Indulge in a culinary delight that transcends the ordinary: the Blue Cheese Burger. This recipe transforms a classic favorite into a gourmet experience, offering an irresistible blend of rich flavors and satisfying textures. Simple to prepare yet bursting with character, these burgers are guaranteed to impress at any meal.
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There’s something uniquely comforting and universally loved about a perfectly cooked burger. While a classic cheeseburger holds a special place in our hearts, sometimes a meal calls for a touch of elevated sophistication. That’s where the Blue Cheese Burger comes in. It’s a dish that takes the familiar and infuses it with bold, distinctive flavors, turning a weeknight dinner into a gourmet event. If you enjoy discovering new burger variations, be sure to explore other favorites like Poblano Pepper Slider Burgers, Tex-Mex Bacon Cheeseburgers, or even Taco Burgers.
For many, a traditional approach to cooking is preferred. Take steak, for instance – often, all it needs is a generous seasoning of salt and pepper, cooked to a perfect medium-rare, without the need for any elaborate sauces. Similarly, a classic burger, adorned with melted cheese, a dollop of ketchup and mustard, crisp pickles, fresh onions, lettuce, and tomatoes, all nestled within a soft, yielding bun, is a timeless delight.
However, there are moments when the palate yearns for something a bit more adventurous, a deviation from the familiar. This is precisely when a gourmet burger, like our exquisite Blue Cheese Burger, becomes the star of the meal. It’s a chance to elevate your dining experience without a significant time commitment.
The beauty of this blue cheese burger recipe lies in its remarkable simplicity and speed. You can have these delectable burgers prepared and ready to serve in less than 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner. While the distinct flavor of blue cheese is a highlight for adults, you can easily customize the patties for younger eaters by simply omitting the blue cheese from their burgers. This flexibility ensures that everyone at the table, regardless of their cheese preferences, can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
To complete this delightful dinner, consider pairing these flavorful burgers with some homemade tater tots or a crisp side salad. The combination creates a meal that is not only delicious but also wonderfully balanced and appealing to all.
What is Blue Cheese? The Secret Behind the Flavor
Often affectionately, or sometimes comically, referred to as “stinky cheese” by children and even some adults, blue cheese is a fascinating and diverse category of cheese that offers a complex and bold flavor profile. Its distinctive character comes from the injection of specific molds, primarily from the *Penicillium* genus, during the cheese-making process. These molds create the characteristic blue, gray, green, or even black veins and spots visible throughout the cheese.
Despite its appearance, which might initially seem unusual to some, the mold in blue cheese is perfectly safe for consumption and does not produce harmful toxins. In fact, it’s this mold that plays a crucial role in developing the cheese’s unique qualities. It works by breaking down the proteins within the cheese, contributing to its famously creamy and sometimes crumbly texture. Simultaneously, it metabolizes fats, which is what gives blue cheese its signature tangy, piquant, and intensely strong flavor. There’s a wide array of blue cheeses, from the salty and sharp Roquefort to the milder and creamier Gorgonzola, each offering its own nuances that can beautifully complement a rich, juicy burger patty.
Blue Cheese Burger Ingredients: Crafting the Perfect Patty
Creating a truly exceptional blue cheese burger begins with carefully selected ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture:
- Ground Chuck and Ground Sirloin: This blend is the cornerstone of a superior burger. Ground chuck, typically 80-85% lean, provides ample fat for juiciness and flavor, ensuring the burger remains moist and rich during cooking. The addition of ground sirloin, which is leaner (around 90% lean), introduces a beefier, more robust flavor without making the patty overly greasy. This combination strikes an ideal balance, offering the best of both worlds. While using just one type of ground meat is an option, this specific mix truly elevates the burger’s quality.
- Steak Sauce: A secret weapon for infusing deep, savory notes into your burger patties. Steak sauce isn’t just for steaks; when mixed into ground meat, it provides an instant boost of umami and complex seasoning, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Choose a high-quality steak sauce for the best results.
