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The Ultimate Italian Burger: Grilled Perfection with Mozzarella, Marinara, and Garlic Bread Buns

Indulge in an extraordinary culinary experience with our Italian Burger recipe! Featuring a mouth-watering blend of Italian sausage and lean ground beef, perfectly grilled and crowned with luscious fresh mozzarella cheese, rich marinara sauce, and vibrant fresh basil, all served on a toasted garlic bread bun. This isn’t just a burger; it’s a symphony of Italian-American flavors in every bite.

Here in our home, Italian food holds a very special place in our hearts and on our dinner table. There’s an undeniable comfort and joy that comes from the rich, aromatic flavors of Italy. Whether it’s a simple plate of spaghetti or a more elaborate lasagna, Italian cuisine is consistently satisfying, offering a delightful escape with every forkful. This deep appreciation for robust Italian flavors was the direct inspiration behind our sensational Italian Burger. Just like our favorite pasta dishes, this burger is an absolute explosion of flavor, designed to be both easy to prepare and utterly delicious, making it a perfect addition to any family meal rotation. It brings together the familiar comfort of a classic burger with the bold, beloved tastes of Italy, creating a truly unforgettable dish that is sure to become a new household favorite.

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A few weekends ago, we spontaneously decided to host a grill-out on our back patio. It was a wonderful gathering, filled with all of our children and several nieces and nephews, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere. Coincidentally, I had already planned to experiment with this Italian Burger recipe, and it turned out to be perfect timing – everyone arrived with hearty appetites! Of course, feeding a crowd is rarely an issue around here; I often find myself cooking enough food to feed an entire army, ensuring there are always plenty of delicious options for everyone to enjoy. This impromptu family event provided the ideal opportunity to test out a recipe that combined the best of grilling with the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine, and it was met with enthusiastic approval from all our hungry guests.

Celebrate National Burger Month with a Flavorful Twist

Did you know that May is not only National Burger Month but also National Grilling Month? It’s truly a perfect pairing! After the long, often dreary winter months, there’s an almost universal yearning to emerge from our homes, embrace the warmth of the sunshine, and fire up the grill to create something truly magnificent. The air fills with the enticing aromas of charcoal and sizzling meats, marking the unofficial start of outdoor living and relaxed gatherings. This year, I had the pleasure of joining a fantastic group of fellow food bloggers for a special event called #BurgerMonth. This exciting culinary celebration is brilliantly hosted by Kita, the creative mind and driving force behind the renowned blog, Girl Carnivore. As soon as I signed up, I eagerly “dusted off” the part of my brain dedicated to grilling recipes, which had been comfortably stashed away since the last Tailgating Season in the fall! The challenge of creating a unique burger sparked my culinary imagination. I started bouncing ideas off my youngest son, who happens to be quite the burger aficionado himself. His discerning palate and creative input are always invaluable. Together, after much deliberation and delicious brainstorming, we conceived the idea for this truly exceptional Italian Burger. It was a stroke of genius – I already had all the necessary ingredients on hand, perfectly prepped and ready to go when the family started arriving for that wonderful, impromptu patio night I mentioned earlier. This made the whole experience effortless and enjoyable, allowing us to focus on the joy of good food and great company, proving that sometimes the best recipes come from shared moments and creative collaboration during a season dedicated to grilling excellence.

When it comes to crafting a truly flavorful Italian burger, the choice of ingredients is paramount. I often joke that I should own stock in Johnsonville Sweet Italian Sausage – it’s a staple in my kitchen! I absolutely adore that it comes already ground, which makes it incredibly versatile and convenient for countless dishes. From hearty soups and comforting meatloaf to rich stews, classic meatballs, and savory meat sauces, it’s a go-to ingredient that never disappoints. It was high time this culinary MVP made its way into a burger, and the results were spectacular. For these patties, I combined the robust flavor of sweet Italian sausage with lean ground beef, ensuring a juicy yet not overly greasy texture. To enhance the Italian essence, I incorporated Italian seasoned bread crumbs, which not only add flavor but also help bind the patties perfectly. For the toppings, a jar of good quality marinara sauce was essential, along with a generous bunch of fresh basil for its aromatic and peppery notes. And, of course, no Italian burger would be complete without cheese, so a quick stop at the cheese counter for a fresh ball of mozzarella was a must. The fresh mozzarella, with its delicate, creamy texture, melts beautifully over the hot patty, adding that irresistible gooey factor. These carefully selected ingredients come together to create a burger that truly sings with authentic Italian flavors.

