Dinner

Ultimate Christmas Burger Recipe

ByNoah Steele February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

Introduction

The Ultimate Christmas Burger is a festive twist on a classic favorite, featuring rich flavors of beef, smoked pancetta, and tangy blue cheese sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this burger combines cozy ingredients that celebrate the season in every bite.

Two sesame seed buns each hold a layered burger placed on a blue board over a white marbled surface. The bottom bun is golden brown with a dark reddish sauce spread on top. A thick, brown grilled beef patty sits above the sauce, topped with a fluffy white creamy sauce. On top, there is a layer of deep red leafy lettuce and crispy reddish-brown bacon strips. The golden sesame seed top bun crowns each burger. In the background, soft focused lights and glassware add a warm tone, and a white bowl with creamy sauce is placed to the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

20g unsalted butter
1 banana shallot, finely chopped

500g 12% fat beef mince
40g fresh breadcrumbs

1 egg yolk
2 tsp English mustard

½ tsp cracked black pepper
8 thin slices of smoked pancetta
2 tbsp vegetable oil

4 brioche burger buns
4 tbsp cranberry sauce
Chicory or salad leaves, to serve

80g crumbled blue cheese (stilton works well)
1 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp soured cream

Instructions

Step 1: Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat until foaming. Add the finely chopped shallots with a pinch of salt and fry gently for 10 minutes until softened and translucent. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the beef mince, cooled shallots, fresh breadcrumbs, egg yolk, English mustard, cracked black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Use your hands to mix thoroughly until well combined. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a burger patty. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook, up to 48 hours.
Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium. Arrange the pancetta slices on a baking tray and grill for 3-4 minutes until crisp. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: To make the blue cheese sauce, mix the crumbled blue cheese, mayonnaise, and soured cream in a bowl. Season to taste and set aside.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan)/gas mark 7. Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook the burger patties for 3 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer to a baking tray and finish cooking in the oven for 10-12 minutes until cooked through. Remove from oven and cover loosely, letting the patties rest for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Toast the cut sides of the brioche buns in a dry frying pan until golden. Spread each bun base with cranberry sauce. Top with a burger patty, a dollop of blue cheese sauce, chicory or salad leaves, and crispy pancetta. Finish with the bun tops and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter holiday option, replace the beef mince with 500g turkey mince and follow the same method to create a Christmas turkey burger.

Storage

Cooked burgers are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven to prevent drying out. Keep any leftover blue cheese sauce refrigerated and use within 2 days.