Boxing Day Pork Burger - Day 20

The day after Christmas presents the perfect opportunity to relish in some post-holiday relaxation, and what better way to do so than with a delectable Boxing Day Burger? This burger masterfully brings together festive favourites in a satisfying, flavour-packed bite. Imagine sinking your teeth into layers of smoky pulled pork, savoury stuffing, crispy bacon, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy brie, all nestled within a toasted bun.

This culinary creation is not only a delicious way to enjoy your leftovers but also a fun and innovative twist on the classic burger. As you dive into this recipe, you'll find that it's all about balancing textures and flavours to create something truly special. Each element—from the tender pulled pork to the crispy bacon and rich brie—has been carefully chosen to complement one another, ensuring that every bite is an explosion of taste.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step to prepare the perfect Boxing Day Burger, from sourcing the best ingredients to assembling your burger. Whether you're an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. The key is to use quality ingredients and take your time in preparing each component.

Gather your leftovers and follow along to create a burger that’s not just a meal but a festive experience. This recipe will help you turn those Christmas remnants into a gourmet dish that you’ll want to make year after year.

To begin crafting your Boxing Day Burger, gather smoked pulled pork, stuffing, bacon, cranberry sauce, and brie. Each ingredient is vital for building layers of flavour and texture that make this burger truly special.

Ingredients

• When it comes to pulled pork, opt for a quality cut from your local butcher. Freshness is key, and a well-sourced pork shoulder will make all the difference.
• For the bacon, select thick-cut slices to ensure they remain crispy and add a delightful crunch.
• Brie, with its creamy texture and rich flavour, should be chosen with care. Visit a reputable cheese shop and ask for a ripe, high-quality brie. This will melt beautifully and add a luxurious touch to your burger.
• Cranberry sauce is another component where quality can elevate the dish. While store-bought versions are convenient, making your own cranberry sauce can provide a fresher, tangier flavour that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. If you decide to make it from scratch, you’ll need fresh cranberries, sugar, and a bit of orange zest for an added festive twist.
• For the stuffing, consider making it yourself using fresh ingredients. A simple stuffing made with bread cubes, onions, celery, chicken stock, and herbs like sage and thyme will do the trick. Freshly made stuffing adds a hearty element and complements the pork perfectly.
• In addition to these main components, you’ll need a good quality bun to hold everything together. Choose a sturdy, toasted bun that can handle the juicy pulled pork and other fillings without becoming soggy.

By selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients, you’ll set the foundation for a Boxing Day Burger that’s both delicious and memorable.

Method

1. Begin by selecting a pork shoulder, also referred to as a pork butt. Rub it generously with a mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of brown sugar for a hint of sweetness. This spice rub will form a flavourful crust as the pork smokes, adding depth to the final dish.
2. Preheat your smoker to 110°C (225°F). Place the pork shoulder in the smoker and let it cook slowly for several hours, usually around 6 to 8, until it reaches an internal temperature of 90°C (195°F). This low and slow cooking method ensures the meat becomes tender and juicy, breaking down the connective tissues for that perfect pulled texture. Or if like me the slow cooker works just as well.

While the pork is smoking, keep an eye on the temperature and occasionally spritz the meat with apple juice or a mix of apple juice and water. This helps to maintain moisture and adds a subtle sweetness to the pork.

3. Once the pork has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for about 30 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more succulent.
4. After resting, use two forks to shred the pork. The meat should pull apart easily if it’s cooked properly. Mix in any remaining juices from the cooking process to enhance the flavour and ensure the pork is moist.

If you prefer a bit of sauce with your pulled pork, you can mix in a homemade barbecue sauce. To make a simple sauce, combine tomato ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and a bit of smoked paprika in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened, then mix it into the shredded pork to taste.

This tender, flavourful pulled pork will be the star of your Boxing Day Burger, bringing a smoky richness that pairs perfectly with the other components.

Homemade Stuffing

Stuffing adds a hearty element to the burger, complementing the richness of the pork. To prepare your stuffing, begin with a base of bread cubes. Choose a mix of white and wholemeal breads for added texture and flavour.

First, melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and celery, cooking until they become tender and translucent. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary. These herbs will impart a festive aroma and depth of flavour to your stuffing.

Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large mixing bowl and add the bread cubes. Gradually pour in warm chicken stock, stirring gently to combine. The bread should be moist but not overly saturated. The key is to achieve a balance where the stuffing holds together without becoming mushy.

For an added festive twist, consider incorporating some extras. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans bring a delightful crunch, while dried cranberries or apples add a touch of sweetness. These ingredients enhance the stuffing’s complexity and make each bite more interesting.

