Can I use a different type of cheese for the buns?

Absolutely! While American cheese gives that classic melt, cheddar, provolone, or swiss all work beautifully. Just be aware that some cheeses don't melt as smoothly, so your texture might vary slightly.

How do I know when my burger patties are done?

For medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F. For medium, aim for 140-145°F, and for well-done, 160°F or higher. Remember that patties will continue cooking slightly after being removed from heat.

Can I grill these burgers instead of cooking them in a skillet?

Yes! The beef patties work great on a grill. For the grilled cheese buns, you'll still want to use a flat surface like a griddle or skillet to ensure even browning and melting.

How can I make these burgers healthier?

Try using lean ground beef or even ground turkey for the patties. For the buns, use whole grain options and reduced-fat cheese. You can also load up on fresh vegetable toppings and skip heavier condiments like fry sauce.

Grilled Cheese Burgers Recipe

Name: Grilled Cheese Burgers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon hamburger seasoning; ½ teaspoon seasoned salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 4 hamburger buns; 8 slices American cheese; ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, softened; Sliced tomatoes; Sliced pickles; Fry sauce; Ketchup; Mustard; Sliced red onion

This mouthwatering Grilled Cheese Burgers recipe combines two comfort food favorites into one extraordinary meal! Juicy beef patties sandwiched between golden, buttery grilled cheese buns create a deliciously indulgent experience that’s surprisingly simple to make. Ready in just 35 minutes, these burgers deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making them perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mind-Blowing Flavor Combo: The melty cheese buns paired with savory beef patties create an irresistible taste experience that takes regular burgers to a whole new level.
Quick & Simple: Despite looking impressive, these burgers come together in just 35 minutes with straightforward techniques anyone can handle.
Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, everyone from picky kids to discerning adults will be impressed by these burgers. They’re guaranteed to earn you serious cooking credibility!
Customizable: The basic formula stays the same, but you can easily adapt the toppings and seasonings to suit your personal preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ground Beef Patties:

Ground beef: The foundation of any good burger. I recommend using 80/20 beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
Hamburger seasoning: This blend gives your patties that classic burger flavor. If you don’t have store-bought, you can easily make your own with paprika, onion powder, and black pepper.
Seasoned salt: Adds depth of flavor beyond regular salt. Don’t skip this!
Garlic powder: Provides a savory background note that complements beef perfectly.

For the Grilled Cheese Buns:

Hamburger buns: Choose sturdy ones that can hold up to grilling and all your toppings.
American cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that classic grilled cheese texture and taste. You could substitute cheddar or swiss, but American really does melt best.
Butter: The secret to perfectly golden, crispy grilled cheese buns. Always use real butter for the best flavor.

Optional Toppings:

Sliced tomatoes: Add freshness and acidity.
Pickles: Provide a tangy crunch.
Fry sauce: Creamy and tangy, perfect for burgers.
Ketchup and mustard: Classic burger condiments.
Red onion: Adds a sharp, fresh bite.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Double Cheese Burger

Add extra cheese slices between your beef patties for an even more indulgent cheese experience.

Bacon Grilled Cheese Burger

Cook some crispy bacon and add it between the patties for a smoky, savory upgrade.

Spicy Southwest Version

Mix some diced jalapeños into your beef mixture and use pepper jack cheese instead of American for a burger with kick.

Breakfast Burger

Top your patty with a fried egg and use a hash brown as one of the layers for an amazing brunch option.

How to Make Grilled Cheese Burgers

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties

Lay out two sheets of parchment paper. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, hamburger seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder. Don’t overwork the meat or your patties will be tough! Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Place a portion between the parchment sheets and press into a thin, 5-inch diameter patty. Repeat with remaining portions.

Step 2: Cook the Patties

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until they reach your preferred doneness. If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook in batches rather than crowding the pan.

Step 3: Make the Grilled Cheese Buns

While your patties cook, spread butter on the inside of each hamburger bun half. Place four buttered bun halves cut-side down in another skillet over medium heat. Top each with 2 cheese slices and then the remaining bun halves, buttered side up. Press down gently to compact. Cook until golden brown on the bottom, then flip and cook the other side until equally golden and the cheese is gloriously melty.

Step 4: Assemble Your Burgers

Start with a grilled cheese bun, add a burger patty, pile on your favorite toppings, add another patty, and crown with another grilled cheese bun. Repeat for the second burger. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the cheese is at its gooiest best!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overwork the meat: Handle the ground beef gently and mix just until combined. Overworking makes tough burgers.
Make an indentation: Press your thumb slightly into the center of each patty before cooking to prevent it from puffing up in the middle.
Keep the heat medium: Cooking the grilled cheese buns on too high heat will burn the bread before the cheese melts. Medium heat is perfect.
Press gently: When pressing down on your grilled cheese buns, do so with a light touch. You want them compressed but not flattened completely.
Use fresh buns: Day-old buns might seem fine, but fresh ones really make a difference in the final taste and texture.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These indulgent burgers pair wonderfully with crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings. For a lighter side, try a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness.

Presentation

Serve these burgers on colorful plates with small dishes of extra condiments on the side. If you’re feeling fancy, secure each burger with a decorative toothpick to help hold the layers together.

Beverage Suggestions

An ice-cold beer, classic milkshake, or even a bold red wine all complement the rich flavors of these burgers perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing Components Ahead

You can shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance and keep them separated by parchment paper in the refrigerator. The burger seasonings will actually intensify over time!

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, separate the components before storing. Keep the cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The grilled cheese buns are best made fresh, but can be refrigerated for 1 day if necessary.

Reheating

Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat for best results. For the grilled cheese buns, refresh them in a pan with a tiny bit of butter over medium-low heat until warmed through and crispy again.

Note: These burgers are at their absolute best when freshly made. If possible, only make what you plan to eat immediately.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for the buns?

Absolutely! While American cheese gives that classic melt, cheddar, provolone, or swiss all work beautifully. Just be aware that some cheeses don’t melt as smoothly, so your texture might vary slightly.
How do I know when my burger patties are done?

For medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F. For medium, aim for 140-145°F, and for well-done, 160°F or higher. Remember that patties will continue cooking slightly after being removed from heat.
Can I grill these burgers instead of cooking them in a skillet?

Yes! The beef patties work great on a grill. For the grilled cheese buns, you’ll still want to use a flat surface like a griddle or skillet to ensure even browning and melting.
How can I make these burgers healthier?

Try using lean ground beef or even ground turkey for the patties. For the buns, use whole grain options and reduced-fat cheese. You can also load up on fresh vegetable toppings and skip heavier condiments like fry sauce.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Cheese Burgers represent comfort food perfection – combining two beloved classics into something even greater than the sum of their parts. They’re simple enough for a weeknight family dinner but impressive enough to serve to friends at your next casual gathering. The contrast between the crispy, buttery grilled cheese buns and the juicy, flavorful beef patties creates a texture and flavor experience that’s truly unforgettable. Don’t wait for a special occasion – treat yourself to these incredible burgers tonight!