Butternut Squash & Quinoa Burgers with Gruyère

Savor the perfect blend of flavor and nutrition with our Roasted Butternut Squash-Quinoa Veggie Burger—packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients to fuel your body and delight your taste buds. A healthier, plant-based twist on a classic favorite!

Image source: AI-generated

Serves: 6 | Prep: 30 mins (+ chilling) | Cook: 1 hour

Ingredients

Roasted Squash:

• 1 small butternut squash, halved and seeded
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp melted butter (or margarine)
• 1 pinch cinnamon
• Kosher salt & black pepper

Quinoa Base:

• ½ cup quinoa, rinsed well
• 1 cup water
• 2 tsp olive oil

Burgers:

• 2 cups roasted squash purée (from above)
• ¼ cup ground hazelnuts
• ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (+ more if needed)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

Assembly:

• 6 slices Gruyère cheese
• 6 whole grain buns, toasted
• 6 leaves butter lettuce
• 6 slices tomato
• Caramelized shallots
• Piquillo pepper ketchup

Instructions

1. Roast Squash:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
• Mix honey, butter, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Brush onto squash halves.
• Roast cut-side up for 40 mins until tender. Scoop out flesh; lightly mash.

1. Cook Quinoa:

• Heat 2 tsp oil in a saucepan. Toast quinoa 3 mins.
• Add water and a pinch of salt. Simmer covered for 15 mins. Fluff and cool.

1. Form Patties:

• Combine 2 cups squash purée, quinoa, hazelnuts, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
• Chill mixture 30 mins, then shape into 6 patties. Chill patties 30 mins more.

1. Cook Burgers:

• Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet. Fry patties 3 mins per side until crisp.
• Top each with Gruyère; cover to melt 1 min.

1. Assemble:

• Layer buns with lettuce, tomato, caramelized shallots, burger, and piquillo ketchup.

Pro Tips

• Bind better: If mixture is too wet, add 1-2 tbsp more breadcrumbs.
• Nut-free: Swap hazelnuts for sunflower seeds or omit.
• Meal prep: Freeze uncooked patties between parchment paper for up to 1 month.

Hearty, sweet-savory, and packed with plant-based protein! 🍔🎃

Serve with oven fries or a crisp salad.