Let me tell you about summer evenings spent grilling on the patio—friends gathered around, laughter in the air, and the irresistible aroma of juicy patties sizzling on the grill. Nothing takes center stage quite like The Best Ever Cheeseburger, a homemade delight that makes every BBQ a memorable one. What sets this recipe apart is not just the perfectly seasoned 80/20 ground chuck patty but also the epic burger sauce that adds a creamy, tangy twist to each bite. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find this burger a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for both relaxed weeknight dinners and summer cookouts. Are you ready to elevate your grill game and impress your guests? Let’s dive into this delicious journey!

Why Will You Love This Cheeseburger?

Juicy Perfection: The 80/20 ground chuck ensures each patty is tender and flavorful, giving you that restaurant-quality taste right at home.

Epic Sauce: The creamy, tangy burger sauce elevates these burgers, making every bite a delightful experience that you’ll crave.

Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a weeknight family dinner, these cheeseburgers are sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. Serve with a side of our delicious potato salad for a complete meal!

Endless Customization: Feel free to swap the beef for turkey or try different cheese variations to suit your taste, making these burgers truly your own!

The Best Ever Cheeseburger Ingredients

Elevate your grill game with these essential ingredients!

For the Patty
• Ground Beef – 2 pounds of 80/20 ground beef provides a juicy, flavorful patty; fresh ground beef enhances taste and texture.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – To taste; essential for seasoning the beef adequately to draw out natural flavors.

For the Epic Sauce
• Mayonnaise – ½ cup as a base for the burger sauce, adding creaminess to the overall flavor.
• Ketchup – ¼ cup introduces sweetness and tang to balance the savory notes.
• Dill Pickle Relish – 3 tablespoons, adds a zesty crunch; sweet pickle relish can be used if you prefer a sweeter twist.
• Dijon Mustard – 1 tablespoon provides depth; can be substituted with yellow mustard for a milder taste.

For Assembly
• American Cheese – 6 slices, adds creaminess and traditional cheeseburger flavor; feel free to swap with your favorite cheese.
• Brioche Hamburger Buns – For serving, these buns offer a soft, buttery foundation that enhances the overall burger experience.

Toppings
• Romaine or Shredded Lettuce – For a fresh, crispy texture that complements the juicy patty.
• Sliced Tomato – Adds freshness and a pop of color; choose a ripe one for the best flavor.
• Sliced Red Onion – Offers a sharp bite and adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Dill Pickle Chips – For extra crunch and tanginess, enhancing the overall burger experience.

Now you have everything you need for The Best Ever Cheeseburger—let’s bring those summer cookout vibes to your table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for The Best Ever Cheeseburger

Step 1: Prepare the Patty Mixture
In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds of 80/20 ground beef with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Mix gently with your hands, being careful not to overwork the meat, which can make the patties tough. The mixture should be just cohesive enough to hold its shape. This step sets the foundation for making the best ever cheeseburger!

Step 2: Form the Patties
Once the beef is seasoned, divide the mixture into six even portions and gently shape each into a 1-inch thick patty. Ensure your patties are slightly larger than the brioche buns to account for shrinkage while cooking. Create a small indentation in the center of each patty using your thumb to help them cook evenly and avoid puffing up.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking; you can test it with a small piece of the beef mixture. This will provide a crispy, golden-brown crust on your patties, enhancing the flavor of The Best Ever Cheeseburger.

Step 4: Cook the Patties
Carefully add the patties to the hot skillet, cooking them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3–5 minutes on one side until a rich brown crust forms. Flip the patties and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes for medium doneness, or to your desired level. Add a slice of American cheese on top during the last minute of cooking to let it melt beautifully.

Step 5: Whisk the Burger Sauce
While the patties are cooking, prepare the epic burger sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup ketchup, 3 tablespoons of dill pickle relish, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth and fully combined—this creamy sauce will elevate your cheeseburger with a delightful tangy flavor.

Step 6: Toast the Buns
As the burgers finish cooking, cut the brioche hamburger buns in half and toast them in the skillet until they are golden brown. This step adds a lovely crunch and enhances the flavor of your homemade cheeseburger. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as they can toast quickly.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cheeseburgers
To assemble The Best Ever Cheeseburger, place each cheeseburger patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Generously spread the epic burger sauce on top, followed by your favorite toppings: lettuce, tomato, sliced red onion, and dill pickle chips. Finally, crown it with the top bun and serve immediately for maximum freshness.

Make Ahead Options

These The Best Ever Cheeseburgers are fantastic for meal prep, saving you valuable time during busy weeknights! You can prep the burger patties up to 24 hours in advance by forming them and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, make the epic burger sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 5-7 days; this will also allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to enjoy your cheeseburgers, simply cook the patties in a skillet as instructed and toast your buns right before serving for a deliciously fresh meal. This way, you’ll achieve that mouth-watering, homemade taste with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for The Best Ever Cheeseburger

Choose Quality Meat: Use fresh 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful patties. Avoid leaner blends that may result in dry burgers.
Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mix the beef gently with seasonings to prevent tough patties. Handling it too much can lead to density rather than tenderness.
Perfect Patty Size: Make patties slightly larger than the buns, and create a small indentation in the center to cook evenly and prevent puffing.
Cooking Temperature: Preheat your skillet to medium-high before adding patties for a nice sear. This caramelizes the outside for a richer flavor in The Best Ever Cheeseburger.
Watch the Cheese: Add cheese during the last minute of cooking to ensure it melts perfectly without overcooking the patty itself.
Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings and sauces, enhancing the flavors of your cheeseburger to match everyone’s taste preferences.