When you think about Italian food, what often comes to mind as the perfect accompaniment? Without a doubt, it’s garlic bread! The crisp, buttery, and fragrant bread is a classic pairing that elevates any Italian-inspired meal. For these Italian Burgers, I knew the buns couldn’t be just ordinary; they needed to be something truly special to match the incredible flavors of the patty. That afternoon, I whipped up a batch of my renowned Roasted Garlic Butter. This homemade butter is a game-changer, infusing the hamburger buns with an incredibly rich, savory, and deeply aromatic garlic flavor that takes them to a whole new level. Spreading this golden, herb-infused butter onto the buns before toasting creates a wonderfully crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior, providing the perfect foundation for our gourmet Italian Burger. It’s these thoughtful touches that transform a simple meal into an extraordinary dining experience, where every component contributes to a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. The sweet, mellow notes of roasted garlic are simply irresistible and make these buns a true highlight.

ROASTED GARLIC BUTTER – Discover the secret to truly spectacular garlic bread with our Roasted Garlic Butter. Featuring slow-roasted and mashed garlic cloves combined with rich butter, fresh aromatic herbs, and a medley of spices, this recipe creates the most intensely flavorful and irresistibly mouth-watering garlic bread you will ever taste. It’s the perfect complement to any meal, adding a gourmet touch that’s simply unmatched!

The transformation from raw ingredients to a sizzling, flavorful Italian Burger truly begins on the grill. We carefully placed our meticulously crafted burger patties onto the heated grates, letting the magic of open flame do its work. As the burgers cooked, developing that irresistible smoky char and juicy interior, we waited for that perfect moment to flip them. Once the first flip was done, signaling they were halfway to perfection, it was time to address the star buns. I started toasting our garlic-buttered buns, ensuring they would be warm, golden, and fragrant, ready to cradle the finished patties. For this step, I relied on my fantastic new Grilling Mat. This accessory is nothing short of awesome! It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for everything from achieving a perfect toast on delicate bread like our garlic buns, to grilling more fragile meats and vegetables without worrying about them falling through the grates or sticking. The even heat distribution and non-stick surface make it a true grilling essential. Plus, the clean-up is super easy, which is always a bonus after a fun cookout. Once the burgers reached their ideal doneness, the final touch was to melt a generous slice of fresh mozzarella cheese over the top of each patty. The cheese softened and glistened, creating a tempting, gooey layer that promised a burst of creamy flavor with every bite. The grill master’s precision ensures each component is prepared to perfection, leading to an Italian Burger that is truly a culinary masterpiece.

The final step in creating this gourmet Italian Burger is the artful assembly, bringing all the delicious elements together into one harmonious package. Once your patty is perfectly grilled and the mozzarella is melted into a luscious, gooey layer, carefully place the burger onto the bottom half of your toasted garlic bread bun. The warm bun, fragrant with roasted garlic, provides an ideal foundation. Next, generously spoon some warm marinara sauce over the glistening melted cheese. This adds a sweet, tangy, and savory layer that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the meat and cheese. The warmth of the marinara enhances its aroma and ensures it mingles beautifully with every bite. To complete this masterpiece, delicately place a vibrant fresh basil leaf (or a few, depending on your preference) on top of the marinara. The basil not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also a fresh, aromatic, slightly peppery counterpoint to the richness of the other ingredients. Finally, crown your creation with the top half of the garlic bread bun. The result is an Italian Burger that is not only visually stunning but also an irresistible symphony of textures and flavors – a truly elevated burger experience that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy.

To complement these magnificent Italian Burgers, we opted for a side that’s just as gourmet and equally delicious: Alexia frozen Truffle fries. These fries are already a treat on their own, with their earthy truffle flavor, but we elevated them even further. A generous sprinkling of finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese added a sharp, salty, and wonderfully pungent kick, perfectly harmonizing with the Italian theme. To finish, a scattering of fresh Italian parsley not only provided a burst of vibrant color but also a fresh, herbaceous note that brightened the entire dish. The combination was simply divine – a culinary pairing that left us all exclaiming, “Oh. My. Word.” The rich, savory burger, the crispy, aromatic fries, and the cheesy, fresh garnish created an unforgettable meal experience that perfectly encapsulated the joy of an Italian-inspired cookout. Consider serving alongside a simple green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette to add a touch of freshness, or perhaps a light pasta salad for an even more Italian flair. No matter what you choose, this Italian Burger is sure to be the star.

