Grilled Havarti Burgers in Pitas

A simple way to spruce up a cheeseburger...tucked in pita bread with tangy veggies and cheese. ...MORE+ LESS-

medium tomato, sliced

1/2

medium cucumber, thinly sliced

1/4

cup purchased balsamic vinaigrette

lb. lean (at least 80%) ground beef

1/2

cup finely chopped onion (1 medium)

1/2

teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1/2

teaspoon garlic-pepper blend

1/2

teaspoon salt

(1-oz.) thin slices Havarti cheese

(8-inch) pita (pocket) breads, halved

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1

Heat gas or charcoal grill. In shallow bowl, mix tomato, cucumber and vinaigrette. Let stand while preparing patties.
2

In medium bowl, combine ground beef, onion, Italian seasoning, garlic-pepper blend and salt; mix well. Shape mixture into 4 oblong patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
3

When grill is heated, place patties on gas grill over medium heat or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium coals. Cover grill; cook 11 to 13 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in center of patties reads 160°F., turning once. During last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking time, place cheese on patties; cook until melted.
4

Place cheese-topped patties in pita bread halves. Spoon tomato-cucumber mixture into bread halves with patties.

To broil patties, place on broiler pan; broil 3 to 4 inches from heat for 10 to 12 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in center of patties reads 160°F., turning once. During last 30 to 60 seconds of broiling time, place cheese on patties; broil until melted.
Pita or pocket breads are available in a variety of flavors and sizes. Use any flavor you like for these hearty sandwiches.
Danish Havarti cheese is pale yellow and has a mild, tangy flavor. It’s wonderful sliced and eaten with crackers or melted for sandwiches as in this recipe.
If the cheese slices are too big for the burger, fold the slice in half before placing it on the burger.