Patrick Oconnell
The Juicy Lucy is a cheeseburger with a twist: the cheese is stuffed inside the patty, resulting in an oozy, gooey centre. This midwestern classic is said to have originated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with two bars, Matt's Bar and the 5-8 Club, claiming to have invented it. While there are various ways to make a Juicy Lucy, the type of cheese is key to achieving that signature melt. So, what cheese is best for a Juicy Lucy?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | American, Cheddar, Pepperjack, Blue cheese, Gruyere, Emmental, Gouda |
| Cheese texture | Smooth, creamy, soft, extra gooey, melty, saucy, liquid-like |
| Meat type | Beef |
| Meat fat content | 20-80% lean |
| Meat seasoning | Salt, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, pepper |
| Cooking method | Grilled, pan-fried, stovetop |
| Cooking temperature | Medium heat |
| Cooking time | 4-5 minutes each side |
| Cooking tools | Cast-iron skillet, frying pan |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
American cheese is a popular choice
American cheese is also a popular choice because it is versatile. You can make your own using sodium citrate, or shred your own from a block, or even use Kraft Singles. Deli-counter American cheese melts well, and shredded cheese melts better than sliced.
Matt's Bar in Minneapolis, which claims to have invented the Juicy Lucy in 1954, uses American cheese. However, the 5-8 Club, which also claims to have invented the burger, offers multiple cheese options.
If you are making a Juicy Lucy at home, American cheese is a good choice because it melts better than other cheeses. It is also the classic choice for a reason—it is the cheesiest!
Creating the Perfect Cheese Tray
You may want to see also
Cheddar or Pepper Jack are alternatives
The Juicy Lucy is a unique burger that features molten cheese inside its beef patty. The best cheese for a Juicy Lucy is American cheese, as it melts like a dream and has a flavour that is associated with hamburgers. It is also fairly easy to melt and becomes almost liquid-like, which is a requirement if you want it oozing out of your beef patty with every bite. However, if you want to substitute the cheese, you can use cheddar or pepper jack.
Cheddar is a good alternative, but it might not be the best melting cheese, especially if it is well-aged. If you do use cheddar, it is recommended to not go for a sharp cheddar, as it will compete with the meat.
Pepper jack is another great melting cheese. If you like spicy food, you can also use habanero jack.
The Juicy Lucy is a Minnesota classic, with its origin traced to two establishments in Minneapolis: Matt's Bar and the 5-8 Club. Both establishments claim ownership over the sandwich, with supporters rallying behind alternate origin tales. Matt's Bar, which likely invented the burger in the 1950s, only uses American cheese, while the 5-8 Club offers multiple cheese options.
Cheese and High Blood Pressure: What's the Best Choice?
You may want to see also
Blue cheese for a Blucy
While American cheese is the most popular choice for a Juicy Lucy, some people prefer to use blue cheese, which turns the burger into a Blucy. Blue cheese has a strong flavour and a distinctive smell, which may be off-putting to some, but it can add a delicious tang to a Juicy Lucy.
Blue cheese is a good option for a Juicy Lucy because it melts well. It is important that the cheese melts inside a Juicy Lucy, as this is what makes the burger distinctive. A Juicy Lucy should have a liquid, molten core, with cheese oozing out of the patty with every bite. Blue cheese melts smoothly, making it a good choice for a Blucy.
Blue cheese also has a strong flavour, which can add an extra kick to a Juicy Lucy. While some people prefer the milder taste of American cheese, others enjoy the extra tang that blue cheese provides. Blue cheese has a distinctive, sharp flavour that can liven up a burger.
However, blue cheese does have a strong smell, which some people find unpleasant. It is also a more expensive option than American cheese, and may be more difficult to find in some areas. For this reason, American cheese is often preferred for a Juicy Lucy, as it is widely available and has a milder taste that will not overpower the other flavours in the burger.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese for a Juicy Lucy comes down to personal preference. While American cheese is the traditional option, blue cheese can be a delicious alternative for those who want to try something different.
Cheese and Tacos: The Perfect Match
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Gouda for a smoky, earthy flavour
Juicy Lucys are all about the cheese, so it's important to get the right kind. While American cheese is the most popular choice for its smooth, creamy melt, it's not the fanciest cheese out there. If you're looking for a cheese with a more distinct flavour, consider a good gouda.
Gouda has a smoky, earthy flavour that will add depth to your Juicy Lucy without competing with the beef. It's a semi-hard cheese that melts well, and its strong flavour means a little goes a long way. When melted, it becomes saucy, which is perfect for a juicy, oozing centre.
To get the best melt, you'll want to shred your gouda. Shredded cheese melts more easily than sliced, and you can avoid the pre-shredded bags, which are coated in a substance that prevents clumping but also impedes melting. You can also make your own "American" cheese with shredded gouda and sodium citrate, which will guarantee a smooth, creamy melt.
When assembling your Juicy Lucy, form two thin beef patties. Cut your cheese into small pieces and arrange them in a circle on one patty, leaving a border around the edges. Place the second patty on top and seal the edges. Cup the burger in your hands to form a nice, even patty.
Now you're ready to cook your Juicy Lucy! Heat a cast-iron skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add your burgers and cook until dark golden-brown on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the second side is dark golden-brown and the patties are cooked through. Let your Juicy Lucys rest for a minute or two before serving—you don't want that molten cheese exploding out!
Cheese Crackers: Which Brand is the Cheesiest?
You may want to see also
Gruyere or Emmental for a milder taste
The Juicy Lucy is a unique burger that features molten cheese held inside its beef patty. The best cheese for a Juicy Lucy is American cheese, as it melts beautifully and has a flavour that is associated with hamburgers. It is also a soft and smooth cheese that is easy to melt and becomes almost like a liquid when heated, which is a requirement for the perfect Juicy Lucy. However, if you are looking for a milder cheese, Gruyere or Emmental are good options.
Gruyere is a Swiss cheese with a sweet and nutty flavour. It has a slightly grainy texture and a natural yellow tint. Gruyere is a great melting cheese, which makes it perfect for a Juicy Lucy. It has a mild and creamy flavour that will not overpower the beef patty.
Emmental is also a Swiss cheese with a mild and nutty flavour. It has a slightly fruity taste and a soft and creamy texture. Emmental is a good melting cheese, which makes it a great option for a Juicy Lucy. Its mild flavour will complement the beef patty without overwhelming it.
When choosing between Gruyere and Emmental for a Juicy Lucy, consider the specific flavour and texture you prefer. Both cheeses have a mild and nutty flavour, but Emmental has a slightly fruity note, while Gruyere is slightly sweeter. In terms of texture, Emmental is softer and creamier, while Gruyere has a slightly grainier mouthfeel.
Ultimately, both Gruyere and Emmental are excellent choices for a milder cheese in a Juicy Lucy. They will both melt well and provide a delicious and subtle flavour that complements the beef patty.
Cheese Choices for Hunter's Chicken Perfection
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
American cheese is the best option for a Juicy Lucy as it melts easily and creates a smooth, saucy centre.
Other cheese options include shredded cheddar, gouda, gruyere, emmental, pepper jack, and habanero jack.
A Juicy Lucy is a cheeseburger with molten cheese stuffed inside the patty, resulting in an oozy, cheesy centre.
To make a Juicy Lucy, form two burger patties, one smaller than the other. Place hunks of cheese on the larger patty, then place the smaller patty on top and pinch the edges together.
