If you love a burger that bursts with bold, savory flavors and melts in your mouth, you’re going to adore this Pepperoni Burger with Provolone, Brioche Buns, and Garlic Mayo Recipe. This burger combines the smoky, slightly spicy punch of pepperoni, the creamy smoothness of provolone cheese, the soft, buttery richness of brioche buns, and the luscious zing of garlic mayo, creating an irresistible flavor party in every bite. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special gathering, this recipe brings a unique twist to classic burgers that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential for nailing the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors in our Pepperoni Burger with Provolone, Brioche Buns, and Garlic Mayo Recipe. Each one plays a vital role in turning ordinary components into something extraordinary.
- 12 slices of deli-style pepperoni: Adds a spicy, smoky layer that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 red onion, finely chopped: Brings a touch of sweetness and crunch when sautéed.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Introduces fresh, mild peppery notes and vibrant color.
- 1 ½ pounds of 80/20 ground chuck: The perfect fat ratio for juicy, flavorful patties.
- A pinch of salt, garlic powder, and pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the meat’s natural taste.
- ½ cup of mayonnaise: The creamy base for our luscious garlic mayo.
- 2 tablespoons of garlic paste: Brings an intense, aromatic burst when mixed with mayo.
- Brioche buns (1 pack or 8 pieces): Soft, slightly sweet buns that cradle the flavors perfectly.
- A can of pre-made pizza sauce: Adds a zesty, tomato-rich layer that melds beautifully with the toppings.
- 12 slices of provolone cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, balancing out spicy and savory elements.
How to Make Pepperoni Burger with Provolone, Brioche Buns, and Garlic Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Chill the Patties
Shape your ground chuck into four evenly sized patties. Pop them into the fridge for 35 to 40 minutes. This chilling step is key to helping them hold their shape during grilling and ensures a juicy interior.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Mayo
While the patties chill, mix the garlic paste into the mayonnaise. This creamy, flavorful sauce is going to add a dreamy richness to your burger, so keep it aside for later and let those flavors meld.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Dice the red onions and green peppers finely. In a hot cast iron skillet, melt a bit of butter, then toss in the diced vegetables with a pinch of salt. Stir regularly for about 8 to 10 minutes until they soften and develop a comforting sweetness. Set aside when ready.
Step 4: Season and Grill the Patties
Generously sprinkle your patties with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill them over direct heat for about 6 minutes on each side, giving you that perfect char and juicy center. This seasoning combo ensures each bite is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Warm the Pepperoni
In a hot cast iron skillet, quickly warm the pepperoni slices for about 1 to 1.5 minutes on each side. This step brings out their essential oils and crispiness, adding a delightful texture contrast to the burger.
Step 6: Add the Toppings on the Grill
Flip the patties after the first side is cooked and continue grilling for 2 additional minutes. Now it’s time to build flavor layers: spoon on some pizza sauce, add a few slices of provolone cheese, and then top with the warmed pepperoni. Close the grill lid and let everything melt together for 4 minutes before transferring the patties to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Toast Buns and Assemble
Lightly toast your brioche buns to give them a slight crisp and warmth. Spread a generous amount of garlic mayo on both the top and bottom buns. Layer on the grilled patties, then crown them with the sautéed onions and peppers. Sandwich with the top bun and get ready to dive in!
How to Serve Pepperoni Burger with Provolone, Brioche Buns, and Garlic Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh garnishes can add brightness and balance to the robust flavors of your burger. Consider crisp lettuce, fresh tomato slices, or thin rings of raw red onion for an added crunch and freshness that contrast beautifully with the rich, melty layers inside.
Side Dishes
This Pepperoni Burger pairs wonderfully with classic sides like golden, crispy French fries or sweet potato wedges. For a lighter option, a tangy coleslaw or a fresh green salad can brighten your plate and refresh your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these burgers with mini skewers holding everything together, perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Another idea is to prepare “open-faced” versions where the top bun is served on the side for those who want to savor every layer separately.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover burger patties and sautéed veggies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate to avoid sogginess, and reassemble just before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep these burgers longer, freeze the cooked patties wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick and easy meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat the patties gently in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven at 350°F until warmed through. Toast the buns fresh to keep them soft on the inside and crisp on the outside, then reassemble with fresh garlic mayo and any remaining toppings.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of provolone?
