Description

This Classic Cheese Burger with Secret Sauce is a timeless favorite featuring juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patties topped with melted cheddar cheese and a homemade tangy secret sauce. Served on toasted brioche or Hawaiian buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, and optional caramelized onions and pickles, this recipe is ideal for a satisfying and flavorful grilled burger experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Burger Ingredients

2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
3 teaspoons garlic powder, granules
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons mustard powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more for seasoning
6 cheddar cheese slices
6 brioche or Hawaiian hamburger buns
6 Romaine lettuce leaves, torn into pieces
1 tomato, sliced
Pickle slices (optional)
1 cup caramelized onions (optional)

Secret Sauce

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons pickle juice
1 teaspoon dried dill
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon stone ground mustard

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the secret sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic powder, pickle juice, dried dill, fresh lime juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and stone ground mustard until smooth and well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing flavors to meld.
Form the burger patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly but gently to evenly distribute seasonings without overworking the meat. Divide mixture into six equal portions and shape each into a patty approximately ⅓ inch thick for even cooking.
Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to high heat to achieve a good sear on the patties. This will lock in juices and develop rich flavors.
Grill the patties: Season the patties with additional salt and pepper just before placing them on the hot grill. Once on the grill, reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Flip patties and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until desired doneness is reached.
Add cheese and toast buns: Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking. At the same time, place brioche or Hawaiian buns cut side down on the grill to toast lightly. Cover the grill until cheese melts and buns are nicely toasted.
Assemble the burgers: Spread a generous amount of the secret sauce on both toasted sides of each bun. Layer the bottom bun with lettuce leaves, followed by the cheeseburger patty, tomato slices, and caramelized onions if using. Top with the other half of the bun. Serve the pickles on the side, if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

The ⅓ inch thickness of patties helps ensure even cooking and juiciness.
For safety, cook burgers to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
The secret sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days refrigerated.
Adding caramelized onions is optional but adds a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor to the burger.
Use brioche or Hawaiian buns for a slightly sweet, soft bun that complements the savory burger perfectly.
Adjust cayenne pepper in the sauce to taste if you prefer less heat.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 burger
Calories: 650
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 110mg