Friday, May 18, 2012

Idea for Grilling a Better Cheeseburger

Memorial Day is fast approaching and grills will be dusted off, fired up, and loaded with brats, dogs, and burgers.  Here's a way to amp up the flavor of your cheeseburgers.

This isn't a recipe post so much as just a general idea that I like to use when grilling cheeseburgers.  I'll post it as a recipe just to give some basic proportions but the gist is this - instead of grilling a burger and then just slapping a piece of cheese on it, upgrade your cheese with a party of flavor.  Mix up some shredded cheese with herbs, spices, and whatever add-ins you like.


Hot Mess Cheeseburger
Serves:  4 burgers

Ingredients
  • 1 1/3 lb ground chuck
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • 3/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
For the cheese mix
  • 1/2 cup shredded colby-jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 2 Tbsp red onion, finely diced
  • 1 Tbsp garlic, finely minced
  • 2 Tbsp green onion, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp roasted red pepper
  • 1 Tbsp coarse ground mustard
  • 1/2 tsp creole seasoning* 
Instructions
  1. Preheat a charcoal grill to 450f (medium-high).
  2. Season the beef with the salt, pepper, and garlic.  Divide into 4 equal portions and form into 1/2 inch thick patties.  [Tip - keep the beef very cold and rinse your hands in cold water before forming the patties.  This will help keep the natural fats from rendering and keep the meat from getting dense.]
  3. Toss the cheese mix ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
  4. Grill the burgers for 4 minutes with the grill lid closed.  
  5. Flip and top the burgers with equal portions of the cheese mix.  Grill another 4 minutes with the grill lid closed or until the cheese is melted and the burger is an internal temp of 165f.  
  6. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.  Serve with toasted buns and your favorite burger toppings.  I used lettuce, tomato and bacon.
Notes
  • I used Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning because it's what I had on hand.  

Again, just an idea.  Throw whatever flavors you want into your cheese mix.  No rules.

This would also be a great stuffing for "Jucy Lucy" style stuffed cheeseburgers.

Put the cheese on as soon as you flip so it has time to melt evenly.  It's also important to keep the grill lid closed for  reflective heat.

Not your ordinary cheeseburger and it's totally adaptable to your preferences.