Absolutely! Mozzarella or even a mild cheddar work well if you prefer a different cheese flavor, though provolone’s meltiness and subtle smokiness are perfect for this burger.
What’s the best way to prevent the patties from falling apart?
Make sure you don’t overwork the meat when forming patties and chill them before grilling. This resting step helps the patties hold their shape and stay juicy.
Can I make the garlic mayo without garlic paste?
Yes, you can substitute minced fresh garlic or even roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor. Just adjust the quantity to taste to avoid overpowering the mayo.
Is it okay to use store-bought pizza sauce?
Definitely! A good-quality store-bought pizza sauce saves time and works perfectly by adding flavorful tomato richness to the burger. You can also make your own if you prefer.
How do I make this burger spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the burger seasoning or swap classic pepperoni for a spicy variety. You can also mix a bit of chili powder into your garlic mayo for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
This Pepperoni Burger with Provolone, Brioche Buns, and Garlic Mayo Recipe is one of those unforgettable meals that hits all the right notes: melty cheese, bold pepperoni, soft buns, and a garlicky punch. It’s so satisfying and easy to customize that I promise it’ll quickly become a staple in your burger rotation. Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a gourmet burger experience right at home. You won’t regret it!
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Pepperoni Burger with Provolone, Brioche Buns, and Garlic Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pepperoni Burger with Provolone and Brioche combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground chuck patties topped with melted provolone, sautéed onions and peppers, and crispy pepperoni slices, all nestled in a soft brioche bun. The addition of garlic mayo and pizza sauce adds a rich, tangy twist that elevates this burger to a gourmet level perfect for an indulgent meal.
Ingredients
Meat & Cheese
- 1 ½ pounds of 80/20 ground chuck
- 12 slices of provolone cheese
- 12 slices of deli-style pepperoni
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons of garlic paste
- Butter (for sautéing, approx. 1-2 tablespoons)
Condiments & Sauces
- ½ cup of mayonnaise
- A can of pre-made pizza sauce (about 8 oz)
Other Ingredients
- Brioche buns (1 pack or 8 pieces)
- Salt, garlic powder, and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Chill the Patties: Shape the ground chuck into burger patties of evenly sized rounds, then place them in the fridge for 35 to 40 minutes to help them hold together during cooking.
- Prepare Garlic Mayo: Stir the garlic paste into the mayonnaise until fully combined. Set this savory spread aside to use later on the buns.
- Sauté Vegetables: Dice the red onion and green bell pepper. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat, add butter and diced veggies with a pinch of salt, and sauté while stirring continuously for 8 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and soft. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Season and Grill Patties: Generously season both sides of the chilled patties with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Grill the patties over direct heat for about 6 minutes on the first side.
- Warm Pepperoni: While the patties cook, heat a cast iron skillet and briefly warm the deli pepperoni slices, cooking each side for 1 to 1.5 minutes to bring out their crispiness and flavor.
- Finish Grilling and Add Toppings: Flip the patties after the first 6 minutes and grill the second side for 2 minutes. Then spoon pizza sauce onto each patty, layer on provolone cheese and warmed pepperoni slices. Close the grill lid and cook for another 4 minutes until cheese melts and toppings meld.
- Toast and Assemble: Lightly toast the brioche buns. Spread the prepared garlic mayo evenly on each bun half. Place the grilled patties on the bottom halves, top with the sautéed onions and peppers, then cap with the bun tops. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Using an 80/20 ground chuck ensures juicy and flavorful burgers with enough fat content.
- Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape and prevents shrinking.
- Cook pepperoni slices briefly in a skillet to enhance their flavor and add crispness.
- You can substitute pizza sauce with marinara if preferred.
- Toast the brioche buns lightly to avoid sogginess and add a pleasant texture.
- This recipe is well suited for outdoor grilling but can also be adapted for stovetop cast iron skillet cooking if needed.
