This delicious Jamie Oliver barbecue burger recipe is a quick and easy meal perfect for any occasion. Packed with juicy chuck steak, crispy pancetta, and melted Gruyère cheese, it’s topped with tangy slaw and pickled gherkins. I made these for a sunny garden lunch and they absolutely stole the show. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)
Ingredients Needed
Burgers:
- 1 x 840g jar pickled gherkins
- 1 fresh red chilli
- 1/2 bunch (10g) fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or mint)
- 3 or 4 whole cloves
- 800g minced chuck steak (22% fat)
- 8 slices smoked pancetta or bacon
- 2 tsp mustard (American or English)
- 4 slices Gruyère cheese
- 2 ice cubes
- 4 sesame-topped brioche buns
Burger Sauce:
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Tabasco
- 1 tsp English mustard
- 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 iceberg lettuce
Rainbow Slaw:
- 400g mixed-colour beetroots
- 1 apple
- 1/2 bunch (15g) fresh mint
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
How To Make Jamie Oliver Barbecue Burgers
- Prep Gherkins & Seasoning: Remove gherkins from the jar. Finely slice chilli, chop herbs, and add to the jar with cloves. Slice gherkins on a diagonal, return to jar, and shake to mix.
- Make Burger Sauce: Mix yogurt, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, mustard, and lemon juice. Add finely sliced lettuce and mix well.
- Make Rainbow Slaw: Grate beets and apple. Chop mint and beet greens if using. Toss with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Shape Patties: Mix the mince, divide into 4, and shape into balls. Press gently to form patties about 1.5cm thick. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Burgers: Preheat griddle to 200°C. Grill burgers and pancetta. After 1 min, flip. Brush cooked side with mustard. Flip again, top with cheese and pancetta.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover burgers with basting domes, add an ice cube under each. Steam for 1 min to melt the cheese.
- Toast the Buns: Cut and toast brioche buns for 1 min, turning halfway.
- Assemble: Spread sauce on buns, add burgers, slaw, and gherkins. Top with bun lids and serve immediately.

Why I Love This Recipe
It’s bold, juicy, and full of contrast—sweet slaw, tangy pickles, and melty cheese over a smoky burger. You can tweak it so many ways, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Tips
- Keep patties loose to stay juicy.
- Steam with ice to melt cheese fast.
- Don’t overload slaw so the burger holds together.
- Toast buns lightly to stay sturdy.
- Rest burgers briefly before serving.
How To Store This Jamie Oliver Barbecue Burgers
- At Room Temperature: Serve hot, don’t leave out more than 1 hour.
- In the Fridge: Cool and store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: Wrap and freeze patties (cooked or raw) for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Grill or pan-fry over medium heat until hot through, about 2-3 minutes each side.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I grill these burgers outside? Absolutely! They’re perfect on a barbecue.
- What can I swap for Gruyère? Try cheddar, Emmental, or your favourite melting cheese.
- Can I make them ahead? Yes—shape patties and prep toppings ahead. Cook fresh.
- Can I skip the slaw? Sure, or use a simple coleslaw or leafy greens.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 burger (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 749
- Total Fat: 39.2g
- Saturated Fat: 14.3g
- Total Carbohydrate: 47.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.7g
- Sugars: 17.5g
- Protein: 52.5g
Try More Jamie Oliver Recipes:
- Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Skewers
- Jamie Oliver Piccalilli, Pork & Apple Pies
- Jamie Oliver Charred Aubergine Parmigiana
- Jamie Oliver Chilli Con Carne Meatballs
Jamie Oliver Barbecue Burgers
Course: Dinner4
servings25
minutes10
minutes749
kcalThese juicy chuck steak burgers are loaded with crispy pancetta, melted Gruyère, zesty slaw, and tangy gherkins—perfect for a crowd-pleasing barbecue or indulgent weekend treat.
Ingredients
800g chuck steak mince
8 pancetta slices
4 slices Gruyère
2 ice cubes
4 brioche buns
Pickled gherkins
Red chilli, herbs, cloves
Sauce & slaw ingredients
Directions
- Season gherkins, slice and set aside.
- Make sauce and mix with shredded lettuce.
- Make slaw with beets, apple, and mint.
- Shape patties and grill with pancetta.
- Add mustard, cheese, and melt with steam.
- Toast buns and assemble burgers with sauce, slaw, and gherkins.