Description
Mega Cheeseburger Stack with Fries
Ingredients:
3 lbs ground beef
1.5 tsp salt
1.5 tsp black pepper
1.5 tsp garlic powder
1.5 tsp smoked paprika
6 sesame seed buns
12 slices cheddar cheese
12 slices tomato
6 lettuce leaves
French fries
Ketchup
Mustard
6 russet potatoes
Vegetable oil
Instructions:
Prepare ground beef with seasonings and form into 12 patties.
Grill patties, adding cheese towards the end.
Fry thin potato strips until crispy for fries.
Assemble burgers with lettuce, cheese, tomato, fries, and two patties.
Serve with fries, ketchup, and mustard.
This burger stack brings the heat with cheese and fries stacked high!
Who’s ready to tackle it?
#FoodieGoals
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions to build your ultimate burger stack.
- Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and form them into thin patties, slightly larger than your buns (they will shrink).
- Cook the Fries: Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into thin, uniform strips. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat completely dry. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 325°F (163°C). Fry the potatoes in batches for 4-5 minutes until soft but not brown (blanching). Remove and drain. Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the blanched potatoes again for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and salt immediately.
- Grill the Burgers: Preheat your grill or a cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place two slices of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover to melt.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the sesame seed buns on the grill or in a toaster.
- Final Assembly: On the bottom bun, place a lettuce leaf, a slice of tomato, and a cheesy patty. Add a small handful of hot fries, then top with a second cheesy patty. Crown with the top bun. Secure with a long skewer if necessary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this mega stack immediately while the fries inside are still hot and crispy. Offer classic condiments like ketchup and mustard on the side for dipping. For a complete meal, pair with a crisp, cold coleslaw or a dill pickle spear to cut through the richness. A frosty milkshake or an ice-cold beer makes the perfect beverage companion.
How-to Summary
Season beef and form 12 thin patties. Double-fry potato strips for crispy fries. Grill patties, melting cheese at the end. Assemble stacks with lettuce, tomato, a patty, fries, and a second patty between toasted buns. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the fries instead? Yes, for a lighter version. Toss the dried potato strips with oil, spread on a baking sheet, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
What’s the best way to prevent the burger from falling apart? Use a long, sturdy skewer or burger spike driven straight down through the center. Also, ensure your patties are firm and not overhandled, and use a sturdy bun.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely. Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, Swiss offers a nutty flavor, or American cheese provides ultimate meltiness.
How do I make the patties juicy? Avoid overmixing the meat, make a slight thumbprint indentation in the center of each raw patty to prevent doming, and don’t press down on them while cooking.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time? You can shape the patties and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours. Prepare the potato strips and keep them in water, but fry them just before serving for maximum crispiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overpacking the Burger: Adding too many ingredients (like extra sauces) can make the stack impossibly messy and cause it to collapse.
- Soggy Fries Inside: Only add the fries at the very last second before serving. If they sit too long, steam from the hot patties will make them soft.
- Underseasoning the Meat: Don’t be shy with the seasonings. Taste a small cooked piece of the meat mixture before forming all patties to adjust.
- Using Thick-Cut Fries: Opt for thin, shoestring-style fries for the interior layer. Thick steak fries will make the burger too tall and difficult to eat.
Conclusion
The Mega Cheeseburger Stack with Fries is the ultimate project for any serious burger enthusiast. It combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the satisfying crunch of fries in every bite. While it requires careful assembly and timing, the impressive result and incredible combination of textures are well worth the effort. Gather your friends, tackle this foodie challenge, and enjoy a truly unforgettable, over-the-top meal.