Italian Meats and Poultry Recipes - Olive-Topped Pork Burgers

Ingredients           

• 1 pound ground pork

• 1 1/4 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, crushed

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 ounces fontina cheese or mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup pitted green olives, coarsely chopped

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• Dash crushed red pepper

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Method:

1. In a large bowl combine ground pork, 1 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning, the salt, and black pepper; mix well. Form mixture into four 3kinch-thick patties.

2. Place patties on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals. Grill for 14 to 18 minutes or until done (160°F)* and juices run clear, turning once halfway through grilling.

3. Top burgers with cheese. Grill for 1 to 2 minutes more or until cheese begins to melt.

4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine olives, olive oil, crushed red pepper, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Serve burgers with olive mixture.

Note: The internal color of a burger is not a reliable doneness indicator. A pork patty cooked to 160°F is safe, regardless of color. To measure the doneness of a patty, insert an instant-read thermometer through the side of the patty to a depth of 2 to 3 inches.