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Summer Caprese Burgers

Irresistible Summer Caprese Burgers with Pesto Mayo

Delicious Summer Caprese Burgers with Pesto Mayo feature juicy beef patties, creamy mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil, perfect for summer grilling.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Chilling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 48 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Burgers
  • 1 pound Ground Chuck or ground turkey or plant-based meat
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt sea salt makes a great substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper freshly ground brings the best flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder or use fresh onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves minced or garlic powder if in a pinch
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Oregano or dried oregano if fresh is unavailable
  • 1 small Red Onion chopped; can substitute with white or yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste optional; boosts flavor and moisture
For Assembly
  • 1/4 cup Balsamic Glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs or regular breadcrumbs for a denser burger
  • 4 pieces Hamburger Buns whole-grain or gluten-free if necessary
  • 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella burrata can be a luxurious substitute
  • 4 slices Tomato Slices ripe beefsteak or heirloom varieties recommended
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Basil Leaves or spinach/arugula for a twist
For the Pesto Mayo
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • 1/4 cup Basil Pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto as an alternative

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Mixing Bowl
  • meat thermometer
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Summer Caprese Burgers
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chuck with kosher salt, cracked black pepper, onion powder, minced garlic, fresh oregano, chopped red onion, tomato paste, balsamic glaze, and panko bread crumbs. Mix gently using your hands until well incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  2. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties roughly ¾ inch thick. Press a thumbprint into the center of each patty to help prevent them from puffing up while cooking. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
  3. Preheat your grill to high heat, about 450°F to 500°F. To prevent sticking, oil the grates using a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil.
  4. Once the grill is hot, carefully place the patties on the grates. Cook for about 4 minutes on one side without moving them. Flip the patties and continue grilling for another 4 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature.
  5. Prepare your buns by placing them cut-side down on the grill for about 1 minute to lightly toast. Layer each bun with a grilled patty, fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
  6. Whisk together mayonnaise and basil pesto in a small bowl until well blended. Spread a generous amount of pesto mayo on the inside of each toasted bun before placing the patties on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1burgerCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

High-quality ingredients yield the best flavor. Avoid overworking the meat for tender patties.

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