Dried cherries are not just for trail mix, baked goods, and salads. Their lightly sweet, tart flavor also makes a delicious addition to savory dishes, including these juicy cherry burgers topped with smoked Gouda and griddled onions.
Inspired by the Plevalean burger created by Ray Pleva of Pleva’s Meats in Cedar in 1988, this Northern Michigan cherry burger recipe celebrates one of the region’s most beloved fruits. Finely chopped dried cherries are mixed directly into the ground beef, creating a satisfying balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in every bite.
Why Add Dried Cherries to Burgers?
When finely chopped and mixed into ground beef, dried cherries add subtle sweetness without overpowering the burger’s savory flavor. Their fruity tartness pairs especially well with Worcestershire sauce, smoky cheese, caramelized onions, and grilled meats.
This recipe is also an unexpected answer when you are searching for recipes using dried cherries beyond the usual cookies, breads, and desserts. It takes a familiar cookout favorite and gives it a distinctly Northern Michigan twist.
A Savory Dried Cherry Recipe for Grilling Season
Many dried cherry recipes lean sweet, but dried cherries work equally well in savory meals. They can be added to grain salads, sauces, stuffing, chicken dishes, and even burgers.
Among recipes with dried cherries, this burger stands out because it is easy to prepare and requires only a handful of familiar ingredients. Smoked Gouda deepens the flavor, while griddled onions add a rich, savory finish. If you have been looking through dried cherries recipes for something new to make, this is a simple place to start.
How to Make Cherry Burgers
You won’t need much to make delicious cherry burgers. Stop by Oryana or your local co-op and pick up these ingredients to get started!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup gluten-free or wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- Smoked gouda slices (or plain cheddar cheese is also good)
Griddled onions:
- 1 large yellow, white, or red onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 burger buns
Instructions
- If you are making griddled onions, start this first. Slice the onion evenly and sauté in olive oil over medium heat until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
- Preheat a grill to medium.
- Place beef in a large bowl and gently mix in the cherries, breadcrumbs, and seasonings until well combined. Divide into 4 equal portions and form into 1/2-inch-thick patties.
- Oil the grill rack. Grill the patties until browned, 3-4 minutes per side, or cooked to your liking. After flipping the burgers, place gouda cheese slices on top of them and close the grill until cooked. Assemble the burgers on the buns with a pile of onions and your favorite toppings and garnishes.
Make This Cherry Burger Recipe Your Own
Smoked Gouda complements the dried cherries with a rich, smoky flavor, but plain cheddar is also a delicious option. Add lettuce, tomato, mustard, pickles, or your favorite burger sauce to finish each burger. Serve them with potato salad, grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or another cookout favorite.
Keep Grilling with Oryana
We love helping at-home chefs get creative. With fresh, sustainable produce, local products, and a friendly, helpful staff, you can always rely on Oryana for quality options and creative recipes! From delicious burgers on the grill to savory soups and delectable desserts, we love to help shoppers unleash their creativity!
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