Swedish Blonde Burger


You know how there's that one person who can always seem to get a party started? 

Well, that's how I feel about the 4th of July when it comes to Summer BBQing!

Even if you think you aren't in the mood... your smile grows a bit brighter as you see that flag waving in the wind.  And your eyes become a bit wider as you can't help yourself from pulling off the road for the larger-than-life fireworks tent.  Your man heads off to the "big boom" section, while you head straight to the pink sparklers.  And finally, you know you're hooked, when you search your closet for a bit of blue to add to your red and white outfit, while singing Neil Diamond's Coming to America... out loud, even.

And then out comes the grill.  And the burgers.  And the beans.  And the beer.



And did I say burgers?  Nothing like a good burger on the grill.


So this week, I've had burgers on my mind.  And since July 4th is this week, I knew I had to create something special.

And special, this burger is.  The kind of burger that would make Bobby Flay... and The Swedish Chef proud.

I wanted to create something completely unique, completely delicious, and full of fun.  So, I decided to go back to my heritage.  And I got my inspiration from my Grandmother's Swedish Meatballs.

First, by adding the eggs, breadcrumbs, milk and parsley to the ground beef, I was able to get the moist texture of a meatball.  And with the addition of the cardamom, the Swedish flavor really came out, and brought me back to my childhood... love this spice!

I added some aioli for some creaminess, with just the right amount of freshness from the dill.  And then I thought it needed some crunch.  So, I created a slaw, chock full of goodies like sliced apples, fennel and green onions (and don't be scared away by the fennel.  I didn't think I liked raw fennel before I tried this slaw.  So yummy!)  The dressing is simple, but has a perfect balance of sweetness from the honey and acid from the champagne vinegar.  All perfectly complementing each other.  And with each layer of the burger adding a unique texture to every bite.

Top off the patty with an ooey, gooey semi-soft white cheese, and put it all on a fluffy bakery hamburger bun...

läcker (delicious in Swedish!)

So, why the blonde?

Because I still think blondes have more fun... even blonde burgers.


Swedish Blonde Burger

For the Burger:

2 pounds ground beef
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup plain bread crumbs
2 tablespoons milk
1-1/2 teaspoon dried shallots
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Cheese slices- I used Muenster, but any mild, semi-soft cheese will work
Hamburger buns

Mix together all ingredients.  Add more milk or bread crumbs to reach desired texture if needed.  Press into patties and grill on the barbeque or pan fry.  Add on cheese slices for the last few minutes.

For the Apple, Fennel, Green Onion Honey Slaw:

2 red apples, peeled and cut into thin slices
1 fennel bulb, thinly julienned
4 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup champagne vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix together all ingredients in a small bowl.  Add more honey or vinegar depending on taste (I prefer it a bit sweeter).  And check for seasoning.  Refrigerate until needed.

For the Dill Aioli:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix together all ingredients.  Check for seasoning.  Refrigerate until needed.

To Assemble:

Spread a layer of aioli on the bottom bun, then top with Swedish meatball patty and then slaw.  Serve.

Comments

  1. Oh, man, do these burgers look outstanding! A combination of toppings that never would have occurred to me...but now I am craving one of your stunning burgers!

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    1. Thank you so much Liz!! It was so much fun to play around with the ingredients! ;-)

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  2. I was very intrigued by your title and couldn't wait to find out what a Swedish blond is! This sounds amazing and that fennel apple slaw on the top really does add so much character and pizzaz! Very nice. I must try this recipe!!!
    Renee - Kudos Kitchen

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  3. Oh mah gaw. Di...you have like...made me want a burger for breakfast. And that slaw? Girl...probably should be illegal.

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    1. Oh, yum... this would be good for breakfast! Might have to throw an egg on it next time too ;-)

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  4. Oh wow! These look so delicious - what unique ingredients!

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    1. Thanks Conni! This has been such a fun #SundaySupper!

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  5. You had me at burgers, beans and beer... Then you slapped me with this awesome burger! Oh My Goodness... I love the flavors! Love the apple fennel onion slaw. Yumm-O all around!

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  6. Lecker! (German for delicious). Apple, fennel, and oh that slaw. I'd take this blonde burger any day.

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    1. Thank you Renee! And cute on the German ;-) Hope you give it a try... the slaw alone made me swoon!

