Description
Garlic Butter Cheeseburger
A juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patty topped with melted cheese, caramelized garlic butter, and fresh toppings—all packed in a toasted sesame bun!
Ingredients:
For the Burger Patties:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
For Assembling the Burger:
4 sesame seed burger buns
4 slices cheddar or American cheese
4 lettuce leaves
1 tomato, sliced
1 tbsp mayo (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Patties: In a bowl, mix ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Form into 4 patties.
Cook the Burgers: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side. During the last minute, place cheese on top and cover until melted.
Make the Garlic Butter: In a small pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until golden. Stir in Worcestershire sauce.
Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the burger buns and toast in a pan until golden brown.
Assemble & Serve: Spread mayo on the bottom bun, add the cheesy burger patty, drizzle with garlic butter, then layer tomato and lettuce. Top with the toasted bun and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Add crispy bacon or caramelized onions for an extra flavor boost!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results every time. First, gently mix the patty ingredients, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form patties slightly wider than your buns, as they will shrink. Create a shallow dimple in the center of each patty to prevent bulging during cooking. Preheat your skillet or grill until it’s very hot before adding the patties. Do not press down on them while cooking—this squeezes out precious juices. For the garlic butter, cook the minced garlic on low heat to avoid burning, which makes it bitter. Toast the buns in the residual fat from the pan for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your burger experience with thoughtful sides and pairings. Serve these rich, garlicky burgers with crispy french fries or sweet potato fries for a classic combo. A light, tangy coleslaw or a simple arugula salad helps cut through the richness. For beverages, consider a cold lager, a robust iced tea, or a creamy milkshake. To make it a full meal, add dill pickle spears, onion rings, or grilled corn on the cob on the side.
How-to Summary
In brief: Season and form beef into four patties. Cook on high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, adding cheese at the end. Separately, sauté minced garlic in butter and add Worcestershire sauce. Toast the buns. Assemble by layering the bottom bun with mayo, the cheesy patty, garlic butter, tomato, and lettuce, then the top bun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of ground beef? Yes, but an 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal for juicy, flavorful burgers. Leaner blends will result in a drier patty.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning? Use low to medium heat when melting the butter and sauté the garlic just until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, which takes about 1-2 minutes.
Can I cook these burgers on an outdoor grill? Absolutely. Ensure your grill grates are clean, hot, and lightly oiled. Follow the same cooking time, keeping the lid closed when melting the cheese.
What are good cheese substitutes? Swiss, pepper jack, or gouda are excellent alternatives that melt well and complement the garlic butter.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Simply use certified gluten-free burger buns and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is a gluten-free brand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best burger. First, do not over-mix the ground beef, as it makes the patties tough. Second, resist the urge to press down on the patties with your spatula while cooking. Third, do not cook the garlic butter on high heat, as burnt garlic is bitter. Fourth, avoid using cold meat straight from the fridge; let it sit out for 15-20 minutes to cook more evenly. Finally, do not overload the burger with wet toppings, which can make the bun soggy.
Conclusion
The Garlic Butter Cheeseburger transforms a classic with its rich, aromatic topping. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily create a restaurant-quality, incredibly juicy, and flavorful burger at home. This recipe’s success lies in the quality of the beef, the careful cooking of the garlic, and the balance of fresh toppings. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Enjoy your culinary creation!