Classic Juicy Lucy Burger Recipe

2022-11-05

By Burger King

American Cuisine

Main Course

The Classic Juicy Lucy Burger is a Minnesota creation that's become a burger favorite. This easy recipe features beef patties filled with melted cheddar cheese and topped with your favorite burger fixings. 

A Minneapolis Invention

A popular main course that originated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the United States. Also known as a Jucy Lucy or Jucy Lucy Burger, it is a cheeseburger that is made with the cheese stuffed inside the patty. The history of the Juicy Lucy Burger is somewhat disputed, with several local bars and restaurants in Minneapolis claiming to have invented the dish. One of the most popular claims is that the burger was first served at a bar called Matt's Bar in South Minneapolis in the 1950s. According to legend, the restaurant's co-owner, Matt Bristol, created the burger when a customer ordered a cheeseburger but complained that the cheese was not melted enough. 

 A Must-Try for Burger Lovers

Bristol then had the idea to stuff the cheese inside two burger patties, sealing the edges together to create a molten and juicy interior. Over time, the Juicy Lucy Burger became a local favorite in and around Minneapolis, with many restaurants and bars offering their own take on the dish. 

A Cheese Lover's Dream Come True

Today, it is a popular item on many restaurant menus across the United States and is considered one of the country's most iconic burgers. 

Cheese Oozing from Every Bite

The Juicy Lucy Burger is made by stuffing a slice of cheese, typically American or cheddar cheese, inside the ground beef or turkey patty. The patty is then grilled or fried until the cheese inside is melted and oozing out. The burger is typically served on a bun with traditional burger toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and onion, and is often accompanied by fries, onion rings, or other classic burger sides.

Pitfalls on Juicy Lucy Burger

 Choosing the Cheese: The cheese used inside the Juicy Lucy is the star ingredient and getting the right cheese can make or break the burger. It's important to choose a cheese that is melty and flavorful, such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack. It's also crucial to ensure that the cheese is the right size and shape for the patty and doesn't leak out during the cooking process.

 Stuffing the Burger: Stuffing the cheese inside the patty can be a challenge, as the cheese should be in the center of the burger to keep it from oozing out. It's important to create a deep pocket in the center of the meat with a spoon or your thumb, and then add the cheese in small portions to ensure an even distribution. It's also critical to seal the edges of the patty to prevent the cheese from leaking out.

 Cooking Time and Temperature: Cooking time and temperature can make a big difference in the Juicy Lucy Burger's final texture and flavor. Overcooking can cause the cheese to become too liquidy or ooze out, while undercooking can leave the center of the patty undercooked. It's important to cook the burger over medium heat on a preheated grill or stovetop griddle and to flip the burger carefully to avoid destroying the burger's seal.

 Serving: Serving the Juicy Lucy Burger can be a challenge, as the cheese center can be extremely hot. It's important to let the burger rest for a minute or two before serving it to allow the cheese to cool down slightly and prevent any burns. Additionally, serving the burger with sides that complement its flavors, such as crispy fries or onion rings, can make it more enjoyable.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 8 oz block of cheddar cheese, cut into 8 equal pieces

• 8 hamburger buns

• Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, etc.)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and breadcrumbs.

2. Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into patties about 4 inches wide.

3. Cut the cheddar cheese into 8 equal pieces and place one piece in the center of each patty.

4. Fold the beef around the cheese, pinching the edges to seal well.

5. Preheat grill or griddle to medium heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.

6. Cook the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, until well-browned and cooked to your desired doneness.

7. Serve the burgers on buns with your choice of toppings.

Preparation Time 15 min

Cook Time 15 min

Total time 30 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 500

Fat: 27 g

Saturated Fat: 13 g

Carbohydrates: 27 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 4 g

Protein: 36 g

Regional Ingredients Variations of Juicy Lucy Burger

Minnesota (the birthplace of the Juicy Lucy Burger), they may add a layer of sautéed onions and mushrooms in between the cheese and the meat patty. This version of the Juicy Lucy Burger is known as "Minnesota-style Juicy Lucy Burger."

California, they may add avocado and bacon to the burger, giving it a slightly southwest flavor. This version of the Juicy Lucy Burger is known as "California-style Juicy Lucy Burger."

Texas, they may add jalapeños and barbecue sauce to the burger, giving it a bit of a southwestern flavor. This version of the Juicy Lucy Burger is known as "Texas-style Juicy Lucy Burger."

Ohio, they may use two thin patties instead of one thick patty, with the cheese in the middle, giving the burger a slightly crunchier texture. This version of the Juicy Lucy Burger is known as "Ohio-style Juicy Lucy Burger."

Wisconsin, they may add a layer of fried cheese curds on top of the patty and cheese, giving the burger a rich, cheesy flavor. This version of the Juicy Lucy Burger is known as "Wisconsin-style Juicy Lucy Burger."

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