Monterey Jack Burgers with Balsamic Onion Jam and Zucchini Fries

There are countless burger recipes out there, but this one stands out thanks to its oozy Monterey Jack cheese and sweet-tangy balsamic onion jam. It’s a combination that takes the classic burger to new heights, delivering a perfect balance of savory, creamy and slightly sweet flavors.

And we haven’t forgotten the side: crispy panko-crusted zucchini fries. They’re a delicious, crunchy finger food that adds a veggie boost to your meal. Whether you’re firing up the grill or cooking on the stovetop, these burgers are sure to become a favorite.

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Ingredients

2 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Red OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon MayonnaiseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon Balsamic VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Dried OreganoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

20 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 cup Monterey Jack CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 unit Potato BunsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon KetchupView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon Vegetable OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Adjust oven rack to top position and preheat oven to 450°F. Mince or grate garlic until you have ½ teaspoon (you’ll have a clove left over). Halve, peel and thinly slice onion. Cut zucchini into 3-inch long sections, then halve each piece lengthwise. Cut halves into thin wedges.
2. In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons mayonnaise and as much of the garlic as you like (start with a pinch and go up from there). Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Heat a large drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until nicely browned, 8-10 minutes, tossing occasionally. Stir in balsamic vinegar and 2 teaspoons sugar. Continue cooking until syrupy, 1-2 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside in another small bowl. Wash out pan.
4. While onion is cooking, toss together zucchini and 1 tablespoon of the garlic mayo in a medium bowl until wedges are evenly coated. Add panko, oregano and a large pinch of salt and pepper and toss so that crumbs stick to zucchini. Spread on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake in oven until panko is golden brown, about 15 minutes, tossing halfway through. (It’s OK if not all the breadcrumbs stick.)
5. Heat a large drizzle of oil in the pan you used for the onion over medium-high heat. Shape beef into four patties (make them slightly wider than the buns). Season with salt and pepper. Add to pan and cook until burgers almost reach desired doneness, 3-5 minutes per side. Top with cheese. Cover pan and continue cooking until cheese melts, about 1 minute.
6. While burgers cook, split buns in half and place on another baking sheet. Toast in oven until golden, about 3 minutes. Spread ketchup and remaining garlic mayo onto buns. Fill each with a burger and as much onion jam as you like. Serve with zucchini fries on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different cheese instead of Monterey Jack?

Yes, you can substitute with provolone, mozzarella or any good melting cheese.

Can I make the onion jam ahead of time?

Absolutely! The balsamic onion jam can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.

How do I make the zucchini fries extra crispy?

Ensure the zucchini is thoroughly dried before coating and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Tossing halfway through baking also helps.