Once your mixture is well combined, transfer it to a baking dish. Spread it out evenly and cover with foil. Bake in an oven preheated to 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes. After this initial bake, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. This two-step baking process ensures the stuffing is both moist inside and crisp on the outside.

Once baked, let the stuffing cool slightly before handling. This will make it easier to scoop and layer onto your burger. The warm, savoury flavours of the stuffing will meld perfectly with the smoky pulled pork and creamy brie, creating a harmonious bite.

Adding freshly made stuffing to your Boxing Day Burger is a brilliant way to enjoy this classic holiday side dish in a new and exciting form.

5. Bacon brings a savoury, crispy element to the burger. To achieve the perfect crispiness, lay your bacon strips on a lined baking tray. Bake in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even cooking.

If you’re looking to experiment with flavours, consider using maple-glazed bacon or bacon sprinkled with a hint of chilli powder for a spicy kick. This additional step can bring a unique dimension to your Boxing Day Burger.

6. When the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the oven and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. This will help keep the bacon crunchy and prevent it from becoming too greasy when added to your burger.
7. For a smokier flavour, you could also cook the bacon on a grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lay the bacon strips directly on the grates. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the bacon, until it reaches your preferred level of crispiness. Keep a close eye on the bacon as it cooks, as it can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quite quickly.
8. Another method to consider is pan-frying the bacon. Place the strips in a cold pan and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until they are evenly crispy. This method allows you to easily control the cooking process and achieve a consistent texture. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

No matter which cooking method you choose, the goal is to achieve bacon that is both crispy and flavourful, adding an irresistible crunch to your Boxing Day Burger.

Time To Assemble

9. Begin by placing the bottom half of your toasted bun on a plate. This foundation will provide the necessary support for the delicious layers to come. Start with a generous portion of your smoked pulled pork, spreading it evenly across the bun. This will ensure that every bite is packed with smoky goodness.
10. Next, add a scoop of your freshly made stuffing. Spread it evenly over the pulled pork to create a uniform layer. The stuffing’s savoury and herbaceous notes will meld beautifully with the rich pork, enhancing the overall flavour profile.
11. Lay a few crispy bacon strips on top of the stuffing. The bacon will add a satisfying crunch and a burst of umami that complements the other ingredients. Arrange the bacon so that it covers the stuffing evenly, ensuring that each mouthful includes a bit of crispy bacon.

12. Now, it's time for the brie. Cut a slice or two of the creamy cheese and place it over the bacon. The brie’s smooth texture and rich flavour will contrast nicely with the crispy bacon and pulled pork, adding a touch of luxury to your burger.
13. To balance these rich flavours, spread a generous amount of cranberry sauce on the underside of the top bun. The tangy, sweet sauce will cut through the richness of the meat and cheese, providing a refreshing contrast that ties all the elements together.
14. Carefully place the top bun over the assembled layers. Gently press down to ensure everything stays in place but not so hard that the fillings spill out.

Your Boxing Day Burger is now ready to be enjoyed. Each bite should be a delightful combination of smoky, savoury, crispy, creamy, and tangy elements, showcasing the best of your festive leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

When serving your Boxing Day Burger, think about sides that will complement its rich and diverse flavours. Sweet potato fries make an excellent choice, providing a sweet, crispy contrast to the savoury burger. You can bake them in the oven with a light seasoning of salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for a touch of warmth. If you prefer a lighter side, a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette can balance the burger's richness with its refreshing crunch.

For a unique twist, consider serving roasted Brussels sprouts or parsnip crisps. These seasonal vegetables not only add a touch of festivity but also bring additional textures and flavours to the meal. Roasted Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or parsnip crisps seasoned with rosemary can enhance the overall dining experience.

In terms of beverages, a crisp apple cider or your favourite ale pairs beautifully with the Boxing Day Burger, bringing out the festive flavours. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, spiced apple juice or ginger ale can provide a refreshing counterbalance to the meal’s richness.

For those with a sweet tooth, a dessert that follows the festive theme can be a delightful way to end the meal. Think about serving a slice of Christmas pudding with a dollop of brandy butter or a mince pie with a side of vanilla ice cream. These classic desserts round off the Boxing Day feast perfectly, offering a sweet conclusion to your celebratory burger experience.

Additionally, consider serving your Boxing Day Burger on a festive platter and adding some seasonal garnishes like sprigs of rosemary or cranberry clusters to make the presentation extra special. This not only elevates the visual appeal but also ties together the festive theme of your meal.

By thoughtfully pairing your Boxing Day Burger with these sides and beverages, you'll create a well-rounded, satisfying meal that celebrates the holiday spirit. Whether you're enjoying it with family or friends, this unique burger and its accompaniments are sure to impress and delight.

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*