Pork burgers are an underrated treat that deserve more time in the spotlight. When made right, they can be even juicier and more flavorful than classic beef burgers. The key is knowing how to prepare and cook pork burgers properly.
One of the best cooking methods for pork burgers is baking them in the oven. Oven-baking helps the burgers cook evenly all the way through without drying them out. With just a few simple steps, you can make moist, tender pork burgers with crispy edges right in your own oven.
In this comprehensive guide. we will cover everything you need to know about making mouthwatering oven-baked pork burgers including
- Benefits of Cooking Pork Burgers in the Oven
- Choosing the Right Pork for Burgers
- Prepping the Pork Burger Mix
- Forming the Patties
- Seasoning Your Pork Burgers
- Baking Temps, Times, and Tips
- Testing Doneness
- Adding Cheese
- Making Ahead
- Reheating
- Serving Suggestions
- Topping Ideas
- FAQs
Let’s get cooking!
Benefits of Baking Pork Burgers in the Oven
Cooking pork burgers in the oven offers several advantages over other cooking methods:
Even cooking: The hot air circulates around the patties, cooking them evenly on all sides. No more burgers burnt on the outside and raw on the inside!
Adds flavor: The dry oven heat helps intensify flavors as the burgers cook, giving you incredibly tasty results.
Less messy: Without hot oil splattering, oven baking is cleaner than pan frying.
Easy temperature control: It’s simpler to control the interior temperature of pork burgers in the oven.
Convenient: You can prep the burgers ahead of time and then just pop them in when you’re ready.
Versatile: The oven frees up your stovetop for cooking sides.
Choosing the Right Ground Pork
Great pork burgers start with great pork. Here are some tips for selecting the right ground pork:
Choose fresh: Look for ground pork that is bright pink with no brown or gray spots. Make sure it was ground that day.
Go for 80/20: An 80% lean to 20% fat ratio provides the best texture and moisture. Too lean and burgers get dry.
Consider shoulders: Ground pork shoulder offers more fat for flavor and tenderness.
Skip pre-packaged: Pre-formed patties often have preservatives. Fresh meat is best.
Buy in bulk: Save money by buying family packs and freezing extras. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Now let’s get prepping!
Preparing the Pork Burger Mix
A few simple binding ingredients will ensure your pork burgers hold together and stay juicy when baked.
Add an egg: Mixing in a beaten egg acts as a binder to help the burgers hold their shape.
Include oats: Quick oats absorb excess moisture for tender, not mushy, results. Use 1⁄2 cup per pound of meat.
Season ahead: Mix in desired spices, herbs, salt, and pepper so flavors permeate each bite.
Don’t overwork: Gently mix everything just until combined to avoid dense burgers.
That’s all you need for a perfect pork burger blend ready to bake!
Shaping Juicy Pork Burger Patties
Forming the patties is easy but follow these tips for the best results:
Make them thick – 3⁄4 inch is ideal. Thinner burgers overcook and dry out.
Use a scale for equal sizes. Equal sizes means equal baking times. Aim for 6 oz patties.
Make an indent in the middle. This prevents bulging as they cook.
Shape them wide, not tall. Wide, flat patties bake more evenly.
Avoid over-handling. Overworking makes them dense. Gently form into loose patties.
Prepare ahead. Formed, uncooked patties keep 1-2 days chilled.
Seasoning Your Pork Burgers
One of the joys of pork is how well it takes to different seasoning blends.
Get creative: Cumin, chili powder, Italian herbs, garlic, onion, paprika, and more all taste fantastic.
Spice it up: Mix in hot sauce or salsa for kicked-up flavor.
Stick with classics: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are simple and tasty.
Remember – less is more: Let the pork flavor shine through with restraint on seasonings.
Consider compound butters: Mixing herbs into butter and dolloping on the burgers adds richness.
Brush with flavor: Coat patties with barbecue sauce, teriyaki, or glazes before baking.
Now it’s time to get these burgers in the oven!
