Peppercorn-Crusted Steak Burger with Creamy Sauce

Thank you for being here! Truly—whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone just starting to venture beyond basic burgers, I appreciate you choosing this recipe to try something rich, flavorful, and restaurant-worthy. There’s nothing quite like bringing gourmet flair into your home kitchen, and today’s recipe does exactly that. The Peppercorn-Crusted Steak Burger with Creamy Sauce delivers that juicy, crust-seared steak taste with a velvety, brandy-spiked cream sauce that elevates the whole experience.

Why You’ll Love This Peppercorn-Crusted Steak Burger

This isn’t your average backyard burger. This is a full-blown steakhouse-style experience between a toasted brioche bun. Each bite is packed with bold peppercorn crust, silky melted cheese, and a luscious cream sauce that’s been kissed by a splash of brandy and a hint of Dijon.

There’s something downright magical about the way cracked pepper crisps up during searing, forming an irresistible crust that plays perfectly against the creaminess of the sauce. And let’s not forget the crispy toppings—either fried onions or shoestring fries—to round out the textures. The result? A burger that’s indulgent without being heavy, and every bit as fancy as it sounds.

What This Burger Tastes Like

Imagine the tender juiciness of a steak, the slight sharpness of melted Gruyère or Swiss cheese, and the rich, velvety goodness of a shallot-infused cream sauce. Now add in the warmth of toasted brioche and the crunch of fried onions or fries—and that’s just the first bite. The peppercorn delivers a subtle heat that lingers without overwhelming, balanced beautifully by the richness of the cream and brandy. It’s gourmet comfort food at its finest.

Reasons to Make This Recipe Tonight

• Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
• Packed with restaurant-quality flavor and texture
• A great way to elevate your typical burger night
• Perfect for date night, special occasions, or treating yourself
• Customizable with different cheeses, toppings, or sauces
• Pairs beautifully with cocktails, beer, or a bold red wine

Ingredients for Peppercorn-Crusted Steak Burger

For the Burger

• 2 brioche buns, sliced and toasted
• 2 steak patties or ground beef patties (6 oz each, preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
• 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper, for crusting the patties
• Kosher salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 2 slices of cheese (Gruyère, Swiss, or provolone work wonderfully)
• Shoestring fries or crispy fried onions for topping

For the Creamy Brandy Sauce

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small shallot, finely minced
• 1/4 cup brandy or cognac
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
• Small saucepan for the sauce
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Spatula or tongs
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Cheese grater (if using a block of cheese)

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

This recipe is highly customizable, and that’s part of its charm. Don’t have brandy on hand? White wine or even a splash of beef broth with a dash of balsamic vinegar will bring depth to the sauce. You can use ground turkey or a plant-based patty if you’re looking to switch up the protein. For toppings, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or a fried egg are all excellent additions.

Craving more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce. Want to skip the cream? A garlic aioli or blue cheese dressing could serve as a great alternative.

How to Make Peppercorn-Crusted Steak Burger with Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Brandy Cream Sauce

Start by melting the butter in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once it begins to foam, add the finely minced shallot. Sauté for about 2 minutes or until translucent and fragrant.

Carefully pour in the brandy. If you’re using a gas stove, tilt the pan slightly away from you to avoid any flare-ups. Let the brandy simmer until it reduces by about half—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Simmer gently for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you’re using parsley, stir it in at the end or sprinkle it over the sauce when serving.

Keep the sauce warm while you prepare the burgers.

Step 2: Cook the Steak Patties

Season your burger patties generously with kosher salt. Then take the cracked black pepper and firmly press it into both sides of each patty to create a flavorful crust.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the patties. Let them sear undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness.

In the final minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese over each patty. Cover the pan with a lid or a piece of foil to help the cheese melt evenly.

Step 3: Toast the Buns and Assemble

While the patties cook, toast your brioche buns in a dry skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.

To assemble, place the cooked steak patty onto the bottom half of each bun. Spoon a generous amount of creamy brandy sauce over the patty. Add a handful of crispy shoestring fries or fried onions for crunch. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately while hot and juicy.

What to Serve with Steak Burgers

This burger is rich and hearty, so it pairs well with bright or crispy sides. Consider the following to round out your meal:

• Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan: A lighter, crisp side that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the burger.
• Crisp garden salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic truffle fries or sweet potato wedges
• Corn on the cob with herb butter
• A bold Cabernet Sauvignon, craft IPA, or ginger beer

For dessert, lean into decadence with Cheesecake Egg Rolls with Caramel Sauce. They’re crispy, creamy, and absolutely addictive.

Tips for Burger Success

• Use patties that are close to room temperature before cooking for more even results.
• Don’t press down on the burgers while searing; it squeezes out flavorful juices.
• Allow the patties to rest for a minute or two before assembling. This keeps the juices in and your buns from getting soggy.
• Toasting your brioche buns adds texture and prevents sogginess from the sauce.
• Want to save time? The brandy sauce can be made ahead and reheated just before serving.

How to Store and Reheat

If you have leftovers, store the burger components separately. Keep the cooked patties and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat the patties, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F. The sauce can be reheated in a small saucepan over low heat; just stir well and add a splash of cream or broth if it thickens too much.

Avoid microwaving an assembled burger—the bread will go soggy and the texture won’t hold up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground beef instead of steak patties?
Yes, ground beef (preferably 80/20) works just as well. You’ll still get that juicy, pepper-crusted sear with excellent flavor.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for brandy?
You can use beef or vegetable broth with a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar or grape juice to add depth. Just simmer it a bit longer to concentrate the flavors.

Can I grill the patties instead of using a skillet?
Absolutely. Grilling adds a smokier flavor, just make sure to oil your grill grates and cook the patties over medium-high heat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and toast the buns ahead. Cook the patties fresh for best results, but you can shape them a day in advance and store them in the fridge.

What other sauces can I use?
If you’re not into brandy sauce, try a chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, or blue cheese dressing for different flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

This Peppercorn-Crusted Steak Burger with Creamy Sauce is the kind of meal that makes staying in feel just as exciting as dining out. It’s fancy enough for date night, easy enough for weeknights, and special enough to build memories around. With the punch of peppercorn, the indulgent cream sauce, and all the customizable toppings, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

If you’re feeling inspired, keep the flavor going with more unforgettable recipes like:

• Mexican Shrimp Cocktail: A fresh, zesty appetizer that balances the richness of your main.
• Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan: A healthy, crispy side dish that complements the burger’s depth.
• Cheesecake Egg Rolls with Caramel Sauce: Finish strong with a sweet and crunchy dessert.

Share Your Burger!

If you make this recipe, I would love to see your creation! Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest or tag me on social media. Your feedback, creativity, and enthusiasm are what make this community so fun and delicious.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 780
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 55g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugars: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg

Print