Exciting Burger Month Giveaway!

We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of some truly amazing sponsors for this year’s #BurgerMonth event. Their exceptional generosity has made it possible for us to host this fantastic giveaway, offering an array of wonderful prizes to lucky participants! To enter and get your chance to win, simply use the Rafflecopter giveaway widget provided below. It’s easy to participate, and every entry not only puts you in the running for incredible prizes but also automatically enters you into the grand contest for a top-of-the-line Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill! Imagine the grilling possibilities with that beauty in your backyard! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate all things burgers and potentially upgrade your outdoor cooking setup. Good luck to everyone who enters – we can’t wait to see who wins these sweet rewards!

Seriously, I cannot recommend these Italian Burgers enough. They are the perfect way to bring a taste of Italy to your backyard grill. Make sure these delicious creations happen in your corner of the planet this weekend for an unforgettable meal!

Much Love & Sunshine,

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Italian Burger and french fries on a white plate

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Print Recipe

Italian Burger

This incredible Italian Burger brings together the robust flavors of Italian sausage and lean ground beef, perfectly grilled and then generously topped with creamy fresh mozzarella cheese, savory marinara sauce, and fragrant fresh basil, all nestled within a toasted garlic bread bun. It’s a taste sensation you won’t want to miss!

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time15 minutes

Total Time25 minutes

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Italian Burger

Servings: 8 burgers

Calories: 255kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

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

In a large bowl, combine the ground Italian sausage, lean ground beef, and Italian seasoned bread crumbs. Mix gently but thoroughly, then form the mixture into 8 evenly sized patties.
Carefully slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into rounds that will fit nicely over your burger patties. Set these slices aside.
Gently separate your fresh basil leaves from their stems and arrange them on a plate. Keep them ready for garnish.
Take your hamburger buns and generously spread them with the prepared roasted garlic butter on the cut sides. This will create incredibly flavorful garlic bread buns.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Once hot, place your burger patties on the grill. Cook for a few minutes per side. When you flip them for the first time (indicating they are halfway done), begin toasting your buttered buns. If using a grilling mat, place the buns cut-side down on the mat over indirect heat or a cooler part of the grill until golden brown and fragrant. Once toasted, remove the buns and plate them while the burgers finish cooking.
Once the burgers are cooked to your desired doneness, place a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese over the top of each burger patty. Close the grill lid (or cover with foil) for a minute or two, allowing the cheese to beautifully melt and become gooey.
To assemble, place a cheesy burger patty onto the bottom half of a toasted garlic bun. Spoon a generous amount of warm marinara sauce over the melted mozzarella. Crown with a few fresh basil leaves, then place the top bun to complete your exquisite Italian Burger. Serve immediately and enjoy every delicious bite!

Nutrition

MASTER THE BEST BURGER: TIPS & TRICKS FOR JUICY PERFECTION – Are you ready to elevate your burger game and truly master the art of the perfect patty? Dive into my comprehensive guide for achieving the tastiest, juiciest, and most satisfying burgers every single time. This resource covers everything from selecting the right meat blend and seasoning techniques to expert grilling methods and essential tips for preventing dry, crumbly burgers. Learn the secrets to forming patties that hold their shape, achieving a beautiful crust, and locking in incredible flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned grill enthusiast or a novice, these tips and tricks will transform your burger cooking, making you the ultimate grill master!

Explore ALL Of My Mouthwatering Burger Creations Here!

Discover More from Our Talented Burger Month Participants!

Join us in celebrating National Burger Month by exploring the incredible creations from our diverse group of participating bloggers. Each one brings their unique flair and expertise to the world of burgers, offering a wealth of inspiration for your next cookout. Click through to discover a wide array of innovative recipes, grilling tips, and delicious variations that will undoubtedly ignite your culinary passion. Be sure to visit their sites and show them some love!