This Bruschetta Burger Recipe Captures the Spirit of Summer

I like to think of this burger as summer on a plate.

Juicy, perfectly grilled beef patties sit atop crisp artisan bread and melty mozzarella, and are crowned with a vibrant tomato-basil bruschetta topping. It’s part burger, part open-faced sandwich, and all flavor.

Each bite delivers the satisfying taste of summer. Forget the bun — this one’s built for flavor-forward entertaining or a weeknight dinner that feels a little bit fancy.

Bruschetta Burgers

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4–6

Ingredients

For the Burgers

1½ pounds ground 80/20 beefSalt and pepper, to taste4–6 thick slices of artisan bread1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Bruschetta Topping

1 (16-ounce) container cherrytomatoes (about 2 cups), sliced1 large clove of garlic, minced½ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly slicedSalt and pepper, to taste¼ cup olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

2. Form the beef into 4–6 oval patties, slightly larger than your slices of bread to ensure full coverage. Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Make the bruschetta topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and basil. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with ¼ cup olive oil. Toss gently and set aside to marinate while you grill.

4. Prepare the bread: Lightly brush artisan bread slices with olive oil on both sides.

5. Grill the patties: Place patties on the grill. When juices begin to pool on the surface, flip and cook to your desired doneness (about 4–5 minutes per side for medium).

6. Grill the bread: After 2–3 minutes, flip the bread over, then top each slice with shredded mozzarella. Continue to grill until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

7. Assemble the burgers: Place a grilled patty on top of each cheesy bread slice. Spoon a generous helping of the bruschetta topping over each burger.