Grilled Wisconsin Apple Cheddar Pork Burgers

Introduction

These juicy Grilled Wisconsin Apple Cheddar Pork Burgers bring together the creaminess of sharp Wisconsin cheddar and natural sweetness of apples. Cooked entirely on the Arteflame grill, the reverse searing method locks in juices and infuses a beautiful crust without overcooking. With no pots or pans required, this is outdoor grilling made gourmet and simple.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground pork
• 1 cup sharp Wisconsin cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 small tart apple (like Granny Smith), peeled and finely diced
• 2 tbsp grated onion
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Butter for grilling
• 4 brioche or sturdy burger buns
• Optional toppings: arugula, caramelized onions, mustard, pickles

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on 3 paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack dry firewood on top of the soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and let the fire get going. Your Arteflame grill will be ready to cook in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Mix and shape the burger patties

1. In a large bowl, gently combine ground pork, shredded Wisconsin cheddar, diced apple, grated onion, Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Form into 4 evenly-sized burger patties about 1 inch thick, creating a small indentation in the center of each patty to help them grill evenly.

Step 3: Sear the burgers on the grill grate

1. Once the Arteflame center grill grate reaches 1,000°F, brush lightly with butter.
2. Place the pork patties on the center grill grate and sear them for 1–2 minutes per side to create a golden brown crust and lock in juices.

Step 4: Move to the flat top to finish cooking

1. Move the seared burgers onto the surrounding flat top griddle, closer to the center for higher heat or farther out for lower heat zones.
2. Continue cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F, then remove when they hit 130°F as they will continue to cook off the grill.

Step 5: Toast the buns and assemble

1. Lightly butter the burger buns and place them cut-side down on the flat cooktop until golden and warm.
2. Assemble each burger with optional toppings like arugula, caramelized onions, or mustard on the bun.

Tips

• Always remove pork burgers from the grill 15°F before your desired doneness to let them rest and finish cooking naturally.
• Use different heat zones on the Arteflame’s flat top to manage cooking speed and prevent overcooking.
• Shred the cheese and dice the apple finely so they distribute evenly in the pork mixture.
• Using butter instead of oil adds richness and a perfect golden sear on both meat and buns.
• Do not press down on the burgers while grilling – this squeezes out the juices.

Variations

1. Maple Bacon Cheddar: Add chopped crisp bacon and a teaspoon of maple syrup to the mix for a smoky-sweet flavor.
2. Spicy Jalapeño Apple: Add 1 tbsp finely chopped jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
3. Caramel Apple Onion: Top with grilled caramelized onions and an extra slice of melted cheddar.
4. Herbed Garlic Cheddar: Mix in 1 tsp fresh chopped rosemary and 1 clove grated garlic for a savory herbal edge.
5. BBQ Cheddar Pork Burger: Brush the patties with tangy BBQ sauce during the final minute on the griddle for a smoky glaze.

Best Pairings

• Grilled sweet potato wedges with rosemary butter
• Grilled corn on the cob with parmesan and lime zest
• Crisp hard apple cider or local craft beer
• Grilled peach halves for a sweet finish
• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette

Conclusion

This Arteflame Grilled Wisconsin Apple Cheddar Pork Burger recipe brings juicy flavors, bold cheddar, and mouth-watering sear thanks to reverse searing on the Arteflame’s ultra-hot grill. It’s a dish you can completely execute outdoors with almost no clean up and all the joy of juicy, flavorful grilling done right.