If you’re looking for the perfect show-stopping dish for your holiday celebrations, this Christmas burger recipe has everything you need to bring festive cheer to your plate. Juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and a burst of seasonal flavors make this dish a must-have for your Christmas menu. With just the right mix of savory, sweet, and tangy elements, it’s bound to be a hit. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just want to indulge in the ultimate festive treat, these Christmas burgers deliver on all fronts.
This recipe combines the best flavors of the holiday season into one unforgettable dish. The sweet and savory contrasts, the crispy sprouts, and the creamy cranberry mayo all work in harmony to create a burger that’s both indulgent and festive. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself during the most wonderful time of the year, these Christmas burgers are a gift to your taste buds.
]This ultimate Christmas burger is part of my Christmas series. For another delicious Christmas inspired dinner recipe try my Pomegranate chicken and brussels sprouts bake. If you like brussels sprouts, my brie and bacon brussels sprouts are a game changer! If you are a beef burger lover, try my pepperoni pizza burgers.
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Ingredients
Beef mince - The foundation of a great burger is high-quality mince. I prefer using a blend with just the right amount of fat for juicy, flavorful patties.
Dried thyme, paprika and rosemary - These herbs and spices bring warm, earthy notes that are synonymous with Christmas. They infuse the beef patties with a festive aroma and taste.
Garlic salt - A touch of garlic adds depth of flavor, while the salt enhances all the other ingredients.
Egg - This binds the mince together, ensuring the patties hold their shape while staying tender.
Brussels sprouts - Adding a sautéed Brussels sprout mixture gives these Christmas burgers a nod to a classic holiday side dish, and it’s packed with texture and flavor.
Shallot and maple syrup - The sweet caramelization of shallots paired with the subtle sweetness of maple syrup balances the savory elements perfectly.
Cheese - Use cheddar or your favorite leftover Christmas cheese for that creamy, melty topping to your Christmas burgers.
Cranberry mayonnaise - A quick mix of cranberry sauce and mayo creates a tangy, creamy spread that ties everything together beautifully.
Brioche buns - Soft, slightly sweet brioche buns are perfect for this recipe as they complement the richness of the burger. Toasting the burger buns adds a subtle crunch.
Bacon - Bacon adds a savory, umami flavor to the Christmas burgers, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the cranberry mayo and the richness of the cheese. I love using bacon lardons here.
Pigs in blankets (optional) - These mini sausages wrapped in bacon are a fun, indulgent garnish that takes your Christmas burgers to the next level.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Burger prep
- Step 1: Start by preheating your oven and beginning to cook the pigs in blankets according to the package instructions. While they bake, thinly slice the Brussels sprouts and shallots. In a mixing bowl, combine the beef mince with the egg, thyme, paprika, rosemary, garlic salt, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.
- Step 2: Divide the mixture into four portions and shape into balls. Add each patty to a square of parchment paper, getting ready to smash them down in the pan.
Building the burgers
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for 2 minutes until it starts to crisp and stir in the shallots for a further 2 minutes. Add the Brussels sprouts, and maple syrup and sauté until tender and caramelized, then turn the heat to lowest while you cook the burgers.
- Step 2: In a separate pan, heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Smash the patties patty side down into the hot pan, push the parchment paper down with a spatula then remove it. Cook for 3–4 minutes until golden brown then flip over and cook for a further 1-2 minutes.
- Step 3: Place a slice of cheese on each. Cover the pan with a lid for 30 seconds to allow the cheese to melt perfectly. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Step 4: Toast the brioche buns for a light crunch. Spread the cranberry mayonnaise on the bottom brioche bun, followed by a generous layer of the Brussels sprout mixture. Add the cheesy beef patty on top. If you’re feeling extra festive, skewer a pig in a blanket through the top of the buns for a fun garnish.
Hint: Thinly slice the Brussels sprouts for even caramelization, and don’t overcrowd the pan. This ensures they stay crisp and golden.
Substitutions
Beef mince - If you want to switch things up, try using ground turkey thighs for a leaner festive option, lamb mince for a rich and gamey twist, or even plant-based mince for a vegetarian version that’s still hearty and delicious.
Dried thyme and rosemary - For a different herb profile, use Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence for a fragrant touch, or swap for fresh thyme and rosemary for an extra burst of festive flavours.
Garlic salt - Replace with a mix of granulated garlic and regular salt. If you want a bolder flavor, try onion salt or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky edge.
Egg - Use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoon water) for a plant-based binder, or a splash of buttermilk to keep the patties moist and tender.
For the toppings
Brussels sprouts - Swap these with shredded kale or thinly sliced cabbage or red cabbage for a similar crunch, or try baby spinach for a milder green that cooks quickly.
