Description
Ultimate Double Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Stack
Ingredients
For the patties:
1 lb ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
For the sandwich:
8 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche or Texas toast recommended)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
8 slices of cheddar cheese
Instructions
Make the burger patties:
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into thin patties.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the bread:
Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
Assemble the grilled cheese:
Place a slice of cheddar cheese on the unbuttered side of 4 slices of bread.
Add a cooked burger patty, another slice of cheese, and top with another slice of bread (buttered side facing outward).
Cook the sandwiches:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
Serve:
Stack the sandwiches for a towering masterpiece and serve hot with ketchup, fries, or your favorite dipping sauce!
This double cheeseburger grilled cheese stack is the ultimate comfort food mashup—oozing with cheesy goodness and packed with juicy burger flavor!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Form the Patties: Gently divide 1 lb of ground beef into four equal balls. Flatten each into a thin patty, about 1/4-inch thick, ensuring they are slightly larger than your bread slices as they will shrink.
2. Season & Cook: Generously season both sides of each patty with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a preheated skillet over medium-high heat, cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side without pressing down. Transfer to a plate.
3. Butter & Build: Spread softened butter on one side of all 8 bread slices. For each sandwich, place a slice of cheddar on the unbuttered side of a bread slice. Add one hot patty, then a second slice of cheddar. Cap with a second bread slice, buttered side facing out.
4. Grill to Perfection: In the same skillet (drained of excess grease) over medium heat, cook each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side. Use a spatula to press gently until the bread is deeply golden and the cheese is visibly melted.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this decadent stack immediately. Classic burger accompaniments like dill pickle spears, crispy french fries, and a side of ketchup or special sauce for dipping are perfect. For a lighter contrast, a simple side salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
How-to Summary
Create thin, seasoned beef patties and cook through. Butter eight slices of thick bread. Build each sandwich with cheese-patty-cheese between bread, buttered sides out. Grill in a skillet until crispy and melted. Serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely. American cheese offers ultimate meltiness, while pepper jack adds a spicy kick. For a robust flavor, try a mix of cheddar and gouda.
How do I prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts? Use medium, not high, heat. This allows the interior to heat thoroughly while the exterior toasts. Covering the skillet with a lid for the last minute can also help melt the cheese faster.
Can I make the patties ahead of time? Yes, you can cook and refrigerate the patties for up to 2 days. Let them come to room temperature or briefly reheat before assembling to ensure the sandwich heats through properly.
Is it too greasy? Using 80/20 beef provides flavor and juiciness. Draining the skillet after cooking the patties and before grilling the sandwiches helps manage excess grease. You can also use a leaner blend, but the patties may be less juicy.
Can I add other burger toppings? Inside the sandwich, add cautiously. A thin slice of onion or pickle can work, but avoid wet ingredients like tomato, which can make the bread soggy. Serve them on the side instead.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Making patties too thick, which makes the sandwich unstable and harder to cook evenly.
- Using high heat to grill the sandwich, leading to burnt bread and unmelted cheese.
- Over-packing the sandwich with wet toppings, resulting in a soggy structure.
- Pressing the patties while cooking, which squeezes out precious juices.
- Using cold butter, which tears the bread. Ensure it is softened for easy, even spreading.
Conclusion
This Double Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Stack is the ultimate indulgence, masterfully combining two beloved classics. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a consistently crispy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying meal. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns a simple sandwich into a memorable, restaurant-quality experience right at home.