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  7. I love this idea! A swedish meatball burger is genius, plus I love to have a little sweet with my salty, so I think I'd really enjoy this combo! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks Courtney!!! All the extra flavors really brightened up the burger patty. And I agree on the sweet and salty combo!

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  8. I really love the combination of flavors in these burgers. That apple slaw looks absolutely amazing!

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    1. Thank you Rachel! Perhaps not the healthiest of burgers, but I gave myself a few points for the fruits and veggies ;-)

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  9. Oh. My. God. I can't wait to try this. It sounds amazing. I'm always looking for ways to improve or experiment with burgers. Thanks.

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    1. ;-) Awesome, Chris!!! Hope you give it a shot, or at least use as an inspiration in your own new creation!

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  10. I LOVE your burger...one of my favorite things to do is create really fun, unique burgers! Love the apple-fennel slaw...I'm a recent fennel convert and take part in a fun #FennelFriday monthly cooking club to feature fennel and fennel pollen spices.

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    1. That is awesome, Wendy! So glad you found fennel. I fell in love with it roasted, and now am excited to a way that I also enjoy it raw! I'll have to check out your group... sounds fun!

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  11. What a creative, delicious looking burger. I love, love, love it!!

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    1. Thank you Tara!!! Appreciate you stopping by! ;-)

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  12. I love the addition of the fennel. How creative!

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    1. Thank you Jennie! It added an extra nice crunch!

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  13. The flavors here Di, so interesting! Cardamom? I never would´ve thought of adding it to a burger. Love the slaw and of course the title!

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    1. Thank you Paula! It really added a lovely flavor to the patty... and glad you liked the name too- gotta have fun w/your food :-) Thanks for stopping by!!!

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  14. I really like the unique ingredients you added to top this burger - it sounds great!

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    1. Hi Katie! Thank you, and hopefully it inspires in your next BBQ!

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  15. WOW this burger is seriously making me drool!! Fabulous flavors in there, a definite MUST make!!

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  16. Love that you've introduced your Swedish heritage to this American holiday. Melted white cheese on anything is pretty stellar, too. Your fennel slaw is a keeper. And as always, Diana, you are a wonderful storyteller =)

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    1. Thank you so much, Kim! And I'm with you on melted cheese- yum! :-)

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  17. Yep, love your apple slaw also - especially the fennel. Swedish Meatballs always make me think of New Year's Eve from my childhood. It was just my parents and I, and we never really went out and did anything. We just stayed home, and for some reason, my mom had a tradition of making swedish meatballs. It was the only time all year we had them, and I still have good memories of them.

    My stomach seriously just grumbled looking at your pictures of this amazing cocoction!

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    1. That is so cool, Lori! We always had Swedish Meatballs over the holidays too!! So glad this brought back some fun memories... and hope you give it a try! :-)

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  18. I love every single thing on this gorgeous burger - I want to...no MUST...have one!

    ...and now I will be singing that song for the rest of the week, thankyouverymuch. ;P

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    1. lol! And thanks Heather! I'll be singing it too, and thinking of you! Enjoy the burger! :-)

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  19. I've never heard of a burger like this and I'm seriously interested in that slaw-it sounds fabulous! You burger looks beautiful too!

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    1. That is so sweet, Heather! Than you for stopping by!! :-)

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  20. This is such a unique combination of flavors! It sounds and looks fantastic!

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    1. Thanks Sarah!! I appreciate you stopping by! :-)

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  21. These burgers look amazing! I am so intrigued by the apple fennel slaw.... sounds delicious!

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  22. Thank you Sarah! Appreciate you stopping by! ;-)

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  23. Yummy! Thanks for stopping by Granny's.

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  24. This looks so amazing Diana! I love muenster cheese too, so always happy to see that on top of a burger.

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    1. Thanks Susan! Yes, muenster is a favorite on just about anything!!! ;-)

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  25. oh my goodness, Diana. . this burger looks amazing!!! just in time for the 4th!

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  26. Oh my! I really need these in my life!! I love your idea of Swedish meatball inspired burger and cardamom sounds great in there! So does your slaw and aioli!

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    1. Thanks Soni!!! I adore cardamom too. Appreciate you stopping by! :-)

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  27. That burger looks amazing! Who can resist Swedish meatballs? Then to turn that into a burger dripping with cheese, and look at that aoili! I could go for one right now

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    1. I know... aren't Swedish Meatballs the best??? Hope you enjoy!! :-)

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  28. Thank you Alice! Hope you had a great holiday! :-)

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