Baking Temps, Times, and Tips for Pork Burgers
Cooking pork burgers in the oven is simple when you follow these guidelines:
Heat it up: Preheat your oven to 400°F to quickly sear and seal in juices.
Prep the pan: Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
Don’t crowd them: Leave space between patties so air circulates for even cooking.
Flip halfway: Carefully flip them with a spatula after 12-15 minutes to prevent burning.
Watch the time: Pork burgers take 30-35 minutes total to bake until no longer pink inside.
Add cheese near the end: Lay cheese slices on 2-3 minutes before removing from the oven.
Let them rest: Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.
The oven does all the hard work for tender, juicy results!
Testing Pork Burger Doneness
Pork needs to reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F, so testing doneness is a must:
Use an instant-read thermometer and insert into the thickest part without touching the pan. This guarantees safety and prevents overcooking.
Check in a few spots since oven hot spots can cause uneven cooking.
Don’t cut to check! Doing so causes the juices to run out, resulting in a dry burger.
When the thermometer hits 160°F, the pork burgers are cooked through and ready to eat!
Melting Cheese on Pork Burgers
Adding melted cheese elevates a good pork burger into a crave-worthy cheeseburger.
Wait until the end: Add sliced cheese 1-2 minutes before removing from the oven so it melts.
Try different varieties: Swiss, cheddar, pepper jack, and provolone all taste amazing.
Top with two slices: Layer two slices per patty for ultra cheesy decadence.
Make it gooey: Spread condiments like barbecue sauce under the cheese to get saucy, melty goodness.
How to Make Oven Pork Burgers Ahead of Time
With some advance preparation, you can have oven-ready burgers waiting in the wings:
Prepare uncooked patties up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Freeze raw patties in a single layer, separated with parchment paper or wax paper, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Pre-bake the burgers then reheat in the oven later when needed. They reheat wonderfully right on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
With premade patties, dinner is just minutes away!
Reheating Leftover Pork Burgers
Leftover pork burgers reheat beautifully in the oven:
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Place burgers on a wire rack set on a baking sheet.
- Heat 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Top with cheese at the end to melt.
Microwaving is another quick option. Reheat 30 seconds at a time just until warmed through. Add cheese at the end.
Fantastic Serving Suggestions for Pork Burgers
Mouthwatering oven pork burgers deserve equally tasty accompaniments.
Brioche or pretzel buns offer a deliciously indulgent base for your burger.
Crispy fries are the classic burger pairing. Sweet potato fries are also amazing.
Coleslaw provides the refreshing crunch your burger craves.
Macaroni salad is a comforting, nostalgic accompaniment.
Vegetable skewers add bonus flavor and nutrition to the meal.
Fruit salad balances the richness of the burgers with something fresh and light.
With so many options, you can create the perfect plate!
Incredible Topping Ideas
Grilled Pork Burgers
FAQ
Can you cook burgers in the oven?
What temperature should pork burger be cooked at?
Is it better to cook burgers in the oven or on the stove?
How do you cook pork burgers in the oven?
Place the pork burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure to leave some space between each burger. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your burgers are cooked to perfection.
How to make a healthy burger?
There are different ways to make a healthy burger. Traditional bread can be replaced by wholemeal bread or skillet bread rich in fiber or other similar preparations. The sauce used can be a homemade avocado sauce or beet hummus for example. Meat can be prepared at home with ground beef and natural seasonings or you can use shredded chicken breast or canned tuna. Lettuce, tomato and onion are also welcome and a healthy burger.
How long do you cook a pork burger?
Form into 8 burgers about three-quarters of an inch thick and place on a wire rack on top of a foil or parchment-lined baking tray. This makes the cleanup way easier later on. Cook the pork burger patties for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Stop every 10 minutes to baste with barbecue sauce and flip them over and rotate the cooking tray.
What temperature should a pork burger be cooked at?
Ground pork, like ground beef, needs to cook until the internal temperature measures 160° F according to the USDA. This temperature makes sure that any bacteria present in the ground meat is destroyed while cooking. Are pork burgers good? Yes, they are a delicious and healthy alternative to beef burgers.