If you’re looking for the ultimate gourmet burger with authentic Italian flavors, this Italian-Style Burger with Smoked Scamorza delivers everything: juicy beef patties, creamy melted smoked scamorza cheese, crispy pancetta, sweet-spicy caramelized onions, and a bright lemon garlic aioli. Inspired by Tuscan ingredients and elevated burger craftsmanship, this recipe transforms a classic cheeseburger into an unforgettable Italian-inspired meal.
Perfect for summer grilling, weekend cookouts, or an indulgent dinner at home, this burger combines rich smoky flavor with fresh Mediterranean ingredients for a restaurant-quality result.
Difficulty : easy
Prep time : 5 minutes
Cook time : 8 minutes
Doses for : 4 burgers
For the Burgers
-4 beef patties
-4 slices Smoked Scamorza
-4 thin slices Pancetta
- 4 burger buns
- Sliced tomatoes
- Fresh arugula
For the Hot Honey Caramelized Onions
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into half moons
- 1 tablespoon Acacia Honey
- Pinch red pepper flakes
For the Lemon Garlic Aioli
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons 1923 Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
- Salt to taste
1 Place the pancetta in a cold pan and heat over medium-low until fat is rendered and pancetta is crispy.
2. Remove pancetta from pan and drain on a paper towel lined plate, set aside.
3. In the same pan, with the rendered fat, add the onion. Cook on medium heat until dark in color. Add water as needed to prevent burning. When onions are done, top with honey and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
4. Combine mayonnaise, 1923 oil, lemon zest and juice, grated garlic, and chopped chives in a bowl, mix well. Season with salt. Taste and adjust as needed.
5. Heat a cast iron or grill pan over high heat, or heat grill to high.
6. Place beef patties in pan or on grill. Cook for 4 minutes. Flip burgers. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes before topping each burger with scamorza. Cook 2 additional minutes for cheese to soften and melt and burgers to cook to medium.
7. Build burgers by layering arugula and tomatoes onto the bottom bun. Top with cooked burger patties. Add crispy pancetta, hot honey caramelized onions, and smear top bun with lemon, garlic aioli.
8. Serve hot.
Use High-Quality Beef
An 80/20 ground beef blend creates the juiciest burger with excellent flavor.
Don’t Overwork the Patties
Handle the meat gently to keep the burgers tender.
Toast the Buns
Lightly toasted buns help hold the juicy toppings together and add texture.
Let the Cheese Fully Melt
Smoked scamorza becomes incredibly creamy when properly melted over hot beef.
Pair these smoked scamorza burgers with:
