Name: Green Burgers with Spinach, Cheddar, and Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 onions, finely chopped; 250g bag spinach; 5 slices white bread, blitzed into breadcrumbs (or 150g dried breadcrumbs); Good grating of fresh nutmeg; 100g mature cheddar, grated; 40g Parmesan, finely grated; 1-2 large eggs, beaten; 3 tbsp plain flour; 6 crusty bread rolls; 4 ripe, juicy tomatoes, thickly sliced; Good-quality ketchup or other relish; Sweet potato fries (optional)

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

2 onions, finely chopped

250g bag spinach

5 slices white bread, blitzed into breadcrumbs (or 150g dried breadcrumbs)

Good grating of fresh nutmeg

100g mature cheddar, grated

40g Parmesan, finely grated

1-2 large eggs, beaten

3 tbsp plain flour

6 crusty bread rolls

4 ripe, juicy tomatoes, thickly sliced

Good-quality ketchup or other relish

Sweet potato fries (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat half the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and gently fry the finely chopped onions for about 10 minutes until they are pale and soft. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.

Step 2: Finely chop the spinach in a food processor, then transfer it to a large bowl. Add the cooled onions, breadcrumbs, nutmeg, cheddar, and Parmesan. Mash and mix the ingredients together well.

Step 3: Gradually add the beaten egg a little at a time, mixing until the mixture holds together. You may not need to use all the egg. Once combined, divide the mixture into eight portions and shape each into a thick burger patty.

Step 4: Place the plain flour in a shallow bowl and season it well. Dip each burger into the flour to coat lightly. Place the coated patties in a plastic container separated by layers of baking parchment if not cooking immediately. You can chill or freeze them at this stage.

Step 5: Heat the remaining olive oil in the frying pan. Fry the burgers for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve the green burgers in crusty bread rolls topped with thick slices of tomato and a spoonful of ketchup or your favorite relish. Sweet potato fries make a great side if you like.

Tips & Variations

Flouring your hands before shaping the patties helps prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers, making the process cleaner and easier.

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the burger mixture.

Swap cheddar for feta or halloumi for a different cheese flavor that pairs well with spinach.

These burgers can be baked in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes if you prefer a hands-off cooking method.

FAQs

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the patties in advance. Keep them chilled in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw fully before cooking.

What can I use instead of white bread crumbs?

If you prefer, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs depending on your dietary needs. Alternatively, crushed crackers or oats can also work as a binder in the mixture.