Beef Burgers on Pretzel Buns with Cheddar Sauce & Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds

Prepare Ingredients:

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Wash the fresh produce. Slice the burger buns in half lengthwise. Pick the thyme leaves; discarding stems. Peel and slice the onion into rings. Thinly slice the sweet potato in to ½ cm thick rounds.

Bake Sweet Potatoes:

On a lined baking tray, season the sweet potato with salt and pepper enough olive oil to thoroughly coat. Arrange in a single layer and bake for about 15 minutes or until browned. Remove from oven and sprinkle with thyme.

Make Burger Patties:

While the sweet potatoes roast, in a large bowl, combine the beef and breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper and mix to thoroughly combine. Divide the mixture to form 2 equal patties. Set aside.

Make Cheese Sauce:

In a small pot, completely melt the butter on medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden. Slowly whisk in the milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce the heat to low, slowly add the cheese and cook, whisking constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the sauce is smooth and lumps are removed. Remove from heat and season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside in a warm place.

Cook Burgers:

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick pan on medium until hot. Add the burger patties and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium, or to your preferred doneness. You can check the doneness by cutting a small slit in 1 of the burgers. Transfer the burgers to a plate, leaving any drippings in the pan, and let rest for at least 5 minutes.

You Plate It:

In the same pan, on medium-high heat, place the pretzel buns, cut side down, toast until slightly browned and warmed. Spread half the mustard onto the bottom of each bun. Lay a burger on top and divide the cheese sauce onto each patty. If necessary, reheat the cheese sauce with a little more milk on low. Top with as much onion as you’d like. Serve with the sweet potato rounds on the side. Enjoy!