The ultimate Christmas burger

This totally indulgent Christmas burger transforms traditional festive dinner elements into an epic burger creation, featuring turkey thighs, homemade stuffing, bubble and squeak patties, and rich gravy, all served in a brioche bun.

The ultimate Christmas burger

By Anthony Murphy
From Christmas leftovers to the ultimate Boxing Day treat.

 


Nutri-Score D - Less HealthyThis Christmas burger scores a D on the Nutri-Score scale due to its high caloric content and saturated fat levels from multiple meat components and cheese.


Equipment


Ingredients

For the Turkey Meat

  • Turkey thighs 2
  • Thyme 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Rosemary 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Cinnamon ½ tsp
  • Goose fat 2 tbsp
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Bubble and Squeak Patty

  • Potatoes 1kg, peeled and chopped
  • Swede 650g, chopped
  • Carrots 500g, chopped
  • Kale 100g, chopped
  • Butter 150g
  • Panko breadcrumbs 100g, plus 2 tbsp
  • Milk 2 tbsp
  • Flour 60g
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Stuffing Patty

  • Smoked streaky bacon 5 rashers, finely chopped
  • Goose fat 1 tbsp
  • White onions 2, finely diced
  • Garlic cloves 2, finely diced
  • Dried sage 1½ tbsp
  • Fresh breadcrumbs 60g
  • Cooked chestnuts 125g, chopped
  • Pistachios 50g, chopped
  • Apples 2, cored and finely diced
  • Sausage meat 750g
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Gravy

  • Turkey dripping or butter 120g
  • Plain flour 60g
  • Star anise 1
  • Chicken stock 1 litre, good quality

To Serve

  • Chuck steak mince 1.36kg (for 16 85g balls)
  • Jack Cheese 16 slices
  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Brioche buns 8, sliced and toasted
  • White bread 8 slices, cut into bun-sized circles
  • Pigs in blankets 8, cooked

Method

Prepare the Turkey (4 hours ahead or overnight)

  • Season turkey thighs and combine with thyme, rosemary, and cinnamon
  • Cover and refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight

Cook the Turkey

  • Preheat oven to 140C/120C Fan/Gas 1
  • Place turkey on roasting tray with goose fat
  • Cook for 3 hours until internal temperature reaches 96C
  • Cool in fat, then pull meat from bones

Make Bubble and Squeak Patties

  • Boil all vegetables in salted water for 10-15 minutes until tender
  • Mash with butter and mix in 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
  • Form into 8 patties
  • Coat in flour, milk, then breadcrumbs
  • Refrigerate until needed

Prepare Stuffing Patties

  • Caramelize bacon in goose fat
  • Add onion, garlic, and sage, cook 2-3 minutes
  • Mix in breadcrumbs, nuts, chestnuts, and apple
  • Cool mixture before adding sausage meat
  • Form into 100g patties

Make the Gravy

  • Create roux with turkey dripping and flour
  • Add star anise and gradually incorporate warm stock
  • Season and keep warm

Assembly

  • Deep fry bubble and squeak patties at 160C for 3 minutes
  • Pan-fry stuffing patties 3-5 minutes until crisp
  • Smash two chuck steak balls into patties, cook 1:45 per side
  • Top with cheese and cranberry sauce
  • Layer components: bottom bun, bubble and squeak, stuffing, gravy-soaked bread, beef patties, turkey, gravy
  • Secure with pig in blanket

What can you serve with this

  1. Triple-cooked chips – The ultimate side for this decadent burger, providing extra crunch
  2. Winter slaw – Adds freshness and crunch to balance the rich burger components
  3. Honey-roasted parsnips – Continues the Christmas theme while adding sweetness
  4. Brussels sprouts with chestnuts – Maintains the festive feel with added texture
  5. Mulled wine – A festive drink that complements the Christmas burger perfectly

Nutri-score Health Check

This Christmas burger receives a Nutri-Score of D due to several factors:

Positive nutritional aspects:
– High protein content from multiple meat sources
– Vegetable content from bubble and squeak
– Presence of fiber from vegetables and bread

Negative factors:
– High caloric density (approximately 1200 calories per burger)
– High saturated fat content from multiple meat sources and cheese
– Significant sodium content
– High carbohydrate content from multiple bread components

Note: This score has been automatically calculated from the ingredients in the recipe and is only a guide.

FAQ

  • Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
    Yes, the turkey can be cooked up to 2 days ahead, and both the bubble and squeak and stuffing patties can be made the day before.
  • What’s the best way to reheat the turkey if made ahead?
    Gently warm the pulled turkey in a pan with a little gravy or butter to prevent it from drying out.
  • Can I freeze the burger patties?
    The bubble and squeak and stuffing patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before cooking.
  • What can I substitute for goose fat?
    Duck fat or butter can be used as alternatives, though goose fat provides the most authentic Christmas flavor.
  • How do I ensure the beef patties don’t become too thick?
    Press down firmly with your spatula when the meat first hits the pan, and don’t press again after that to retain juices.
  • Can I make this burger gluten-free?
    Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns, and ensure your sausage meat is gluten-free.
  • What’s the best way to store leftover components?
    Store cooked components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Can I make a vegetarian version?
    Replace the meats with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable stock for the gravy.
  • How do I prevent the burger from falling apart?
    Use a wooden skewer or cocktail stick through the center to hold all components together.
  • What’s the best cheese alternative to Jack cheese?
    Cheddar or Gruyere work well as alternatives, providing similar melting properties.

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