Andy Montoya
Blue cheese burgers are a delicious treat, and a great way to switch up your barbecue. The tang and creaminess of blue cheese make it a natural match for beef burgers, and the best way to get the full effect is to stuff the cheese right into the patty. This can get messy, but the result is a juicy, tasty burger with melty cheese in every bite. You can also add toppings such as rosemary, cinnamon, cumin, and arugula to complement the blue cheese. If you're looking for the perfect sauce, a blue cheese and rosemary mayonnaise is a great choice.
How to stuff a burger with blue cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | High-quality blue cheese |
| Type of meat | Ground beef or ground chuck |
| Meat fat content | 80/20 blend |
| Other ingredients | Chives, onion, garlic, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, cinnamon, cumin, salt, pepper, hot sauce, BBQ sauce |
| Toppings | Lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, arugula, bacon, blue cheese mayo, pear, fig jam |
| Cooking method | Grill, grill pan, cast iron frying pan, stovetop |
| Cooking time | 3 minutes per side, 2 minutes on the second side for medium-rare, 5 minutes per side for medium |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right blue cheese
When choosing the right blue cheese for your stuffed burger, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to select a high-quality blue cheese that will complement the beefy flavour of the burger patty. Look for a cheese with a strong tang and creaminess, as this will create a delicious contrast with the beef.
While you may be tempted to opt for a fancy blue cheese, it's actually better to choose a simpler variety for stuffing burgers. Save the fancy stuff for your cheese board! A basic blue cheese will provide a great flavour without being too overpowering.
You also want to ensure that your blue cheese will melt nicely into the patty. Pre-crumbled blue cheese is convenient, but it doesn't melt as well as cheese that you crumble yourself. So, if you have the time, go for a block of blue cheese that you can crumble to your desired consistency. This will help ensure that your cheese blends beautifully into the burger for a juicy, flavourful bite.
Finally, consider the overall flavour profile you want to achieve. Blue cheese pairs well with a variety of ingredients, so you can get creative! For a classic combination, mix in some crispy bacon for added texture and savouriness. You can also experiment with herbs and spices, such as rosemary, cinnamon, or cumin, to add depth and complexity to your burger.
Remember, the key to choosing the right blue cheese is finding a balance between a strong, tangy flavour and a creamy texture that will melt beautifully into your burger patty. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating an unforgettable stuffed blue cheese burger.
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Preparing the beef
Choosing the Right Beef
Start by selecting the right type of beef for your burgers. While lean beef may be a healthy choice, it's not ideal for juicy burgers. Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content, such as an 80/20 blend, which will give your burgers a juicier and more flavourful texture. This blend has 80% lean meat and 20% fat, creating a delicious and moist burger.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with your chosen seasonings and other ingredients. You can add minced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also suggest adding an egg, water, mustard, or BBQ sauce to enhance the flavour and bind the mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix everything until it's just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the meat, as this can affect the texture and make the patties tough.
Forming the Patties
Once your beef mixture is ready, it's time to form the patties. Divide the mixture into equal portions, depending on how many burgers you plan to make. A typical portion size is about 1/2 inch thick and larger than your bun. Gently form each portion into a patty shape, making sure to press a shallow indentation in the centre to prevent it from puffing up during cooking. Remember to keep your hands damp or use damp utensils when shaping the patties to prevent the meat from sticking.
Stuffing the Blue Cheese
To stuff your burgers with blue cheese, take each patty and make a small indentation in the centre using your thumb or the back of a spoon. Add a generous amount of crumbled blue cheese into the indentation. Take another portion of beef and gently place it on top, sealing the edges by pinching and pressing down firmly. Ensure there are no gaps, or the cheese may leak out during cooking.
Refrigerating the Patties
Once you've formed and stuffed your burgers, it's a good idea to refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up. This step will make them easier to handle when cooking and can improve their texture. Place the patties on a plate or baking sheet covered with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you're ready to grill or pan-fry them.
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Stuffing the patty
To stuff a burger with blue cheese, you'll need to start by choosing the right ingredients. For the juiciest burgers, opt for ground beef with an 80:20 lean-to-fat ratio. You can also use ground chuck, which has a similar fat content.
Next, prepare your seasonings and mix-ins. In addition to blue cheese, you can add in ingredients like mustard, garlic, onions, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simply combine all your ingredients in a large bowl, being careful not to overmix the meat.
Once your ingredients are mixed, it's time to form your patties. Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties that are about 1/2 inch thick and larger than your buns. To stuff the patties, form each portion into two separate patties. Add your blue cheese crumbles to the middle of one patty, then place the other patty on top. Pinch the sides closed and press down firmly to seal the two patties together.
After stuffing and sealing your patties, place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help them hold their shape when cooked.
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Cooking the burger
When you're ready to cook your blue cheese-stuffed burgers, preheat your grill to a high heat and lightly oil the grate. If you don't have a grill, you can use a grill pan or a cast-iron frying pan to cook the burgers on the stove. Make sure the grill or pan is hot and well-oiled before adding your patties.
Place the patties on the grill grate or in the pan and season with salt and pepper. For medium-rare burgers, cook for 3 minutes on one side, then turn and cook for about 2 minutes on the other side. An instant-read thermometer should register 145°F for medium-rare and 160°F for medium. If you like your burgers medium (with a little pink in the middle), pull the patties off the heat after a brown crust forms and finish them in the oven to gently melt the cheese in the middle.
If you're cooking your burgers on the stovetop, you can also cook them for 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for 1 minute more on the other side. Then, turn off the grill and let the burgers finish cooking in the residual heat with the lid closed. This will help keep them moist.
Let the burgers rest for about 5 minutes before assembling.
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Serving suggestions
There are many ways to serve a blue cheese-stuffed burger. You can serve it with a side of French fries or potato chips, and a cold beer. You can also serve it with a side of garlic French fries or sweet potato truffle fries.
If you want to add more toppings to your burger, you can spread mayonnaise on one half of the bun, and top with lettuce, tomato, and bacon. You can also add arugula, red onion, or mushrooms. For a more indulgent option, you can add more blue cheese on top of the burger.
If you want to get creative, you can try a blue cheese-stuffed burger with fig and pear. To make this, you will need to roast some pears in olive oil and honey, and then build your burger by lining the bottom bun with pears, followed by the patty, and then swirling a spoonful of fig jam on top.
For a more well-rounded meal, you can serve your blue cheese-stuffed burger with a side salad or some vegetables.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need ground beef, blue cheese, salt, and pepper. You can also add in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic, and onions.
It is recommended to use an 80/20 blend of ground beef, with 80% being lean meat and 20% fat. This will ensure your burgers are juicy.
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, being careful not to overwork the meat. Then, divide the mixture into four sections and form each section into a patty.
Place the blue cheese crumbles in the centre of four patties. Then, place the other four patties on top and pinch the sides closed, pressing down firmly to seal.
You can cook the burgers on a grill, in a pan on the stove, or in the oven. Cook for around 3 minutes on each side for a medium-rare burger, and 5 minutes for a medium burger.
