There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a juicy, perfectly cooked cheeseburger. The combination of a flavorful patty, melted cheese, fresh toppings, and a soft bun creates a symphony of taste that’s hard to beat. In this article, we’ll walk you through crafting the perfect cheeseburger, including a detailed recipe with preparation and cooking times.
The Perfect Cheeseburger
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 10 – 12 min
Ingredients
For the Patty:
- Ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat): 1 lb (450g)
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
- Onion powder: 1/2 tsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
For the Assembly:
- Cheddar cheese: 4 slices
- Burger buns: 4
- Butter: 2 tbsp (for toasting the buns)
- Lettuce: 4 leaves
- Tomato: 1 large, sliced
- Red onion: 1 small, sliced
- Pickles: 8 slices
- Mayonnaise: 4 tbsp
- Ketchup: 4 tbsp
- Mustard: 2 tbsp
Directions
- Preparing the Patties
- Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can lead to tough patties.
- Shaping the Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal parts. Shape each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to ensure even cooking.
- Cooking the Patties
- Preheating the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a stovetop, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cooking: Place the patties on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium doneness. Avoid pressing down on the patties to retain their juiciness.
- Melting the Cheese: In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty. Close the grill lid or cover the skillet to melt the cheese.
- Preparing the Buns
- Toasting the Buns: While the patties are cooking, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Place the buns, cut side down, in the pan and toast until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
- Assembling the Cheeseburgers
- Condiments: Spread 1 tbsp of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. Add ketchup and mustard if desired.
- Building the Burger: Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, followed by a tomato slice, and a cheese-covered patty. Add a few onion rings and pickle slices.
- Final Touch: Top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger
- Quality Meat: Use freshly ground beef with the right fat content (80/20) for juicy, flavorful patties.
- Cheese Selection: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, American, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Fresh Toppings: Use fresh, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy pickles to add texture and flavor.
- Bun Choice: A soft, slightly sweet bun like a brioche or potato roll complements the savory burger well.