Ultimate BLT Cheeseburger Recipe: Your New Favorite Summer Mashup!
Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary experience where two beloved classics collide in a spectacular fashion: introducing the sensational BLT Cheeseburger! This innovative mashup takes everything you adore about a juicy cheeseburger and flawlessly blends it with the fresh, crisp, and savory layers of a traditional Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato sandwich. It’s more than just a burger; it’s a nostalgic journey with a delicious twist, perfect for making your summer gatherings truly special.
Embrace the Season: Why Summer is for Burgers
There’s an undeniable magic that comes with summer, and for many of us, it revolves around the joy of outdoor living and, most importantly, grilling season! As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of sizzling patties drifting through the air. Al fresco dinners, spontaneous backyard cookouts, and gathering with loved ones become the cornerstone of warm-weather memories. This Memorial Day weekend, and indeed throughout the entire summer, I plan on soaking up every bit of outdoor fun with good company and, naturally, even better food. I sincerely hope you do too!
The Inspiration: A Burger That Thinks It’s a Sandwich
The idea for these BLT Cheeseburgers struck me recently, and I simply couldn’t wait to bring them to life and share this delightful concept with you. While many burgers feature cheese, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes, what sets these apart is their unique presentation and subtle yet impactful flavor enhancements. Instead of traditional burger buns, we opt for perfectly toasted white sandwich bread. This simple swap instantly transforms the eating experience, giving it that classic BLT feel. Furthermore, in a departure from the usual, there’s no ketchup here. A generous slather of creamy mayonnaise, paired with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, creates a rich and satisfying base that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
It’s truly remarkable how a few minor adjustments in how you serve a dish can completely reinvent its character and appeal. This BLT Cheeseburger isn’t just a meal; it’s a revelation, proving that sometimes, the best innovations come from combining familiar elements in an unexpected way. The result is a burger that feels both comforting and exciting, offering a textural contrast and flavor profile that stands out from your average patty in a bun.
Crafting the Perfect BLT Cheeseburger Patty
The foundation of any great burger is, of course, the patty itself. For our BLT Cheeseburger, we’re not just throwing ground beef on the grill; we’re infusing it with flavor right from the start. We begin with a pound of quality ground beef, which serves as our canvas. To this, we add a large egg, acting as a binder to keep our patties tender and moist. The secret to our savory depth comes from a blend of seasonings: a teaspoon of regular or Dijon mustard, a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for that umami kick, and a harmonious duo of onion powder and garlic powder. A healthy pinch of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper rounds out the flavor, ensuring every bite is seasoned to perfection.
Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, a gentle mix—you might even get your hands in there for the best results—ensures the flavors are evenly distributed without overworking the meat. Overworking can lead to tough burgers, and we’re aiming for juicy tenderness. The next crucial step is shaping. Since these are designed to be “sandwiches,” we’re aiming for a thin rectangle or square shape, rather than the traditional round patty, to perfectly fit your slices of sandwich bread. This thinness also helps them cook quickly and evenly, ensuring that delightful char without drying out. Handle them with care as you transfer them to the grill, as their unique shape might be a little more delicate than a thick, round burger.
Grilling to Perfection: Tips for Success
Achieving the ideal char and doneness is key to a fantastic burger. Start by preheating your grill (or a skillet if you’re cooking indoors on the stove-top) to medium-high heat. Make sure it’s greased to prevent sticking. This high initial heat helps to create that desirable crust on the outside, locking in the juices. Place your carefully shaped patties onto the hot surface. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side for that slightly charred exterior, then flip them over. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, or until they are cooked through to your preferred level of doneness. Remember, because these patties are thinner, they will cook faster than a standard thick burger, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
The moment of truth for the “cheeseburger” part of our mashup comes next. In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese. Close the grill lid or cover your skillet to allow the heat to melt the cheese beautifully and evenly. You want that rich, gooey layer of cheddar draped over your savory beef, adding another dimension of flavor and texture that truly elevates the dish.
Assembling Your Masterpiece: The BLT Cheeseburger Layers
With your perfectly grilled and cheesed patties ready, it’s time to bring all the elements together. The assembly is where the “BLT” really shines through. First, take your toasted white sandwich bread. The toasting is non-negotiable here; it provides that essential crunch and structural integrity that holds up against the juicy burger and fresh toppings. Spread a generous layer of creamy mayonnaise on each slice. This is our signature sauce, offering a tangy richness that replaces ketchup and perfectly binds the BLT flavors.
On one slice of the mayo-slathered toast, carefully place your hot, cheese-topped burger patty. Next, layer on the crispy cooked bacon—ideally, two slices per burger for maximum bacon-y goodness. Follow this with a crisp leaf or two of fresh lettuce, adding a refreshing crunch. Finally, lay on slices of ripe, juicy tomatoes, which bring a burst of freshness and a touch of acidity. A final sprinkle of salt and pepper over the toppings enhances their natural flavors. Top with the second slice of toasted bread, and your magnificent BLT Cheeseburger is ready! Serve immediately to enjoy the warmth of the patty and the freshness of the toppings at their peak.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
These BLT Cheeseburgers are incredibly satisfying on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making them ideal for any casual meal or summer celebration. Consider classic cookout sides like crispy french fries, a vibrant potato salad, creamy coleslaw, or even a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. For an extra touch of indulgence, sweet potato fries or onion rings would also be fantastic companions. When it comes to beverages, a cold iced tea, lemonade, or a refreshing craft beer would perfectly complement the savory flavors of the burger.
Customization Ideas for Your BLT Cheeseburger
While this recipe offers a fantastic baseline, feel free to get creative and customize your BLT Cheeseburger to suit your preferences:
- **Cheese**: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, provolone, pepper jack, or a sharp white cheddar.
- **Bread**: While white sandwich bread is recommended for the classic BLT feel, you could try sourdough, rye, or even a thicker artisan bread if you prefer. Just ensure it’s toasted!
- **Sauces**: Beyond mayo, a hint of sriracha mayo for a kick, a touch of avocado crema, or a smoky aioli could add exciting new dimensions.
- **Add-ins**: Consider thinly sliced red onion, pickles, or even a fried egg for an ultimate breakfast-for-dinner experience.
- **Spice**: A dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in the patty mix can elevate the heat.
Why This BLT Cheeseburger Will Be Your New Favorite
These BLT Cheeseburgers are more than just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and the joy of summer eating. They’re incredibly fun to make and even more delicious to devour! My entire family absolutely adored them, and I’m already planning our next round very soon. Whether you’re planning a big weekend bash, a casual weeknight dinner, or simply looking for a new recipe to add excitement to your life, I sincerely hope your plans involve savoring these incredible burgers. They bring together the best of two worlds in a way that’s both familiar and delightfully fresh, promising smiles and satisfied appetites all around. Enjoy the simplicity of good food and great company!
BLT Cheeseburger
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Ingredients
For the burgers:
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon regular or Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 lb ground beef
For serving:
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 8 slices white sandwich bread , toasted
- Mayonnaise
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- Lettuce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper with a fork. Add the ground beef and mix until combined, you may need to use your hands.
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Divide into 4 quarter-pound portions and shape into a thin rectangle or square (to fit your sandwich bread). Patty will be thin, handle carefully as you transport it to your grill.
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Preheat greased grill (or skillet if using stove-top) to medium high heat.
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Grill until slightly charred, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook 1-2 minutes more until cooked through. Top with cheddar cheese and cook until melted, another minute more.
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To assemble burgers, spread mayonnaise on toasted bread. Top one slice with cheese-topped patties, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with second slice of bread. Serve immediately.
Notes
- I used 96% lean beef but any fat percentage should work.
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