Frederic Melton
There are many ways to cook cheeseburgers, and the stovetop method is one of the most popular. It is quick, easy, and juicy. To cook cheeseburgers on a stovetop, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, place the patties in the skillet, leaving some space between each patty. Cook the burgers until they are nicely seared and browned halfway up the sides. Flip the burgers and cook to your liking. If you are making cheeseburgers, top the burgers with cheese as soon as you flip them. Cover the skillet to melt the cheese faster.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stovetop | Medium-high heat |
| 3-5 minutes per side | |
| Seared and browned halfway up the sides | |
| Internal temperature of 160°F | |
| Use a flat pan | |
| Use a wide, thin spatula | |
| Baked | Preheat oven to 375°F |
| Bake for 20-25 minutes | |
| Internal temperature of 160°F | |
| BBQ | Preheat grill to high |
| 1-2 minutes per side |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking temperature and timing
Stovetop Cheeseburgers
For stovetop cooking, heat a large skillet or flat pan over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet, leaving some space between each patty. The patties should sizzle when they hit the pan. Season the patty with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
Then, quickly slide a spatula under the burgers and flip them. You should see a dark brown sear on the underside. If not, increase the heat a little. Season the other side and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness.
If you are making cheeseburgers, add the cheese as soon as you flip the patty. If the cheese is not melting fast enough, cover the pan with a lid to encourage melting.
Some people prefer cooking their stovetop cheeseburgers at a temperature closer to medium than medium-high, which takes longer but gives more leeway in terms of timing.
Oven-baked Cheeseburgers
For oven-baked cheeseburgers, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the patties on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the burgers reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place a slice of cheese on each patty and return them to the oven for one more minute to melt the cheese.
Grilled Cheeseburgers
For grilled cheeseburgers, preheat your grill to high. You can brush the grill with canola or vegetable oil if it is not well-seasoned. Cook the patties for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, topping with cheese as soon as you flip them.
Common Considerations
Regardless of the cooking method, it is important to ensure that the patties are at room temperature before placing them on the heat. This helps ensure even cooking. Additionally, creating a dent in the middle of each patty prevents doming and reduces shrinkage during cooking.
For food safety, the USDA recommends cooking burgers to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure all bacteria are killed.
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Choosing the right pan
When it comes to choosing the right pan for cooking cheeseburgers, there are a few options to consider.
One popular option is a cast-iron skillet, which is commonly used for stovetop cooking. Cast iron skillets can retain and distribute heat effectively, making them ideal for searing burgers and achieving a nice crust. They are durable and can withstand high temperatures. However, they may require extra care and seasoning to maintain their non-stick properties and prevent rusting.
Another option is a stainless steel pan, which is known for its durability and ability to withstand high heat. Stainless steel pans often have a thicker base, which can help distribute heat evenly. However, they may be more prone to sticking and can be more challenging to clean, so consider using cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Non-stick pans are also a good choice for cooking cheeseburgers. They are designed to prevent food from sticking to the surface, making cleanup easier. Non-stick pans usually have a coating that allows food to release easily, but it's important to use utensils that won't scratch the coating, such as wooden or silicone spatulas.
Additionally, consider the size of the pan. For stovetop cooking, a large skillet or pan is recommended to accommodate multiple burger patties and to prevent overcrowding. A wider pan also gives you more control over the temperature, as you can move the patties around to adjust the heat exposure.
Lastly, if you're looking for a mess-free option, consider baking your cheeseburgers in the oven. This method requires a sheet pan or a baking tray that can fit multiple patties. Line the pan with foil and parchment paper to make cleanup even easier.
In summary, the key factors to consider when choosing a pan for cooking cheeseburgers are heat retention, even heat distribution, non-stick properties, durability, and size. Choose a pan that suits your cooking method, whether it's stovetop or oven baking, and don't forget to consider the maintenance required to keep your pan in good condition.
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Preparing the beef
When preparing the beef, keep it simple. You don't need a bunch of mix-ins, as you'll just be masking the flavour of the beef. A simple hamburger on a warm summer evening with a few toppings is perfect. You can add breadcrumbs to the mix to ensure the patties don't dry out, and an egg to bind the mixture. Some recipes suggest adding ketchup, mustard, relish, or Worcestershire sauce to the beef, but this can make the patties more likely to burn.
