My Almost Famous Fresh Mozzarella Stuffed Pesto Burgers Recipes

FRESH MOZZARELLA-STUFFED PESTO BURGERS WITH PESTO-MAYO, RED ONION, LETTUCE & TOMATO

Steps:

• In large mixing bowl, mix dry pesto mixes into hamburger well. I add a little ground beef at a time, broken up, and sprinkle a little of each of the mixes evenly across, a fourth at a time, for easier mixing.
• Shape into 8 thin patties, (they will be large). *I do this onto 2 large cookie sheets lined with foil. (Make sure edges are nice and smooth, not cracked).
• Top 4 patties with 2-3 thick slices of mozzarella cheese evenly, in the center, within 1/2" to edge. Top each with the remaining patties and seal edges very well. Place all onto one of the sheets and take out to the grill.
• Sprinkle tops with fresh ground black pepper and Montreal Steak Seasoning.
• In very small bowl, mix mayo and jarred pesto sauce for spreading later.
• Grill burgers, approximately 14-16 minutes total, turning once, or until burgers are done, over medium grill. *Do not press or flatten burgers with spatula, you will squeeze out all of the good juices, separate the patties, and lose half the cheese, too!
• When burgers are just about done, grill buns lightly. Spread inside top rolls with pesto mayo, place a nice bed of lettuce onto bottom buns, top with burgers.
• Top each with sliced tomato and red onion. Place on tops and enjoy! *Easiest eaten sliced in half. (*Leftover burgers reheat well in microwave on low, too.)

PESTO HAMBURGERS

Steps:

• Shape beef into four 3/4-in.-thick patties. Season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, cook patties over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes on each side. , Top each burger with a slice of cheese, 2 tablespoons pesto and pepper strips. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until cheese is melted, about 2 minutes. Serve on buns.

PESTO & MOZZARELLA-STUFFED BURGERS

Steps:

• Heat grill to medium heat.
• Mix meat, 2 Tbsp. pesto sauce and garlic just until blended; shape into 8 (1/4-inch-thick) patties. Combine 1/4 cup mozzarella and 1 Tbsp. of the remaining pesto sauce; spoon onto centers of 4 patties. Top with remaining patties; pinch edges together to seal.
• Grill 5 to 7 min. on each side or until done (160°F). Top with remaining mozzarella; grill 1 to 2 min. or until melted.
• Mix mayo, Parmesan and remaining pesto sauce until blended; spread onto bottom halves of rolls. Cover with burgers and tops of rolls.

FRESH MOZZARELLA PESTO BRUSCHETTA

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and basil. Set aside.
• Place ciabatta rolls on a baking sheet with cut sides facing up. Brush with remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with 1/4 cup asiago cheese, and broil 2 minutes, or until golden.
• Spread each roll half with 1 tablespoon pesto, and top with 4 slices of fresh mozzarella. Divide tomatoes evenly over mozzarella, and top with remaining asiago cheese. Serve.