Gather around the table, my friends, for a burger that’s truly worthy of the harvest season. Introducing the Harvest Maple Bacon Burger with Spiced Apple Slaw – a flavor-packed masterpiece that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and bring people together. Get ready to experience a symphony of sweet, savory, and spicy notes in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Harvest Maple Bacon Burger with Spiced Apple Slaw
This burger is the epitome of fall flavors, with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a touch of heat. The juicy patty is infused with the warm, comforting notes of maple, while the crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch. The spiced apple slaw provides a refreshing contrast, with the tart apples and zesty spices cutting through the richness of the burger. Every component comes together to create a truly craveable and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for this Harvest Maple Bacon Burger with Spiced Apple Slaw include ground beef, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, crispy bacon, and a blend of fall spices for the slaw. The slaw is made with a combination of shredded cabbage, apples, and a tangy, creamy dressing.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 2 tbsp – Pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp – Dijon mustard
- 6 slices – Crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups – Shredded cabbage
- 2 – Apples, diced
- 1/2 cup – Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp – Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp – Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp – Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp – Ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp – Ground cloves
- 6 – Burger buns, toasted
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground beef: Ground turkey or a blend of ground beef and ground pork (for a different flavor profile)
- Maple syrup: Honey (dietary swap)
How to Make Harvest Maple Bacon Burger with Spiced Apple Slaw
Begin by preparing the slaw. Shred the cabbage, dice the apples, and mix them together in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the slaw dressing ingredients – mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and apple mixture, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate the slaw while you prepare the burgers.
Step 1: Prep Work
To make the burgers, start by mixing the ground beef, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard in a large bowl until well combined. Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties, being careful not to overwork the meat. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it and set it aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Lightly toast the buns on the grill or in a dry skillet.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
To assemble the burgers, place a patty on the bottom bun, top with the spiced apple slaw, crumbled bacon, and the top bun.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra touch of flavor, you can drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the top of the burgers before serving. This adds a beautiful glossy sheen and a hint of sweetness that complements the other components perfectly.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based patty or a hearty portobello mushroom cap.
- Extra Zing: Mix a bit of horseradish into the slaw dressing.
- Creamier Slaw: Use Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayonnaise.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crispy fries, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: The cooked patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the slaw will keep for up to 5 days.
Reheat: The burgers are best served immediately, but you can reheat the patties in the oven or on the stovetop.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the components in advance and assemble the burgers just before serving.
Nutrition Information
This Harvest Maple Bacon Burger with Spiced Apple Slaw is a hearty and satisfying meal, providing a balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! The slaw can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually improve as the slaw sits, allowing the spices to meld together.
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a blend of ground beef and pork for a different flavor profile.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
To keep the patties together, be sure not to overwork the meat when shaping them. Gently form the patties, taking care not to compact the meat too much.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the grill?
Absolutely! You can cook the patties in a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat, following the same cooking times.
What can I serve with these burgers?
These Harvest Maple Bacon Burgers pair wonderfully with crispy fries, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a fresh green salad. For a cozy, fall-inspired side, try serving them with a warm, creamy butternut squash soup.
Try These Next
- Caramel Apple Bacon Waffles With Maple Drizzle
- Blue Cheese Bacon Burger With Crispy Onion Straws
- Maple Bacon Cheddar Burger Melt
Harvest Maple Bacon Burger with Spiced Apple Slaw
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Grilling / Stove
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Harvest Maple Bacon Burger combines savory flavors of bacon and juicy beef patty with a sweet and tangy spiced apple slaw, perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
4 slices of bacon
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 cup coleslaw mix
1 apple, julienned
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 hamburger buns
Lettuce and sliced tomato for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
2. In the same skillet, cook the ground beef patties seasoned with salt and pepper until desired doneness, about 4-5 minutes per side.
3. In a bowl, mix the coleslaw mix with julienned apple, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and black pepper.
4. Drizzle the cooked bacon with maple syrup and return to the heat for 1 minute.
5. Assemble the burgers: place a beef patty on each bun, top with the spiced apple slaw, and drizzle with the maple bacon.
6. Add lettuce and tomato, and close the bun.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding cheese on the burger.
You can substitute the apple with pear for a different taste.
Serve with sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: burger, bacon, maple, autumn