Best Grilled Cheeseburger Recipe

Best Grilled Cheeseburger Recipe – these juicy, flavor-packed burgers are a summer staple in my house. Perfectly seasoned and char-grilled to perfection!

Ground chuck, simply seasoned, char grilled and finished off with melty cheese for the Best Grilled Cheeseburger you’ll want to make all summer long.

There’s nothing like juicy burgers with melty cheese and packed with delicious flavor. I’ve made these burgers dozens of times. It truly is the best burger recipe.

Why this recipe works:

Classic burgers are my grandkids’ favorite meal. I happily make them all the time. Try this recipe and elevate your burger game.

This is a simple, straightforward recipe with minimal ingredients for the perfect burger. There’s no need for garlic powder, worcestershire sauce or anything beyond salt and pepper.

You don’t need a lot of extra stuff that will only mask the taste of the beef – just good quality ground chuck, salt and black pepper.

This recipe works well on a charcoal grill too or with chicken burgers and turkey burgers.

Ingredients in the Best Grilled Cheeseburger:

1. 80/20 ground beef chuck (plan on about 1/3 pound per burger)
2. salt and black pepper
3. sliced cheese
4. hamburger buns

What kind of hamburger buns should I buy?

A good bun is important to the overall success of your burger. I recommend lightly toasting or grilling the hamburger buns but most important is making sure the size of the bun doesn’t overwhelm the burger. Yes, size matters.

• Brioche buns (slightly sweet flavor)
• Artisan style buns
• Plain white buns
• Classic sesame seed buns
• Pretzel buns

You get the picture. Just like toppings (more below on that topic), there are lots of options. Choose the bun you like best and make sure it’s fresh.

What’s the best cheese for cheeseburgers?

You’ll want to use a good melty cheese. American cheese is a favorite for many. It’s classic, melts easily and elevates the taste of the beef without overpowering it.

Smoke Gouda is also delicious on burgers as well as cheddar or swiss.

Tips for the best Grilled Burger:

1. 80/20 ground beef chuck for the juiciest burger.
2. Don’t over handle the meat when making the patty or the burger may be tough or dense.
3. Salt and pepper just before grilling so the salt doesn’t draw the moisture out from the meat.
4. Form the patty a little wider than the bun to allow for shrinkage.
5. Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of the burger so it doesn’t puff up.
6. Flip once and let the burger sear (this is flavor!). If your grill has a ‘sear’ section, use it.
7. Resist the urge to press down on the burgers as they grill. We want all the juices to stay inside!

How to make the Best Grilled Cheeseburger:

Preheat the gas grill to 400 degrees. Clean the grill grates well using a grill brush.

Form hamburger patties without overworking the meat. Use your thumb to make a shallow depression in the center of each patty. Generously season with salt and pepper on both sides.

If you’re making a large batch, place patties on a baking sheet to carry outside to the grill.

Gather buns, cheese slices and prep all toppings.

Place hamburger patties on the hot grill over direct heat. Close the lid and grill 3-5 minutes per side being sure to get a good sear before flipping to the other side.

Add a slice of cheese to each patty the last minute of cooking and close the lid to let the cheese melt. If you like toasted buns, add them directly on the grill grates. Close the lid again and cook to the internal temp you prefer.

How do I know when my burger is done?

The best way to know when any meat is done is by using an instant read themometer.

I like mine medium so I pull them off the grill at about 140°. The internal temperature will rise to about 145° as it rests a couple of minutes.

• Medium well: 150-155°
• Medium: 140-145°
• Medium rare burgers: 130-135°
• Rare: 120-125°

* I don’t recommend cooking to well done

Cheeseburger topping ideas:

The best burgers are the ones with your favorite toppings!

• slice of your favorite cheese
• lettuce slices or shredded lettuce
• tomato slices
• dill pickle chips
• sliced red onions or caramelized onions
• crispy bacon
• avocado
• ketchup
• mustard
• dill pickle
• bacon jam
• special sauce for burgers

Best side dishes with a burger:

Besides your favorite potato chips, here are few others:

Crispy Air Fryer French Fries – fresh potatoes hand cut, air fried to crisp outside, fluffy potato inside. Uses just one teaspoon of oil!

5 Minute Homemade Coleslaw – just ingredients to crunchy slaw with a delicious homemade creamy tangy-sweet dressing. The perfect side with burgers, barbecue and pulled pork.

Classic Potato Salad – old fashioned Potato Salad with potatoes, hard boiled eggs, crispy bacon and real mayonnaise – readers call it “amazing”! 

What to do with leftover cheeseburgers:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer.

Enjoy!

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