Burger with Belgrader Cheese and Raspberry Jam

Ingredients (for 4 burgers):

For the patties:

500 g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

Other ingredients:

100–150 g Belgrader cheese (sliced)

4 burger buns (brioche buns are ideal due to their slight sweetness)

4 tablespoons raspberry jam (or cranberry, cherry, or plum jam – optional)

1 red onion (caramelized – see instructions below)

4 leaves of arugula (or lettuce, to taste)

4 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the patties:
In a bowl, mix the ground meat with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Do not overmix to keep the patties juicy.
Shape 4 patties and place them on a plate. Leave them in the fridge while preparing the other ingredients.

2. Caramelizing the onion:
In a pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Add the red onion, thinly sliced into rings, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown.
Optionally, add a teaspoon of sugar or balsamic vinegar at the end for extra sweetness.

3. Cooking the patties:
In a pan or on a grill, cook the patties for 3–4 minutes on one side.
Flip them, place a slice of Belgrader cheese on each patty, and cook for another 3–4 minutes until the cheese melts. Cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt faster.

4. Preparing the buns:
Slice the brioche buns in half and toast them on a dry pan or grill until lightly golden and crispy.

5. Assembling the burger:
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of the bun.
Add arugula or lettuce of your choice.
Place the patty with melted Belgrader cheese on top.
Add caramelized onion and a spoonful of raspberry jam.
Spread a little Dijon mustard (optional) on the top half of the bun and close the burger.

Serve:

Serve the burger with sweet potato fries or a fresh, crispy salad.
A glass of red wine or craft beer can perfectly complement this gourmet experience.

Why jam and Belgrader cheese?

Raspberry or cherry jam has a mild tangy note that pairs perfectly with the creamy, rich flavor of Belgrader.
Caramelized onion adds depth, while Dijon mustard and arugula bring a touch of sharpness — creating a perfectly balanced flavor combination.

This recipe will definitely impress you and show how a sweet-and-savory combination can completely transform the burger experience! 🍔😊