Baking Cheeseburgers: Oven Timing For The Perfect Burger

Baked cheeseburgers are a great alternative to pan-fried or grilled burgers. They are mess-free, hands-off, and result in juicy, mouthwatering burgers. The cooking time depends on the oven temperature and the number of patties. For instance, at 375°F, it takes 20 minutes to cook 4 patties, while at 400°F, it takes 15-20 minutes to cook 4 quarter-pound patties.

How to season the beef

There are two schools of thought on the best time to season a burger: before or after forming the patty.

Seasoning Before Forming the Patty

If you choose to season the beef before forming the patty, you can mix in any number of seasonings, including salt, pepper, herbs, spices, onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. This method ensures that the flavour is distributed throughout the meat. However, salt can draw moisture out of the meat, potentially drying out the burgers, and overworking the beef can make the finished product tough. To avoid this, break the beef into smaller chunks and gently fold in the seasonings with your hands. Don't worry about distributing the seasonings absolutely evenly; a little more or less in some areas won't be noticeable.

Seasoning After Forming the Patty

Seasoning after forming the patty is a simpler method that keeps the beef loose for a tender texture. Simply form the beef into patties, then sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings just before cooking. However, this method may result in uneven distribution of the seasonings, and it doesn't allow for the addition of fresh herbs, diced onion, or shallot.

Seasoning Recommendations

• Salt and pepper are the standard seasonings for burgers.
• Granulated garlic has a less sharp flavour than raw garlic and can be easily mixed into or sprinkled on top of burgers.
• Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano go well with beef, while mint, dill, and cilantro pair nicely with other proteins. Fresh herbs can be mixed into ground meat, while dried herbs are better for sprinkling on top.
• Minced onion adds moisture and distinctive flavour. For a more subtle flavour, cook and cool the onion before adding it.
• Spice blends, such as Cajun Spice Mix or Barbecue Dry Rub, can be sprinkled on patties before cooking to add extra flavour and help develop a nice crust.
• Worcestershire sauce pairs well with beef, turkey, and lamb. It can be mixed into the meat or brushed onto the patties before cooking.
• Unconventional additions like shredded cheese, chopped fresh herbs, dried herbs like rosemary or oregano, or citrus zest can also enhance the flavour of your burgers.

How to form the patties

Now that you've decided to bake your cheeseburgers in the oven, it's time to form the patties! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

Start by placing your ground beef in a large mixing bowl. You can use any type of ground beef, but a blend with a higher fat content, like an 80/20 or 85/15 blend, will result in juicier burgers. If you prefer a leaner option, go for 90/10 or 97/3 ground beef. Keep in mind that extra-lean ground beef can be trickier to work with as it tends to be drier and more crumbly.

Step 2: Season the Beef

This is where you get to add some flavour to your patties! You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or you can go bold with a variety of seasonings. Here are some popular options:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Chilli powder
• Dried oregano
• Thyme

Combine the ground beef with your chosen seasonings, mixing until everything is well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your burgers tough and dense.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Now for the fun part—shaping your beef mixture into patties! Divide the seasoned beef mixture into equal portions, aiming for a thickness of about 3/4 inch to 1 inch. Use your hands to gently shape each portion into a round patty that's slightly larger than your burger buns.

Here's a pro tip: use your thumb to press a small indent in the centre of each patty. This little trick helps the burgers cook more evenly and prevents them from bulging in the middle.

Step 4: Arrange the Patties

Place your freshly formed patties on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. If you're concerned about sticking, you can line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil. Leave a bit of space between each patty to ensure even cooking.

And that's it! You're now ready to pop those patties in the oven and let the magic happen. Remember to keep an eye on them as they cook, and don't forget to add your cheese towards the end for that gooey, melty goodness. Happy baking!

How long to bake for

The cooking time for your cheeseburgers will depend on the temperature of your oven and the number of patties you are cooking. For example, a single patty cooked at 400°F will take 12-15 minutes, whereas multiple patties cooked at 375°F will take 20-25 minutes.

It is recommended that you use an instant-read or digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your burgers. For a medium-rare burger, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F, and for a medium burger, aim for 160°F.

If you are adding cheese, you will need to return the burgers to the oven for an additional 1-3 minutes to melt the cheese.

If you are toasting your buns, this will also add a couple of minutes to the overall cooking time.

How to add cheese

There are several ways to add cheese to your oven-baked burger. Here are some options to choose from:

Sliced Cheese

The most common way to add cheese to your burger is by placing a slice of cheese on top of the patty. You can use any type of cheese you like, such as American, cheddar, gouda, provolone, pepper jack, smoked cheddar, or Swiss cheese. Place the slice of cheese on the patty during the last 2-3 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt.

Grated or Shredded Cheese

Another option is to grate or shred your cheese of choice and sprinkle it over the patty. This method will give you a more even distribution of cheese and can be done at the same time as the sliced cheese, with 2-3 minutes left in the oven.

Stuffed Cheese

If you want a cheesy surprise, you can create a pocket in your patty and stuff it with cheese. Simply make an indentation in the centre of your patty, add your cheese, and then seal it up by reshaping the patty. This method will result in a juicy, cheesy bite with every mouthful.

Cheese Sauce

For an extra indulgent treat, you can top your burger with a cheese sauce. Simply make a cheese sauce by melting your favourite cheese with a little milk and pouring it over your patty. This method is perfect for those who want a really cheesy burger.

The Foil Trick

For an ooey-gooey experience, try the foil trick. Wrap each burger in aluminium foil, making sure to include the bottom bun. Place them back in the oven for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the bun to steam and toast. This creates a soft, warm, and toasty bun that takes your burger to the next level.

No matter which method you choose, adding cheese to your oven-baked burger is a great way to elevate your burger game and impress your taste buds.

How to assemble and serve

Now that you've baked your cheeseburgers to perfection, it's time to assemble and serve them! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Buns

If you want to toast your buns, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Spread a little butter over the split sides of the buns and toast them for a minute or two until they're golden brown. You can also pop them into the oven for a few minutes to warm them up.

Step 2: Place the Burger on the Bun

Take your freshly baked cheeseburger patties and place them on the bottom halves of the buns. If you've used the foil trick, your cheese should already be melted and your bun nice and toasty. If not, you can always pop the assembled burger into the oven for a minute or two to melt the cheese.

Step 3: Add Your Favorite Toppings

This is where you can get creative! Classic toppings include lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon, and mayonnaise. But feel free to experiment with pineapple, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions. You can also offer a variety of condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.

Step 4: Top with the Bun and Serve

Place the top half of the bun on your cheeseburger and secure it with a toothpick if needed. Serve your juicy, oven-baked cheeseburgers immediately while they're still hot. Don't forget to offer some side dishes like fries, onion rings, or a fresh side salad!

Tips for Serving:

• If you're serving a large crowd, you can keep the assembled burgers in the oven on a low warm setting until you're ready to serve. Just be careful not to over-toast the buns.
• For a fun presentation, serve the burgers with the toppings on the side, allowing your guests to customize their own burgers.
• If you want to add a special touch, serve the burgers with fancy toothpicks or mini flags.
• For a casual gathering, you can serve the burgers wrapped in foil, picnic-style.
• Don't forget to offer a variety of sauces and condiments on the side so your guests can customize their burgers.

Frequently asked questions