Note: This post is sponsored in conjunction with #BBQWeek. I received product samples from sponsors to use in creating #BBQWeek recipes. However, all opinions are my own.
Peppercorn Blue Cheese Burgers with Cherry Sauce: Your Ultimate Summer Grilling Sensation
Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary adventure with these Peppercorn Blue Cheese Burgers with Cherry Sauce. This recipe is more than just a burger; it’s a symphony of bold flavors meticulously crafted to deliver an explosion of taste in every single bite. From the moment you take that first juicy mouthful, you’ll experience the delightful contrast of a spicy peppercorn-crusted patty, the pungent creaminess of sharp blue cheese, the zesty tang of Dijon mustard, the fresh kick of peppery arugula, and the surprising, sweet-savory embrace of a homemade cherry sauce. It’s a combination so irresistible, it’s destined to become your new grilling obsession, enjoyed on repeat all summer long.
And what better way to complement this sensational burger than with a cool, invigorating glass of Pineapple Ginger Lemonade? It’s the perfect refreshing pairing for your backyard BBQ.
The Art of Flavor: Why This Burger Reigns Supreme
Every element in this burger plays a crucial role, creating a harmonious blend that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a masterful balance of tangy, sharp, and subtly sweet notes – a combination that, in my book, truly elevates a simple burger to gourmet status. Forget your ordinary backyard fare; this is a burger designed to impress, delight, and satisfy even the most discerning palate.
As summer approaches and the kids eagerly await their last day of school, my thoughts naturally turn to long, leisurely days and, of course, the joy of grilling. While there might be a few sentimental tears as we bid farewell to wonderful teachers, the promise of less structured mornings and spontaneous backyard cookouts is a sweet relief. Grilling season is officially upon us, and with it, the perfect opportunity to experiment with bold, exciting recipes like this one.
My son, a true burger connoisseur, usually sticks to the classics – a plain burger with cheese, lettuce, and pickles. And while I adore his simple tastes, my husband and I are always on the hunt for something extraordinary. For me, blue cheese is a non-negotiable burger topping, adding a luxurious depth that transforms any patty. My husband, ever the adventurous eater, often opts for a fried egg to complete his burger masterpiece. This recipe, however, is designed for those who crave a vibrant departure from the ordinary, a burger that truly stands out in a crowd.
One bite of these Peppercorn Blue Cheese Burgers with Cherry Sauce and I was in burger bliss.
Deconstructing the Flavor Profile
Let’s delve deeper into what makes these burgers so incredibly special. Each ingredient contributes a distinct layer to the overall flavor experience:
- The Peppercorn-Crusted Patty: We start with a high-quality ground beef patty, generously seasoned and then coated with coarsely cracked peppercorns. As the burger sizzles on the grill, the peppercorns form a delectable, aromatic crust, delivering a spicy kick and a delightful textural contrast with every bite.
- Sharp Blue Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese, added in the final moments of grilling, melts perfectly over the hot patty. Its signature pungent, salty, and creamy notes are the ideal counterpoint to the robust beef and spicy peppercorns, adding a layer of sophisticated flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Tangy Dijon Mustard: A generous spread of Dijon mustard on the bottom bun acts as the perfect foundation. Its bright, zesty tang cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese, awakening the palate and preparing it for the symphony of flavors to come.
- Spicy Arugula: Fresh arugula leaves provide a vibrant, peppery bite and a refreshing crispness. This leafy green adds a slight bitterness and an herbaceous note that complements the other strong flavors beautifully, offering a welcome textural crunch.
- Sweet Cherry Sauce (Not Ketchup): This is truly the game-changer. Ditching traditional ketchup for a unique Cherry Chipotle Not Ketchup offers an unexpected sweetness intertwined with a subtle smoky heat. It ties all the elements together, providing a fruit-forward, tangy, and slightly spicy finish that perfectly rounds out the burger’s complex profile.
These individual components combine to create a burger that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a testament to how bold flavors, thoughtfully paired, can transform a classic dish into an extraordinary one.
Tangy, sharp and slightly sweet is what you’ll get from one bite of these Peppercorn Blue Cheese Burgers with Cherry Sauce!
To complete this incredible meal, I served these burgers with some golden-crisp steak fries. To elevate the fries, I seasoned them with the delicious Burgers, Fries and More multi-seasoning from Adams Extracts. This seasoning is absolutely fantastic, and I’m genuinely excited to explore their other blends on all my grilling adventures this summer. The right side dish can truly enhance the entire meal, and these perfectly seasoned fries were the ideal companion to our flavor-packed burgers.
