pizza. But lets get back to this burger, you can season your patties any way you like. Whatever you use, though, make sure to add a few tablespoons of fish sauce to the meat. It’s a tip I picked up from White On Rice Couple and I swear it makes a huge difference. I kept it simple by seasoning just with some salt and pepper and, of course, the fish sauce. Yeah, that’s bacon you can see. I love bacon on my burgers… no matter what else is in that bun, I need my bacon!

Burrata Stuffed Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 tablespoon cracked black pepper
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- 6 slices bacon cooked
- leaves Spinach
- 2 brioche rolls or hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the meat, fish sauce, salt and pepper until thoroughly mixed together.
- Divide the mixture into four 4 ounce balls. Form each ball into a flat patty shape.
- Place a piece of the burrata onto the center of two of the patties. You'll have extra burrata leftover.
- Take the other two patties and place them over the cheese. Carefully crimp the edges together making sure to form a good seal.
- Let the burgers rest in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Preheat your grill to a high heat.
- Once the burgers are ready for the grill, season them again on one side with some salt and pepper.
- Place them directly onto the high heat and sear for about 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, move them to an indirect heat and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Flip the burgers onto the high heat and sear the other side for 5 minutes and then 5 minutes on the indirect heat.
- Once the burgers are done let the rest for 2-3 minutes. Toast the buns over the high heat for about 20 seconds.
- Place some spinach leaves on the bottom of the bun. Lay a burger on the leaves and top with some bacon.
That is a mighty burger!
Thanks Maria, mighty is probably the best way to describe it :)
I’m coming over… not just for these burgers but for some of that Southern California sunshine you speak of. Both sound amazing!
The best!! I will try the fish sauce tip!! And buratta..you have no idea! we just rip it apart too..LOVE this!
burger (+new site) looks great!
Oh my – melty, gooey wonderful cheese! I can’t wait to see more of your grilling recipes too. But in the meantime – this burger looks very delicious. Bacon, cheese, toasted bun – it looks great!
My husband will LOVE this!
yum… i love burrata! What an awesome idea to stuff a burger with it… and fish sauce? Must try soon!
Woah. These burgers are extremely easy on the eyes and I love the tip about the fish sauce! Winner, winner, burger dinner!!
This burger… I mean, seriously?! I want to crawl inside it and never leave!
Ashley…that’s a little weird but cool at the same time!
Burrata makes everything better. And thanks for the tip on fish sauce. Sounds weird, but somehow right. Will have to try it.
This is my kind of burger, I love the burrata center!
Thanks Laura!
Burrata!!! My favorite thing ever right now, and about half the season I can’t give up dairy even though I know I would be better off if I did. But then there’s burrata and how amazing it is. Gorgeous burger.
Wow, I would hate to give up my dairy, I love my cheese to much :)
I really want to know where I can get my hands on some of that cheese to make these babies! Thanks so much! I’ve google+’d them for ya, printed the recipe off and boy am I ever glad to be following you! Thank you for your kind comment on my tortellini last week!
Hugs to ya,
Roz
You’re welcome Roz. Burrata can be found at soe of the more gourmet grocery stores or deli’s. Good luck :)
Wow, wow, wow! Your photography is spectacular! And burrata is my all-time favorite cheese. Pair it with a burger? Yes, please!
Thanks Kelly, burrata is a great cheese.
Totally mouthwatering, Gerry! This a man burger for sure, but one I would definitely enjoy too!
I am right there with you with needing to grill as much as possible as soon as summer hits! Up in Canada the temperatures aren’t quite at flip-flop levels, but my grill has already been put to use a couple times this year! I am excited to see another male blogger out there…there aren’t many of us :). Your recipes and photography looks great!
Hey Dave, your right there’s not many of us but if we stick together we can take over the internet!! Right?
This burger looks super tasty! Had my husband seen this, he would have asked me to make it for him!
That is burger perfection right there.
this looks gorgeous in every aspect of it. love that goooey cheese just melting over the charred patties. great photos and good work all round! x
Burrata-stuffed hamburger patties?! So when can I come over for dinner?!
I adore burrata and love the idea of stuffing it in a burger –brilliant!
That burger is a thing of beauty, almost a shame to eat it. ALMOST because I would most definitely destroy that thing.
I did the whole umami burger thing and it was okay, but not as great as all the fellow Eggheads made it out to be. I want to try it again with the Red Boat that I have, I was using a cheap store brand of fish sauce if memory serves.
Thanks Chris, I appreciate it coming from a bbq guru like yourself! :)
I want to THANK YOU for sharing your burger recipe!
I made these burgers yesterday with my friends while we watched the hockey playoffs!
it was simply delicious!
check out the picture i took of our version of the burgers!
http://instagram.com/p/ZEsWe6mMFn/
Shelly, I’m so glad you liked the burgers. I loved them and plan to try again with another cheese! Thanks again :)
Hi. From the UK here. When you say indirect heat, is that moving it to under a grill for the amount of time? Sorry if stupid question just never seen that phrase in a method before.
Hi Anthony, not a silly question. Indirect heat means moving it from the hottest source on the grill. Usually every grill has a hot spot on one side so moving it to the opposite side would be the indirect heat.