Classic Cheeseburger Recipe (With Video)

Classic Burger-Joint Cheeseburger

1:20

Prep Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

25 mins

Servings:

This classic cheeseburger recipe hits the spot. There’s no need to wait in the drive-thru lane—you can make a better burger at home with quality ingredients in less than half an hour. We grill 4-ounce patties, top them with American cheese, and toast the buns (use seeded ones for a burger joint feel!). Plus, we slather the buns with mayonnaise to make sure they toast evenly and get golden brown.

The sauces and garnishes are simple: ketchup and mustard, shredded lettuce, a juicy slice of beefsteak tomato on top of each patty, and plenty of pickles. Of course, you can top them any which way you like—these beefy burgers make a winner dinner to rival your favorite burger place.

The Best Cheese for Cheeseburgers

The best cheese to use on cheeseburgers is a controversial topic, and the answer depends on personal preferences. Some people swear by blue cheese, others endorse mild, creamy mozzarella. For this classic cheeseburger recipe, we go with the classic cheeseburger cheese option, sliced American cheese. American cheese is the cheese used for the first cheeseburgers back in the 1930s (in either Pasadena, Calif., or Louisville, Ky., depending on which origin story you believe). American melts well and is readily available; it's a stellar choice for a cheeseburger.

Other options include cheeses that melt well, like Gruyère, which is the best cheese for melting and has the most delicious nutty flavor. Cheddar is a popular choice for burgers. We recommend using a younger cheddar as it will have more moisture content and melt better than a more aged cheddar. We like the bite that cheddar brings to the cheeseburger. Monterey Jack is another popular pick; also a good melter, it has a relatively mild flavor. If mild is not your style, opt for Pepper Jack for a kick.

Directions

Preheat grill:

Preheat grill for direct-heat cooking. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise onto the cut sides of each bun.
Form patties:

Gently form beef into 4 patties, each 4 1/2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Do not overwork meat when forming the patties, or they will be tough.
Cook patties

Place patties on grill and cook, uncovered, until browned and sizzling on the bottom, 3 to 4 minutes.
Flip burgers and top with cheese:

Flip, top each with a slice of cheese, cover grill, and cook until cheese is melted and patties are medium-rare, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.
Toast buns:

Place buns on grill cut-side down; cook just until lightly toasted and golden brown in places, about 1 minute.
Asemble burgers:

Dress the cut side of each bottom bun with ketchup and mayonnaise (or desired condiments), then top with patties. Place a tomato slice on top of each patty and season with salt. Stack with pickles and lettuce. Dress cut side of top buns with condiments, then sandwich toppings and serve.

Variations

Havarti, Cucumber, and Dill
Swap out American cheese for sliced Havarti. Swap out tomato, pickles, and iceberg for thinly sliced cucumber seasoned with salt, shaved red onion, and fresh dill. Serve with Dijon mustard and mayonnaise or desired condiments.

Feta, Grilled Onions, and Radicchio
Swap out American cheese for 4 ounces feta cut into slices or crumbled. Swap out iceberg for thinly sliced radicchio, lightly tossed with red-wine vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil and seasoned with salt. Omit tomato and pickles. Slice a sweet onion, such as Vidalia, into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill, turning once, until charred in places and crisp-tender, 5 to 7 minutes.

Fontina, Grilled Mushrooms, and Arugula
Swap out American cheese for sliced Fontina. Swap out iceberg for arugula. Omit tomato and pickles. Halve 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (about 2 cups), brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Grill, turning a few times, until charred in places and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Serve with whole-grain mustard or desired condiments.