Burger spots have been appearing everywhere, but there’s something special about crafting a large, flavourful burger at home—especially when you’re hosting. Making burgers from scratch can be a labour of love that rewards you and your guests with a memorable meal. The recipe here blends sweet and savoury in a way that will get people talking.
A great burger needs plenty of creamy mayonnaise, and Best Foods Mayo is a trusted favourite in many kitchens. Best Foods ambassador Jo Wilcox recently shared a collection of burger recipes that inspired me to adapt one with my own Baker Gatherer twist. The result is a sweet-and-savoury combo that pairs pulled pork, apples and caramel brioche rolls for a balanced, exciting flavour profile.
Pork and apple are a classic match, and by adding a carnival-style candied apple influence, plus a fresh apple slaw and generous Best Foods mayonnaise, this Caramel Apple Pulled Pork Burger becomes an indulgent but balanced creation. The soft, slightly sweet brioche rolls finished with caramel make the sandwich a complete experience—crisp, juicy and creamy all at once.
- Caramel Brioche Rolls
- 500 g high-grade flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons instant yeast (Surebake or similar)
- 300 ml lukewarm water
- 4 tablespoons caramel filling
- 2 large eggs
- 30 g butter, room temperature
- 1 egg, beaten, for brushing
- Caramel Apple Pulled Pork Burger
- 1 pork shoulder, approx. 1 kg
- 1 litre apple cider
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 baking apple, diced
- 80 g brown sugar
- 150 g apple purée
- 30 g BBQ sauce
- 240 g coleslaw mix
- 1 apple, grated
- Best Foods Mayo, to taste
- 8 caramel brioche rolls (from above)
- Caramel Brioche Rolls
- Warm the water to lukewarm in a jug, stir in the caramel filling and brown sugar. Sprinkle in the yeast, stir gently and leave for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Beat the eggs and add them to the flour, then pour in the yeast mixture. Attach the dough hook and knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it is too sticky, add a little extra flour a teaspoon at a time.
- Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with cling film and set in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, gently deflate and divide into eight equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by stretching the surface and tucking the seam underneath.
- Place the dough balls evenly on a lined baking tray, cover with a tea towel and proof for another 1–2 hours until nearly doubled.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Brush the rolls with the beaten egg and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
- Caramel Apple Pulled Pork
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
- Place the pork shoulder in a roasting dish and rub evenly with cinnamon and ginger. Scatter the diced baking apple around the pork and pour over the apple cider. Cover tightly with foil and roast for 1½–2 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest slightly before shredding with two forks. Reserve the cooking liquid.
- Measure one cup of the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Add the brown sugar and simmer gently until it begins to darken slightly. Stir in the apple purée and BBQ sauce and simmer for a few more minutes to thicken and develop flavour.
- Combine the shredded pork with the sauce, mixing thoroughly so the pork is well coated. Keep warm until ready to assemble.
- Grate the fresh apple and toss it through the coleslaw mix with 4–5 tablespoons of Best Foods Mayo, adjusting to taste for creaminess and tang.
- Slice the cooled caramel brioche rolls and assemble each burger: spread additional Best Foods Mayo on the roll, add a generous layer of apple slaw, pile on the pulled pork and finish with more mayo if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavour.
These Caramel Apple Pulled Pork Burgers balance sweet, savoury and tangy elements—soft caramel brioche, tender spiced pork and crisp apple slaw all tied together with creamy Best Foods Mayo. They’re ideal for a weekend gathering or any time you want an impressive homemade burger that highlights seasonal apple flavours.