
These aren't your average backyard burgers. Packed with tangy blue cheese crumbles inside and out crispy bites of pancetta and my special blue cheese sauce they're something truly special. I started making these for family BBQs and now everyone begs for them. The homemade brioche buns make all the difference trust me.
What Makes These Special
There's just something magical about how the sharp blue cheese melts into the juicy beef while that crispy pancetta adds the perfect crunch. My kids were skeptical at first but now they fight over the last burger. I love making these whether we're grilling outside on a sunny day or cooking inside on a cozy night.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful patties.
- Blue Cheese: 1/2 cup crumbled, for tangy richness in both patties and sauce.
- Pancetta: 4-6 slices, crisped to perfection for a crunchy topping.
- Onion Chutney: 1/4 cup, sweet and tangy to complement the savory burger.
- Brioche Buns: 4 buns, soft and buttery, toasted lightly for added texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Mix
- In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef with 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese. Season with salt and pepper, mixing gently to avoid overworking. Shape into 4 patties, 1 inch thick, with a thumb indent in the center. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Crisp the Pancetta
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Lay 4-6 pancetta slices in a single layer and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the Blue Cheese Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese and 1/4 cup cream. Heat on low, stirring constantly until smooth. Season with a pinch of pepper and set aside.
- Cook the Burgers
- Heat a grill or skillet over high heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness, or adjust timing for your preferred level of doneness.
- Assemble the Burgers
- Toast brioche buns lightly. Spread 1 tablespoon of onion chutney on the bottom bun, add a cooked patty, top with pancetta, drizzle with blue cheese sauce, and add fresh greens. Place the top bun on and serve.

My Secret Tips
The key to perfect burgers is being gentle with the meat don't squish it too much when mixing. Pop them in the fridge before cooking they'll hold shape better on the grill. Not big on blue cheese? Try feta or goat cheese instead. Oh and those brioche buns give them a quick toast it makes such a difference.
Perfect Pairings
We love munching on sweet potato fries or beer battered onion rings alongside these burgers. A fresh garden salad or tangy coleslaw helps cut through all that richness. Don't forget your favorite cold drink to wash it all down.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I throw on some spicy jalapeños or drizzle hot honey for extra kick. My vegetarian friends swap the beef for a big grilled portobello cap. Want to get fancy? Try topping with caramelized onions creamy avocado or a runny fried egg. The possibilities are endless.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
- You can prepare the patties and blue cheese sauce up to 24 hours ahead. Keep the uncooked patties covered in the refrigerator and make sure to bring them to room temperature before cooking.
- → Why do I need to chill the patties?
- Chilling the patties for 30 minutes helps them hold together better during cooking. It also allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the burgers from falling apart on the grill.
- → Can I substitute the pancetta?
- Yes, you can use regular bacon instead of pancetta. Just make sure to cook it until crispy. The smoky flavor will complement the blue cheese well.
- → What type of blue cheese works best?
- Any good quality blue cheese will work well in these burgers. Stilton is traditional for British recipes, but Gorgonzola or Roquefort are excellent alternatives that provide rich flavor.
- → Can I grill these burgers instead of pan-frying?
- Yes, these burgers work great on the grill. Just make sure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat and oil the grates well to prevent sticking.