This grilled cheese burger is a cross between a classic burger and cheesy sandwich, complete with a homemade sauce, pickles, and onions! Ready in just 30 minutes, this is a fun idea if you're in the mood for a classic burger alternative.
If you've seen some of the takes on cheeseburgers lately, like the smash burgers or big mac tacos, then you will love this burger variation! With all the typical cheeseburger ingredients, this recipe tastes like your favorite big mac but in a cooked sandwich form. This recipe has simple steps so this could definitely be added to your easy weeknight dinner rotation.
We've had our fair share of burgers over the years, and we think the two things all great cheeseburgers have in common are that they're 1) not dry and 2) have lots of toppings! We ensured this grilled cheese variation on a cheeseburger accomplished both of those things. The homemade big mac sauce that is spread on to each cooked burger patty is absolutely delicious, and ensures this grilled sandwich isn't dry. Some chopped onions and pickles also add some fun toppings which make this reminiscent of your favorite fast food burger.
If you're looking for another grilled cheese recipe we have lots to choose from! For another hearty option you'll love our Provolone Grilled Cheese with Mashed Potatoes and Bacon. If you're in the mood for a simpler option check out our Starbucks Copycat Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
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Why You'll Love this Sandwich
- It's a fun burger recipe with a twist! If a burger or smashed burger is one of your favorite meals like us, but you're looking for something a little different, you will love this melt version.
- It has so much flavor. Between the tangy big mac sauce, seasoned burger patty, and onions and pickles, this melted sandwich has so much flavor in every bite!
- It's a great summer recipe. With warmer weather coming up, this would be perfect for Father's Day or to enjoy during an outdoor barbecue!
Ingredients for this Recipe
This grilled cheese has a pretty simple ingredients list containing items you would expect to find in a cheeseburger!
- Mayo - Base for the sauce which goes inside the grilled cheese and is similar to a big mac sauce!
- Mustard and ketchup - Mixed in to the mayo to make for the best sauce.
- Relish - Also mixed in to the mayo. I recommend using sweet relish instead of dill.
- Ground beef - I recommend using 85% lean ground beef, but if you prefer a different fat level any option should work.
- Onion powder and garlic powder - Just a little of each to give the ground beef some flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce - This adds the best flavor to the ground beef, and you don't need much!
- White bread - I find a classic sliced white bread gives this sandwich a better burger vibe than sourdough.
- American cheese - Slices of American cheese from the deli work perfectly, and if you want this grilled cheese to look like a traditional burger then you can buy orange slices!
- Onion - Adds a little crunch, just make sure to finely chop the onion. If you don't like raw onion you can also omit them.
- Dill pickles - Make sure to also finely chop the pickles so they're not overpowering. I like putting them inside prior to cooking but you could also add them in after if preferred.
- Butter - Used for cooking the grilled cheeses.
- Sesame seeds - To make these look like classic burgers I love sprinkling the finished sandwiches with sesame seeds.
See recipe card below for quantities.
Step by Step Instructions
This is a pretty simple recipe which only takes about half an hour!
Step 1: Make the burger sauce. In a small bowl whisk together the mayo, mustard, ketchup, and relish. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the patties. Add the ground beef to a medium bowl, then add salt, pepper, the onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to gently incorporate everything into the ground beef. Divide the meat in half and form each into a rectangular shaped thin patty about the size of the pieces of bread you are using.
Step 3: Cook the patties. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat and cook each patty for a few minutes on each side until browned and cooked through to your desired liking (see note). Remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the grilled cheeses. To layer each grilled cheese add 2 slices of American cheese to one slice of bread, top with one of the patties, then spread half of the sauce on to the patty. Top the sauce with 1 tablespoon each of chopped onion and pickles, then top with 2 additional slices of American cheese. Top with another piece of bread. Repeat to make the other sandwich.
Step 5: Cook the grilled cheeses. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add grilled cheeses, pressing down lightly, and cook for 3-5 minutes until golden. Flip and continue cooking until cheese is melted and bottom piece is golden. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with ketchup.
Tips for Making these Grilled Cheese Burgers
- Don't skip the homemade sauce! It tastes like big mac sauce, helps keep this grilled cheese from being dry, and adds a tangy flavor which pairs so well with the mild and creamy American cheese.
- Since the burger patties are thin it can be easy to overcook them, so make sure to watch them closely. The hamburger meat will also continue to cook when you cook the grilled cheese so keep this in mind.
- If the American cheese is not fully melted once the second side of the bread is already golden brown you can reduce the heat and cover the pan for a couple of minutes so that the cheese melts but the bread doesn't burn.
FAQs
I'm not sure that burger buns will hold up as well in the pan, but if you are able to find thick ones then you could definitely give it a try!
I prefer to use a stainless steel skillet but a cast iron pan also works great.
Another great burger variation would be something like a bacon cheeseburger! I think some onion rings and bbq sauce would pair great with that.
Storing and Freezing
This recipe is best served right away, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and then reheated in the toaster oven or oven until the bread is crisp, the burger is warmed through, and the cheese is melted.
I don't recommend freezing this recipe.
Did you try this recipe? If so please leave a ⭐️ rating and/or comment below! Also, make sure to tag us on Instagram @doublethespoonfuls so we can see what you create.
📖 Recipe
Grilled Cheese Burger (Easy Homemade Recipe!)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons mayo
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ketchup plus additional for dipping
- 2 tablespoons relish sweet
- ¾ pound ground beef (I used 85% lean)
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 slices white bread
- 8 slices American cheese
- ⅛ cup onion finely chopped
- ⅛ cup pickles dill, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk together the mayo, mustard, ketchup, and relish. Refrigerate until ready to use.3 tablespoons mayo, 1 teaspoon mustard, 1 teaspoon ketchup, 2 tablespoons relish
- Add the ground beef to a medium bowl, then add salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to gently incorporate everything into the ground beef. Divide the meat in half and form each into a rectangular shaped thin patty about the size of the pieces of bread you are using.¾ pound ground beef, kosher salt, black pepper, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat and cook each patty for a few minutes on each side until browned and cooked through to your desired liking (see note). Remove from heat.
- To layer each grilled cheese add 2 slices of American cheese to one slice of bread, top with one of the patties, then spread half of the sauce on to the patty. Top the sauce with 1 tablespoon each of chopped onion and pickles, then top with 2 additional slices of American cheese. Top with another piece of bread. Repeat to make the other sandwich.4 slices white bread, 8 slices American cheese, ⅛ cup onion, ⅛ cup pickles
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add grilled cheeses, pressing down lightly, and cook for 3-5 minutes until golden. Flip and continue cooking until cheese is melted and bottom piece is golden. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with ketchup.2 tablespoons butter, sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon ketchup
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