Juicy Italian Pork Burgers with Garlic Butter Buns and Crispy Oven Fries

Get ready for a burger that’s bursting with flavor! These juicy pork patties are seasoned with Italian herbs and pan-seared until golden, then topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. The real star is the tangy-sweet balsamic caramelized onions that add a perfect balance to the savory meat.

Everything is tucked into toasted brioche buns slathered with garlic butter-like garlic bread but better! Served alongside crispy oven fries seasoned with a special fry seasoning, this meal is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make at home.

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Ingredients

12 ounce Yukon Gold PotatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Red OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Brioche BunsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Fry SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon Balsamic VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Ground PorkView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Italian SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Mozzarella CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Vegetable OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425°F. Wash and dry all produce. Slice potatoes into ½-inch wedges. Halve, peel and very thinly slice red onion. Halve buns.
2. Toss potatoes on a baking sheet with a large drizzle of oil, half the Fry Seasoning, salt and pepper. Roast on top rack, flipping halfway through, until browned and crispy, 25-30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine pork, Italian Seasoning, remaining Fry Seasoning and ¾ tsp salt. Form into two ½-inch-thick patties, slightly wider than burger buns. Season all over with salt and pepper; set aside. Place 2 TBSP butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until melted, about 30 seconds. Stir in garlic powder to taste.
4. Heat a large drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. (Tip: Add a splash of water if onion begins to brown too fast.) Stir in vinegar and 1 tsp sugar; cook until jammy, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Turn off heat; transfer to a second small bowl. Wash out pan.
5. Heat another large drizzle of oil in same pan over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook until browned and cooked through, 3-5 minutes per side. Evenly top with mozzarella in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. (Tip: Cover pan to melt cheese faster.)
6. Toast buns until golden brown. Spread garlic butter onto cut sides of toasted buns. Fill buns with patties and top with caramelized onion. Divide between plates and serve with oven fries on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use ground beef instead of pork?

Yes, ground beef works well as a substitute. Adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I make the fries crispier?

Soak the potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry before tossing with oil and seasoning.

Can I prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cook the onions up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.