Mastering the Peppercorn Blue Cheese Burger: Tips for Success
Creating these gourmet burgers at home is surprisingly simple, but a few tips can ensure you achieve grilling perfection every time:
- Choose Quality Beef: Starting with 80/20 ground beef is crucial. The fat content ensures a juicy, flavorful patty that won’t dry out on the grill. Gently form your patties to avoid overworking the meat, which can lead to tough burgers.
- Cracked Peppercorns are Key: Don’t use finely ground pepper. Coarsely cracked peppercorns provide that essential textural crunch and a burst of fresh, spicy flavor when you bite into the patty. Pressing them firmly onto one side ensures they adhere and create that beautiful crust.
- Grill to Perfection: Medium heat is your friend. It allows the peppercorns to crisp without burning and gives the burger a nice sear while cooking through evenly. A meat thermometer can help you achieve your desired doneness, typically 160°F (71°C) for medium.
- Timing the Blue Cheese: Add the blue cheese in the last minute of cooking. This allows it just enough time to melt into a creamy, gooey topping without completely disappearing or burning.
- Layering for Impact: Assemble your burger thoughtfully. The Dijon mustard provides a zingy base, followed by the fresh crunch of arugula, the robust patty, and finally, the crowning glory of the sweet and tangy cherry chipotle sauce. Each layer contributes to the overall sensory experience.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality burgers right from your own grill!
Peppercorn Blue Cheese Burgers with Cherry Sauce
Cook
Total
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 4 servings
These Peppercorn Blue Cheese Burgers with Cherry Sauce are an explosion of amazing flavors. From the peppercorn crusted patty, the sharp blue cheese, tangy dijon mustard, spicy arugula and the sweet cherry ketchup, it’s an all-around winning combo you must devour ASAP!
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 lbs ground beef, (I use 80/20)
- kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coarsely cracked peppercorns
- 4 ounces blue cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 handfuls arugula leaves
- 1/4 cup Cherry Chipotle Not Ketchup
Instructions
- Form beef into 4 patties. Sprinkle with salt.
- Place peppercorns onto plate and press one side of each patty onto the peppercorns.
- Grill patties on the grill, over medium heat about 10 minutes (5 mins per side)
- Divide blue cheese evenly among burgers the last 1 minute of cooking so it melts.
- Onto the bottom of each hamburger bun, spread Dijon mustard. Top with arugula, burger patty and top with cherry chipotle not ketchup.
Courses Dinner
Cuisine American
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 4 servings
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 556 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 29 g | 45% | |
Saturated Fat 13 g | 65% | |
Trans Fat 2 g | ||
Cholesterol 134 mg | 45% | |
Sodium 367 mg | 15% | |
Total Carbohydrates 26 g | 9% | |
Dietary Fiber 1 g | 4% | |
6 g | ||
Protein 42 g | 84% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
What are your go-to burger toppings? Share your favorites in the comments below!
Stay tuned for another exciting burger recipe coming up this Friday for #BurgerMonth! We’re absolutely loving these culinary events and hope you are too. I’ve got plenty more grilling inspiration and delicious summer content planned, so be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated and never miss a savory bite.
Spotlight on Key Ingredients: Not Ketchup Cherry Chipotle
The star of our burger’s topping, the Cherry Chipotle Not Ketchup, is an exceptional product from fellow blogger, Erika, of In Erika’s Kitchen. This sauce is truly a revelation – a fantastic sweet and smoky alternative to traditional ketchup. I was so impressed with its unique flavor profile that I’m eager to try her other varieties! What’s more, her Not Ketchup line is crafted with no added sugar, no corn syrup, and no artificial sweeteners, making them gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, paleo, vegan, low-carb, and Whole30 friendly. You can explore her full range of delicious sauces on Amazon (affiliate link).
Join the Celebration: #BBQWeek and Our Amazing Sponsors!
Welcome to #BBQWEEK! This exciting event brings together over 20 bloggers to share more than 70 incredible recipes, perfect for your summer grilling season. Beyond the delicious food, we’re thrilled to offer you the chance to win one of three fantastic prizes, generously provided by our wonderful sponsors. A huge thank you to Michigan Asparagus for supplying bloggers with freshly harvested asparagus, to Adams Extract & Spice for their exceptional rubs and spices that elevate any grilling creation, and to Not Ketchup for giving bloggers their choice of sauce to inspire these fantastic dishes.
Be sure to enter the giveaway for your chance to experience these amazing products firsthand. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enhance your own culinary adventures!
