Elevate Your Next Burgers With This Magical Mix-In

There's nothing wrong with keeping to a basic burger recipe, relying on beef and bread to craft a mouth-watering rendition. Yet — especially if you prefer your burgers on the well-done side – the threat of dryness always looms. So to keep the dish juicy and tender, turn to ricotta as a mix-in. Undoubtedly, it's a surprising addition; the cheese traditionally comes served alongside pasta, not as a filling between two hamburger buns. Luckily, Food Republic spoke to Jessica Rice, recipe development manager at Budget Bytes, to help explain the pairing.

Rice noted the cheese "gently binds moisture inside the patty while keeping the texture tender," making the ricotta both a moisture and mouthfeel enhancement. Despite the dairy, the dish doesn't veer into Juicy Lucy cheeseburger territory. Since ricotta is composed of rigid whey proteins, the foodstuff doesn't melt, which "helps burgers stay juicy without becoming greasy," clarified Rice.

Furthermore, she added that the cheese "won't overpower the meat," as cow dairy ricotta offers a mild, milk-forward flavor. Plus, you won't need much of the ingredient. Rice suggested only using "1 [to] 2 tablespoons of whole-milk ricotta per pound of meat," with beef, turkey, pork, or chicken all delicious candidates. So add such a delicate touch of dairy, and enjoy a swiftly softened (and juicy) burger.

Although dissimilar textures, melding together ricotta and ground meat comes easily. First, it's necessary to strain store-bought ricotta (as you would with dessert), preventing an excess of liquid. Then, Jessica Rice recommended incorporating the cheese before patty formation, suggesting you "mix gently and just until combined to avoid toughening the meat." Make sure to closely adhere to the aforementioned measurements (optionally increasing to a quarter cup with ground pork) as an excess of ricotta "risks a too-soft texture," Rice cautioned.

Otherwise, the ricotta burger is ready to cook, be it on a skillet or grill. As a centuries-old Italian (likely Sicilian) cheese, ricotta lends itself to "Mediterranean or herb-forward flavors," said Rice. Meld in savory additions like tomato paste, parmesan, garlic, or even the briny pop of capers right into the patty. Flavor with herbs like parsley, basil, or rosemary, and don't forget to season with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper. Plus, experiment with the employed ricotta itself, trying out a richer sheep's milk variety, a smoky ricotta affumicata, or even a homemade version. Garnish the prepared burger with fresh ingredients like tomato slices, arugula, basil, or a vibrant relish, and enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired sandwich.