Food Love Story

Cheeseburger

The cheeseburger is one of the most iconic and beloved foods in the United States, representing a perfect marriage of simplicity, flavour, and comfort.

The combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and a soft bun makes it endlessly customizable and universally satisfying.

What sets a great cheeseburger apart is the quality and balance of its ingredients: a perfectly seasoned beef patty, seared for maximum flavour; gooey melted cheese; and the right blend of toppings, all tucked inside a toasted bun. Whether you prefer it classic with lettuce, tomato, and pickles, or stacked high with bacon, onions, and special sauces, the cheeseburger offers a delicious bite of American tradition.

Classic Cheeseburger Recipe (Serves 4)

Ingredients

For the patties:

1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional for flavour)

Other ingredients:

4 slices cheddar cheese (or American, Swiss, etc.)
4 burger buns (brioche, sesame seed, or your choice)
1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, sliced onion (optional)
Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise (as desired)

Instructions

1. Prepare the patties:

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form into patties, about ¾-inch thick. Press a small indentation in the centre of each patty (this helps prevent shrinking during cooking).
Season both sides with salt and pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce to the meat before shaping if desired.

2. Cook the burgers:

Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness, or to your preferred level.
In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover (with a lid or foil) to melt.

3. Toast the buns:

Spread butter on the inside of the buns and toast them in a pan or on the grill until golden.

4. Assemble the burgers:

Place the cooked patty on the bottom bun. Add lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and your Favorite sauces.
Top with the other half of the bun and serve hot with fries or chips.

Cheeseburger FAQs

Q: What’s the best type of ground beef for burgers?
An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) offers the best balance of flavour and juiciness. Leaner beef may result in a drier burger.

Q: How do I prevent the burgers from puffing up in the middle?
Make a shallow indentation in the centre of each patty before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and stay flat.

Q: Can I cook cheeseburgers in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes or until cooked through. Add cheese during the last few minutes.

Q: How do I keep the burgers juicy?
Avoid overworking the meat when forming patties, don’t press them down while cooking, and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.