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Oktoberfest Loaded Pretzel Bun Pork Burger recipe - CrennRecipes elegant-entrees oktoberfest pork burger

Oktoberfest Loaded Pretzel Bun Pork Burger


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  • Author: Chef Crenn
  • Total Time: 45
  • Yield: 4 burgers 1x

Description

The ultimate Oktoberfest celebration burger featuring juicy ground pork patties with bacon, topped with beer cheese, caramelized onions, sauerkraut, sharp cheddar, and fresh arugula on a toasted pretzel bun. Crafted for discerning home chefs seeking authentic German flavors with restaurant-quality presentation.


Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs ground pork (80/20 blend for juiciness)

6 strips applewood smoked bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled

4 pretzel burger buns, toasted

8 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, sliced

1 cup sauerkraut, drained well

2 tbsp cream cheese, softened

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup lager beer

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 cups wild arugula

1/2 cup caramelized onions

1/4 cup whole grain mustard

4 oz beer cheese spread

Pretzel salt for garnish


Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, crumbled bacon, cream cheese, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lager beer, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined – don’t overwork the meat.

2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent bulging during cooking.

3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Lightly oil the grates.

4. Cook patties for 5-6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Add cheddar cheese slices during the last 2 minutes of cooking and cover to melt.

5. While burgers cook, toast pretzel buns on the grill cut-side down for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.

6. Spread whole grain mustard on the bottom bun, add beer cheese spread, then place the pork patty with melted cheddar.

7. Top with well-drained sauerkraut, caramelized onions, and a generous handful of fresh arugula.

8. Place the top bun on, press gently, and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your Oktoberfest feast!

Notes

For extra juiciness, let patties rest 5 minutes after cooking before assembling.

Make sure sauerkraut is thoroughly drained to prevent soggy buns.

Caramelize onions ahead of time – they store well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

For an authentic beer cheese, use a German lager or bock beer in your recipe.

These burgers pair perfectly with German potato salad and a cold Märzen or Oktoberfest lager.

 

PIN THIS RECIPE: Save to your Pinterest boards for your gourmet Oktoberfest collection!

 

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  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Entrees
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1240mg
  • Fat: 48g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 26g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 145mg