Shallot - Substitute with red onion for a slightly stronger flavor, or green onions for a milder, fresher alternative.
Maple syrup - Use honey for a floral sweetness, agave syrup for a vegan option, or even brown sugar for a caramel-like depth.
Cheddar or Christmas cheese - Swap with Swiss cheese for nutty creaminess, blue cheese for a bold tang, or vegan cheddar slices for a plant-based option.
Cranberry sauce - Replace with red currant jelly or lingonberry jam for a tart alternative, or use cherry preserves for a unique sweet-tart flavor.
Mayonnaise - Opt for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy twist, vegan mayo for a plant-based option, or sour cream for a slightly richer spread. You could also mix the cranberry sauce with ketchup for a cranberry ketchup.
Brioche buns - Use potato rolls for a softer texture, ciabatta buns for a crustier bite, or gluten-free buns for a dietary-friendly choice.
Pigs in blankets - Swap with mini veggie sausages for a meat-free option, cocktail sausages for a simpler garnish, or omit entirely if you want a lighter burger.
Variations
Turkey Christmas Burger - Swap the beef mince for ground turkey and make turkey burgers topped with stuffing and christmas cheese or leftover elements from your Christmas dinner for a true holiday vibe in the Christmas burgers.
Vegetarian Christmas Burger - Use a plant-based patty and caramelized mushrooms instead of bacon for a meat-free festive delight.
Spicy Christmas Burger - Add chili flakes to the patty mixture and a layer of jalapeño cranberry chutney for a fiery kick to the Christmas burgers.
Christmas Dinner Burger - For extra festive burgers, add leftover Christmas dinner elements on top of the burgers including onion stuffing, roast potatoes and turkey gravy. Swap the beef mince out and make turkey patties for a turkey burger recipe.
Equipment
2 large pans
Cutting board
Storage
To store leftover Christmas burgers, separate each component: burger patties, buns, and sautéed sprouts. Wrap patties in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month. Store sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat patties in a pan or oven until warmed through and crisp the sprouts on the stovetop. Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
Top Tip
Place a lid or foil over the pan when adding cheese to lock in heat and create a gooey melt and toast the buns lightly for added texture and to prevent sogginess from the cranberry mayo.
FAQ
A Christmas burger or any cooked burger should not sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature to avoid bacteria growth. In warmer environments (above 90°F/32°C), this window shortens to 1 hour.
Ingredients like egg or breadcrumbs help bind the patty mixture, ensuring your Christmas burger doesn’t fall apart during cooking. Properly shaping and chilling the patties before cooking also helps.
This depends on appetite! On average, one to two Christmas burgers is a satisfying portion for most people, especially with festive sides like fries or salad.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with these Christmas burgers:
Recipe
The Ultimate Festive Christmas Burgers Recipe
Equipment
- 2 large pans
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 500 g beef mince
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Salt and pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoon mayonaise
- 300 g brussels sprouts
- 4 brioche buns
- 1-2 shallots
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 4 slices cheddar or leftover Christmas cheese
- 4 pigs and blankets optional
- 200g Bacon Lardons
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven and beginning to cook the pigs in blankets according to the package instructions. While they bake, thinly slice the Brussels sprouts and shallots. In a mixing bowl, combine the beef mince with the egg, thyme, paprika, rosemary, garlic salt, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.500 g beef mince, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon rosemary, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, Salt and pepper, 1 egg, 300 g brussels sprouts, 1-2 shallots, 4 pigs and blankets
- Divide the mixture into four portions and shape into balls. Add each patty to a square of parchment paper, getting ready to smash them down in the pan.
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for 2 minutes until it starts to crisp and stir in the shallots for a further 2 minutes. Add the Brussels sprouts, and maple syrup and sauté until tender and caramelized, then turn the heat to lowest while you cook the burgers.300 g brussels sprouts, 1-2 shallots, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 200g Bacon, 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- In a separate pan, heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Smash the patties patty side down into the hot pan, push the parchment paper down with a spatula then remove it. Cook for 3–4 minutes until golden brown then flip over and cook for a further 1-2 minutes.
- Place a slice of cheese on each. Cover the pan with a lid for 30 seconds to allow the cheese to melt perfectly. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 160°F (71°C).4 slices cheddar
- Toast the brioche buns for a light crunch. Spread the cranberry mayonnaise on the bottom bun, followed by a generous layer of the Brussels sprout mixture. Add the cheesy beef patty on top. If you’re feeling extra festive, skewer a pig in a blanket and place it on top for a fun garnish.1 tablespoon cranberry sauce, 2 tablespoon mayonaise, 4 brioche buns
