Grilled Portobello Burgers with Blue Cheese Crumbles

Typically, Brandon and I like to stay in on Friday nights and do dinner and a movie at home. However, there’s just something about Friday nights that scream BAR FOOD and nothing beats a burger and fries!! But, since it was a snowy winter night, we kept warm inside and made an appetizing dinner consisting of our own version of “bar food.” YUM!

Now, my version of a “burger” may be different from yours. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I choose not to eat red meat very often because I just prefer a semi-vegetarian lifestyle. Not that I won’t splurge on a real burger every now and then, I just choose to save those times for special occasions…like summer cookouts! Red meat is one of those foods that should be consumed in moderation to keep your heart healthy and your cholesterol levels low!

Portobello mushrooms* make a terrific substitute for red meat because not only do they pack quite the nutritional punch, but they also have a thick texture that can take on the flavors of other ingredients quite nicely. With the right seasoning, these ‘shrooms are juicy and just as satisfying in a burger as one made with red meat. We also like to bake sweet potato wedges for our “fries” because it cuts down on fat, they are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, are naturally sweet, and taste amazing baked in the oven. You won’t even miss those frozen fries when you dive into these yummy wedges. I can’t get enough of them!! Mmmm.

The following burger recipe will make you feel sinful with indulgence and all the while your waistline is thanking you!

After the portobellos were baked, I assembled the burger and scattered blue cheese crumbles throughout. The best part about blue cheese is that a tiny bit will bring HUGE flavor. I just love how the blue cheese crumbles add the perfect spicy tang! I added some spinach for color and a veggie burger for some extra added calories. This is optional, especially if you are watching your weight. Hope you enjoy!!
Have any cheese toppings that you just LOVE on your burger??

Super Tasty!! I love the way the cheese melts!

Grilled Portobello Burgers with Blue Cheese Crumbles and Sweet Potato “Fries”
Makes 2 burgers
2 Baby Portobello Mushroom caps or 2 regular sized Portobello’s
1/2 green pepper, sliced 1/2″ thick
1/2 large onion, peeled and cut into 1/2″ thick slices
1 tsp Olive oil
1/4 cup Reduced Fat Blue Cheese Crumbles
*I don’t typically use low-fat cheeses, but I don’t find a huge flavor difference in the reduced fat version of blue cheese and there is less sodium and fat
Ketchup and Mustard, if desired
5-8 Spinach leaves
2 Morningstar Mushroom Lovers’ Veggie Burger (optional)
*Even though these are processed, it’s something quick and healthy to keep in the fridge for a dinner without much prep!
2 Whole Wheat Buns (Aunt Millie’s is my recommendation)
1 large sweet potato or 2 medium (~10 oz total)
dash of paprika and pepper (paprika is optional, we did not use this time)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Slice sweet potato into 1/2″ thick wedges and season with a dash of paprika and pepper. Place on baking sheet lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray. Bake ~30 minutes, flipping half way.
2. Prepare Mushrooms: wash and remove stems, brush each cap with olive oil (1/4 tsp each) and season with pepper and a tiny dash of salt. Bake 450 degrees for 10 minutes.
3. Prepare veggie burger (if used) as directed and toast burger buns in toaster. Assemble burger in this order: Bottom bun, veggie burger (if using), 1 T blue cheese, mushroom, green pepper, onions, 1 T blue cheese, spinach leaves, mustard and ketchup (if you desire), and top with other half of bun. Serve with sweet potato fries.
Nutritional Profile (1 burger without veggie burger): 276 calories, 7.8g Fat (2.1 g Sat.), 40g Carbohydrates, 6.8g Fiber, 13.4 g Protein

Sweet Potato: One medium (4-5 oz) has ~100 calories, 0g Fat, 24g carbohydrate, 4g Fiber,2 g protein
*Mushrooms, while usually classified as a vegetable, are actually a fungi. Low in fat and calories, they are great for people who are trying to lose weight. One medium portobello mushroom cap has more potassium than a banana or glass of OJ and contains 20-40% copper, which has been shown to have cardiovascular protective properties.