What to Serve with The Best Ever Cheeseburger?

Imagine the perfect summer evening with friends and family gathered around, laughter filling the air as they savor every delightful bite of your cheeseburgers.

Crispy French Fries: These classic accompaniments bring a satisfying crunch that complements the juicy texture of the burger.
Zesty Coleslaw: The refreshing and tangy slaw adds a crunchy contrast, making each bite of cheeseburger even more enjoyable.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, charred corn drizzled with butter is a summertime staple that pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the cheeseburger.
Potato Salad: Creamy and mildly seasoned potato salad rounds out the meal with its comforting texture, making it a perfect side for summer gatherings.
Fresh Garden Salad: A vibrant salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a light and refreshing balance to the richness of the burger.
Watermelon Slices: These juicy, sweet slices are a perfect palate cleanser, adding a hydrating burst of freshness to your summer feast.
Iced Tea or Lemonade: A cold glass of iced tea or a zesty lemonade complements the flavors and enhances the backyard BBQ vibe, refreshing your guests.
Brownie Sundaes: For a sweet ending to your meal, serve fudgy brownie sundaes topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce, ensuring the perfect finish to a delicious summer night.

Storage Tips for The Best Ever Cheeseburger

Fridge: Store leftover patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a slice of cheese if desired for extra creaminess.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze cooked patties in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Burger Sauce: The epic burger sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5-7 days in a sealed container, making it easy to enjoy The Best Ever Cheeseburger again!

Reheating: When reheating, gently warm the patties in a skillet or microwave, covering them to retain moisture. Serve on freshly toasted buns for the best experience!

The Best Ever Cheeseburger Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this burger to suit your tastes!

Turkey Swap: Use ground turkey for a leaner option that still packs flavor. Season well to keep it juicy!
Since turkey has a milder flavor, try complementing it with bold toppings and sauces to enhance each bite.
Cheese Variety: Experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a flavor twist.
Each cheese brings its own character, making your cheeseburger unique, so find your favorite combination!
Spicy Kick: Add a splash of hot sauce or a dollop of sriracha to the burger sauce for some heat.
Spicy elements elevate the flavor profile, giving that adventurous touch that spicy food enthusiasts crave.
Veggie Pattys: For a delightful vegetarian twist, swap the beef with store-bought or homemade veggie patties.
Made from beans, lentils, or grains, they provide great texture and flavor while keeping it plant-based.
Bun Alternatives: Try whole grain or sesame seed buns for a different taste or for added health benefits.
The change in the bun adds a subtle flavor enhancement while still holding every delicious component together.
Extras Galore: Consider adding toppings like crispy bacon or avocado slices for added richness and creaminess.
The crunch of bacon or the creaminess of avocado can take your cheeseburger experience to the next level!
Tropical Twist: Top with grilled pineapple for a sweet tropical flavor that contrasts beautifully with savory elements.
This fruit elevates your burger game, offering a delicious twist that makes it feel like summer all year round.
Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into the beef mixture for exciting flavor notes right from the start.
The aromatic herbs can transform an ordinary cheeseburger into an extraordinary feast for the senses.

For a delightful summer dinner, don’t forget to serve these with a refreshing side, like our delicious potato salad!

The Best Ever Cheeseburger Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best ground beef for my cheeseburgers?
Absolutely! For the juiciest and most flavorful cheeseburgers, I recommend using fresh 80/20 ground beef. This blend has a good amount of fat, ensuring your patties are moist and succulent. Avoid beef blends that are too lean (like 90% or higher), as they can result in dry burgers that lack flavor.

How can I store leftover cheeseburger patties?
Very simply! Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm them in a skillet over medium heat until they are heated through. If you want a melty cheese experience, add a slice of cheese when reheating!

Can I freeze my cheeseburger patties?
Yes, you can! To freeze cooked patties, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw the patties overnight in the fridge and reheat them gently.

How long can I store the burger sauce?
I often make the epic burger sauce ahead of time! Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, it can last for up to 5-7 days. This makes it so convenient for busy nights or impromptu cookouts! Just give it a good stir before using it again.

What should I do if my patties are falling apart while cooking?
If your patties are struggling to hold together, it may be because of excessive handling or not enough fat in the meat mixture. To avoid this, handle the meat as little as possible when mixing, and ensure you’re using 80/20 ground beef. If you’ve added too much seasoning, it can also lead to crumbling, so be gentle with the salt and pepper!

Are there any dietary considerations for this cheeseburger?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily accommodate different dietary needs. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Additionally, for those with cheese allergies, you could omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Always check for gluten-free buns if necessary, and enjoy customizing your burger to meet your guests’ preferences!