To form the patties, divide the ground beef into four to six portions, depending on how many burgers you are making. Each patty should be about half an inch thick and slightly wider than the bun, as they will shrink during cooking. Use your thumb to make an indent in one side of the patty, which will help the patties keep their shape during cooking.
If you are making smash burgers, place balls of beef in a pan and smash them down with a stiff metal spatula, using another spatula to add pressure. The patties should be slightly wider than the bun.
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Adding the cheese
When cooking cheeseburgers, there are several methods for adding the cheese. The type of cheese you use is also important, as some melt more easily than others. For stovetop burgers, it's recommended to cook the patty first and then add the cheese. You can do this by removing the pan from the heat and placing a slice of cheese—American or cheddar are popular choices—on top of the patty. Cover the skillet to allow the residual heat and steam to melt the cheese. If the cheese is melting too slowly, you can add a teaspoon of water to the pan and cover it to encourage melting.
If you're cooking your cheeseburger in an oven, the process is slightly different. First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare your baking sheet. Then, place your burger patties on the baking sheet and bake them for 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, add a slice of cheese to each patty and return them to the oven for an additional minute to melt the cheese.
For BBQ cheeseburgers, you can cook the patty and melt the cheese simultaneously. Preheat your BBQ grill to high heat until you see wisps of smoke. Then, cook the patties for 1-2 minutes per side, topping them with cheese immediately after flipping. The high heat of the grill will melt the cheese while the burger cooks.
When making cheeseburgers on the stovetop or BBQ, it's important to ensure that your patty is cooked to your desired level of doneness before adding the cheese. This can vary depending on your heat source and the thickness of your patty, but generally, cooking each side of the patty for 3-5 minutes on medium-high heat will result in a well-done burger.
Additionally, the type of cheese you use can impact the melting process. Cheeses like American or cheddar tend to melt more easily, while thicker-sliced cheeses or varieties like Swiss may take longer. If you're using a less melty cheese, you can try steaming your burger by adding a small amount of water to the pan and covering it to help the cheese melt.
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Serving suggestions
Cheeseburgers are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. Here are some ideas for serving your cheeseburger:
- On a bun: A classic way to serve a cheeseburger is on a toasted bun. Brioche buns can add a gourmet touch, but any type of bun will work. Toasting the bun under a grill or in a toaster can add a golden, crispy texture. If you're using gluten-free buns, you might want to toast them under the broiler first to make them softer before adding the patty.
- With toppings: The beauty of a cheeseburger is that you can add your favourite toppings. Ketchup, mustard, and mayo are popular choices, but you can also add sliced cheese, lettuce, tomato, and other vegetables for texture, colour, and flavour.
- With sides: Cheeseburgers go well with a variety of sides. You could serve them with French fries, either frozen or homemade, or a fresh and healthy veggie or fruit salad.
- Low-carb options: If you're watching your carb intake, you can skip the bun and wrap your cheeseburger in iceberg lettuce for a refreshing, low-carb option.
- Baked: If you're looking for a mess-free option, you can bake your cheeseburgers in the oven. This method is said to produce juicy, tender burgers and creates less mess than pan-frying.
- Barbecue: Cheeseburgers can also be cooked on a barbecue or grill. If your barbecue is well-seasoned, you may not need any oil. Simply cook the patties for 1-2 minutes on each side, topping with cheese as soon as you flip them, and then let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
No matter how you choose to serve your cheeseburger, the key to a delicious burger is a juicy patty and melted cheese. Enjoy experimenting with different serving suggestions to find your favourite combination!
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Frequently asked questions
Medium-high heat is best for cooking cheeseburgers. You should see a wisp of smoke when the pan is hot enough.
Depending on the size of your patty, you should cook your cheeseburger for 3-5 minutes on each side.
You should add cheese to your burger as soon as you flip the patty. If the cheese is not melting fast enough, cover the pan with a lid.
American or cheddar cheese is perfect for cheeseburgers, but any type works fine.
Cooking cheeseburgers in the oven is mess-free and hands-free. It also makes the burgers juicier and tender.
