Print

Quick Oktoberfest Pretzel Bun Burgers with Mustard Aioli

oktoberfest pretzel bun burgers - featured image

These Quick Oktoberfest Pretzel Bun Burgers with Mustard Aioli come together in under 30 minutes and taste like you actually tried. The combination of a salty, soft pretzel bun with tangy, creamy aioli and juicy beef is pure comfort food magic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher salt)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 pretzel buns
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise (full-fat)
  • 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • Pickles (optional)
  • Arugula or lettuce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Mustard Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, whole-grain mustard, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  2. Form the Patties: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Gently shape into patties, about ¾-inch thick. Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Cook the Burgers: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place patties in the hot pan. Cook for 4 minutes without moving. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium. If adding cheese, lay a slice on each patty during the last minute and cover the pan with a lid to melt.
  4. Toast the Pretzel Buns: Split pretzel buns and brush cut sides with melted butter. Place cut-side down in a separate dry skillet or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, until golden and lightly crisp.
  5. Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous spoonful of mustard aioli on the bottom half of each bun. Place the cooked patty on top. Add desired toppings (red onion, pickles, arugula). Top with the other half of the bun. Press down gently and serve.

Notes

Let the patties rest for a minute after cooking to retain juices. Don’t press down on patties while cooking. Make extra aioli for fries or sandwiches. For best results, use room temperature meat and toast buns properly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Oktoberfest, pretzel bun burgers, mustard aioli, quick dinner, weeknight meal, ground beef, German-inspired