Caprese Burgers ~
The classic flavors of Caprese salad in a hearty and satisfying plant-based burger!
Serve with Spinach Orzo or Parsley Potato Salad.
Summer Veggie Burger Recipe
I like this recipe because the burgers are easy to make on the stovetop or outdoors on the grill and are packed with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients.
What truly sets these burgers apart is the marinated fresh tomato slices. Soaking the tomato slices in a balsamic vinegar mixture infuses them with a sweet and tangy flavor that bursts with every bite. This small step enhances the overall taste and adds a gourmet touch to the burgers.
Caprese burgers are a tasty way to enjoy the garden-fresh flavors of summer. With juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and melty mozzarella, they’re sure to be a hit at your next cookout or burger night!
Ingredients for Caprese Burgers
You will need the following:
- 8 tomato slices, 1/4-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 + 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 24 ounces plant-based ground beef
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped + 16 whole leaves for serving
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese, 1/4-inch thick
- 4 burger buns
Ingredient Notes
- Tomato – Opt for large, ripe tomatoes to ensure you get those juicy, flavorful slices that are the hallmark of any good Caprese dish.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor. It adds a sweet and tangy punch that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes.
- Mayonnaise – Regular or vegan mayonnaise works well here. It serves as the creamy base for the pesto sauce.
- Basil Pesto – Traditional pesto contains Parmesan cheese, so if you prefer a vegan option, check the label to ensure it’s dairy-free.
- Plant-Based Ground Beef – For these burgers, brands like Impossible or Beyond Meat offer great flavor and texture.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, umami depth to the burger patties. I like Violife brand vegan Parmesan.
- Fresh Basil – Fresh basil leaves are essential for that classic Caprese flavor. Use finely chopped basil in the patties and whole leaves for serving.
- Tomato Paste – Enhances the tomato flavor in the burger patties and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Fresh regular or dairy-free mozzarella slices add a creamy, melty goodness to each burger. Miyoko’s brand mozzarella is a good vegan option that softens nicely on the hot burger patties.
- Burger Buns – Lightly toasting the buns brings out their flavor and adds nice texture.
How to Make Caprese Burgers
STEP ONE: Marinate the Tomatoes – Arrange the tomato slices in a shallow dish in a single layer. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, water, salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Pour over the tomato slices and set aside.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Pesto Mayo – In the bowl used for the vinegar mixture, combine the mayonnaise and pesto. Set aside.
STEP THREE: Make the Patties – In a large bowl, combine the plant-based ground beef, Parmesan, tomato paste, salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then shape into patties.
STEP FOUR: Cook the Burgers – Heat a grill, skillet, or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the burger patties and cook for 4 minutes. Flip the burgers over and add mozzarella slices. Cook patties for an additional 4 minutes, until the cheese is softened and the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 160°F. Remove from heat and set aside.
STEP FIVE: Toast the Buns – Place the buns face-side down onto the heat source and toast for 1-2 minutes.
STEP SIX: Assemble the Burgers – Spread the pesto mayo on the bottom halves of the buns. Top each with a burger patty, marinated tomato slices, fresh basil leaves, and the top bun. Serve immediately.
FAQ
- Can I make these burgers ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the patties and marinate the tomatoes ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook patties and assemble the burgers just before serving for the best taste and texture.
- What other cheese can I use instead of mozzarella? If you prefer a different cheese, try provolone or a mild cheddar. Both will melt nicely and complement the other flavors.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover burger patties and components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
What to Serve with Caprese Burgers
Caprese burgers pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions to round out your meal:
- Garlic Parmesan Fries – Crispy fries seasoned with garlic and Parmesan are a perfect match for these burgers.
- Caprese Salad – Double down on the Caprese theme with a simple salad of tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Grilled Vegetables – A medley of grilled zucchini and yellow squash makes for a colorful and healthy side.
- Potato Salad – A classic potato salad, either creamy or vinegary, complements the flavors of the Caprese burger nicely.
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Caprese Burgers
Ingredients
- 8 tomato slices 1/4-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 + 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper divided
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 24 ounces plant-based ground beef
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh basil finely chopped + 16 whole leaves for serving
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese 1/4-inch thick
- 4 burger buns
Instructions
- Arrange the tomato slices in a shallow dish in a single layer. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, water, salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Pour over the tomato slices and set aside.
- In the bowl used for the vinegar mixture, combine the mayonnaise and pesto. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the plant-based ground beef, Parmesan, tomato paste, salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then shape into patties.
- Heat a grill, skillet, or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the burger patties and cook for 4 minutes. Flip the burgers over and add mozzarella slices. Cook patties for an additional 4 minutes, until the cheese is softened and the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 160°F. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Place the buns face-side down onto the heat source and toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Spread the pesto mayo on the bottom halves of the buns. Top each with a burger patty, marinated tomato slices, fresh basil leaves, and the top bun. Serve immediately.
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