Caprese burger with pesto and basil mayo
- Preparation 20 min
- Cooking 12 min
- Servings 4 burgers
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Caprese Burger with Pesto Mayo, Mozzarella & Balsamic Glaze: An Italian-Inspired Showstopper 🍅🧀
Craving something that screams summer but feels like a gourmet bistro? This caprese burger brings all the bold flavors of Italy straight to your grill. Juicy beef patties seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a touch of balsamic meet creamy fresh mozzarella, ripe tomato slices, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze—layered on a toasted brioche bun slathered in homemade pesto mayo. Yeah… this mozzarella burger is kind of a big deal.
Whether you’re looking for a twist on the classic cheeseburger or an Italian-style burger that’ll impress your guests, this one ticks all the boxes: juicy, herby, creamy, tangy, and totally irresistible. Serve it with a crisp glass of Chianti or an easygoing craft beer, and prepare for applause at the dinner table.
This basil burger is proof that when you mix comfort food with fresh Mediterranean flavors, magic happens—bite after glorious bite.
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🍔 Don’t skimp on the herbs
Italian herbs in the patty + fresh basil in the mayo = an explosion of Mediterranean flavor. It turns a simple burger into something straight out of a trattoria.
🧄 Add a splash of white wine to the patties
It boosts the aroma and keeps the beef tender and juicy. Small move, huge upgrade.
🌿 Pesto mayo = magic sauce
Whip it up with good-quality basil pesto and creamy mayo. It ties everything together and adds that extra indulgent twist.
🧀 Go for real fresh mozzarella
Skip the block cheese! Slices of fresh mozzarella melt just enough over the hot patty while keeping that soft, dreamy texture.
🔥 Grill your buttered buns
A golden, crispy brioche bun straight off the BBQ adds texture and holds everything in place. Plus, buttery grilled bread? Yes, please.
🍅 Pick ripe, juicy tomatoes
Big, vibrant, garden-fresh tomatoes cut into thick slices bring sweetness and balance to every bite.
🍽️ Build it right
Mayo on both buns, hot patty, mozzarella, tomato, fresh basil, and a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze. Stick a skewer through it all — this flavor tower needs stability!
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For the pesto mayo
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp basil pesto
- 10 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
For the patties
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp white wine
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp balsamic reduction
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
For assembling the Caprese burger
- Buttered brioche burger buns
- 680 g (1.5 lb) fresh mozzarella, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, as needed
- Balsamic glaze
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Preparation
Prepare the pesto mayo
- In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients together. Taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and yes—lick the spoon (optional but highly recommended). Chill in the fridge until ready to use.
Make the patties
- In a large bowl, combine all patty ingredients. Season with pepper and mix until you get a uniform texture. Form 3 or 4 patties, depending on your preferred size.
Cook the burgers
- Preheat your grill to high heat and oil the grates. Grill the patties for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking. Lightly toast the brioche buns.
Assemble the burgers
- Generously spread the pesto mayo on the inside of the buns. On the bottom bun, place a patty, followed by a slice of fresh mozzarella, a tomato slice, a few fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Top with the other half of the bun, skewer to hold everything in place, and dig in immediately!
A brioche bun is ideal: soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for balancing the flavors of the pesto, cheese, and balsamic glaze.
Absolutely! This burger works great with ground chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like a legume-based patty or grilled portobello mushroom.
Yes! You can cook the patties in a hot skillet or grill pan. Just make sure to sear both sides well and cook through to your desired doneness.
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