Explore More #BBQWeek Delights from Our Fellow Bloggers
Curious about what other delicious dishes were whipped up during #BBQWeek? Check out these fantastic recipes from our fellow bloggers:
- Cherry Chipotle Bourbon Baked Beans by Cookaholic Wife
- Charred Corn Salsa by The Freshman Cook
- Cherry Chipotle Grilled Pork Tenderloin by Tip Garden
- Everything Bagel Pasta Salad by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Grilled Asparagus Salad by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Grilled Chicken Tikki Tacos by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Grilled Kale Salad with Ricotta by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Grilled Nam Prik Shrimp Skewers by 4 Sons ‘R’ Us
- Grilled Spiced Blue Hawaiian Cocktail by Daily Dish Recipes
- Grilled Stuffed Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
- Real Hawaiian Macaroni Salad by Jonesin’ For Taste
- Jersey Style Hot Dogs by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Peppercorn Blue Cheese Burgers with Cherry Sauce by Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
- Seasoned Barbecue Butter Shrimp Skewers by Family Around the Table
- Sweet & Spicy Tangerine Shrimp & Pineapple Kabobs by Books n’ Cooks
- Texas-Style Smoked Beef Ribs by Palatable Pastime
#BBQWeek Giveaway: Prizes from Our Generous Sponsors
We’re thrilled to announce an epic giveaway during #BBQWeek! Enter for your chance to win one of these fantastic prizes:
Prize Number 1: $100 Gift Card Courtesy of Michigan Asparagus (Value $100)
Michigan Asparagus is renowned for its premium, hand-snapped fresh asparagus, typically available from May to June. Grown primarily in Oceana County along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, Michigan Asparagus boasts exceptional flavor and an impressive shelf life. This nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetable is naturally free of fat and cholesterol, and very low in sodium. Approximately 120 local Michigan farmers collectively produce around 20 million pounds of this fresh asparagus during the state’s 6-7 week harvest. Remember to choose U.S.-grown asparagus for the freshest possible product, supporting local farmers and enjoying peak flavor.
Prize Number 2: Not Ketchup Sampler 5-Pack (Value $40)
Not Ketchup offers an innovative line of gourmet grilling and dipping sauces made from fruit, completely free of added sugar, corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners. These versatile sauces are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, paleo, vegan, low-carb, and Whole30 friendly, making them a perfect choice for various dietary needs. The sampler pack includes five exciting flavors, each designed to complement different dishes:
- Tangerine Hatch Chile Not Ketchup: This unique blend features sweet-tart California tangerines with a delightful touch of heat from authentic Hatch chiles sourced from New Mexico. It pairs wonderfully with fish, chicken, and turkey.
- Cherry Chipotle Not Ketchup: A rich combination of ripe cherries with the subtle, smoky warmth of chipotle pepper. An excellent choice for burgers, steak, salmon, ribs, and meatballs.
- Blueberry White Pepper Not Ketchup: This sauce takes blueberries in a savory direction, with a hint of mustard and a gentle kick of white pepper. Fantastic with lamb chops, shrimp, scallops, pork tenderloin, and goat cheese.
- Smoky Date Not Ketchup: Blends the natural sweetness of sun-ripened California dates with the aromatic depth of smoked paprika. Ideal for pork chops, roast turkey, rotisserie chicken, ham, and sausages.
- Spiced Fig Not Ketchup: A luxurious fusion of rich California Mission figs with warm spices like cinnamon, anise, and black pepper. A sublime accompaniment for leg of lamb, steak, roast chicken, and cheddar cheese.
Prize Number 3: A bottle of vanilla and a selection of rubs from Adams Extract & Flavors (Value $30)
Adams Extract & Flavors has a rich history spanning over 125 years, evolving from humble beginnings in Battle Creek, Michigan, to a deeply rooted presence in Texas. Throughout its journey, one principle has remained constant: an unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality and most innovative products and services. Their mission is simple yet profound: to make great food taste even better! Today, Adams proudly manufactures and markets a diverse range of products under various Adams Brand banners, including Adams Best®, Adams Extract®, Adams® Seasoning & Spice, Adams Reserve®, Flavor King™, Pantry Basics™, Sear-n-Crust®, ClearVan™, Carniceria®, Cocina del Rey®, Naturals™, and Urban Canner™, alongside their Adams Frozen Skillet Desserts and Adams Premium Ice Cream lines. Their extracts, flavorings, and spices are a testament to their dedication to culinary excellence.
Click here to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway!
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Disclaimer: Thank you to #BBQWeek Sponsors Adam’s Extracts, Michigan Asparagus, and Not Ketchup for providing the prizes free of charge. These sponsors also provided bloggers with samples and product to use for creating #BBQWeek recipes. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.
The #BBQWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. There will be three winning entries that will be verified. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The #BBQWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize package. Participating bloggers and their immediate family members cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with social channels mentioned in the #BBQWeek posts or entry.