- Egg Yolks: Often overlooked in burger recipes, egg yolks are a game-changer here. They serve a dual purpose: acting as a natural binder to help the patties hold their shape, and, more importantly, adding extra fat and richness. This additional fat content contributes significantly to a moister, more tender burger, preventing it from drying out on the grill or skillet.
- Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that are critical for bringing out the natural flavors of the beef. Don’t underestimate their importance; properly seasoned patties are key to a delicious burger. Season generously, allowing the salt to penetrate the meat for maximum flavor.
- Blue Cheese: The star ingredient! For the best texture and flavor, skip the pre-crumbled blue cheese. These often tend to be drier and less flavorful. Instead, opt for a solid block or wedge of your favorite blue cheese (like Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Danish Blue) and crumble it yourself. This ensures fresh, moist, and intensely flavorful cheese that melts beautifully onto the hot burger patty.
- Hamburger Buns: A gourmet burger demands a bun that can stand up to its bold flavors and juicy patty. Avoid flimsy, dry buns. Look for high-quality brioche, challah, or potato buns in your grocery store’s bakery section. These buns are typically sturdier, have a richer flavor, and a better texture, providing the perfect vehicle for your blue cheese masterpiece without falling apart. A lightly toasted bun adds an extra layer of texture and prevents it from getting soggy.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: This acts as a creamy, tangy condiment that enhances the blue cheese flavor. Whether you opt for a homemade blue cheese dressing or a beloved store-bought brand, a generous dollop on your bun adds another layer of cool, creamy indulgence that perfectly complements the rich burger.
- Toppings: While classic lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and red onions are excellent choices for freshness and crunch, feel free to get creative. Consider adding peppery arugula for a slight bite, crispy bacon for a salty crunch, earthy sautéed mushrooms, or sweet caramelized onions to further elevate the flavor profile of your blue cheese burger. Each topping adds its own dimension, allowing for endless customization.
Cooking Instructions: Mastering the Art of the Blue Cheese Burger
Achieving the perfect juicy burger with melted blue cheese requires attention to detail, whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors on the stove. Here’s how to get it right:
On the Grill
Grilling imparts a wonderful smoky flavor and creates a beautiful char on the patties. Start by preheating your grill to a medium-high heat. It’s crucial to ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Once the grill is hot, carefully place the formed burger patties onto the grates. Cook for approximately 4 minutes on the first side to develop a good crust and seal in the juices. After 4 minutes, flip the patties using a sturdy spatula, avoiding pressing down on them, which can squeeze out precious juices. Cook for another 3 minutes. At this point, generously top each patty with the crumbled blue cheese. Close the grill lid to allow the heat to circulate and melt the blue cheese perfectly over the burgers. Continue cooking for just one more minute, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden. Remove the patties from the grill and transfer them to a plate, covering them lightly with foil. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger. While the burgers rest, quickly toast your buns on the grill, cut-side down, until golden brown and slightly crisp.
On the Stove
Cooking blue cheese burgers on the stove offers excellent control over the heat and yields a beautifully seared crust. For the best results, a cast iron skillet is highly recommended due to its superior heat retention and even heat distribution. Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot but not smoking excessively. Add a small amount of high-smoke-point oil (like canola or grapeseed oil) if desired, or cook directly if your skillet is well-seasoned. Place the burger patties in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for 4 minutes on the first side, allowing a rich, brown crust to form. Flip the patties and cook for another 3 minutes for a medium doneness. Similar to grilling, top each patty with crumbled blue cheese during the last minute of cooking. You can cover the skillet with a lid or a piece of foil to help the cheese melt quickly and evenly. Remove the cooked burgers and cover them loosely with foil to rest. Then, place your hamburger buns, cut-side down, directly into the warm skillet to toast them to golden perfection.
More Culinary Adventures with Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide array of dishes. Its bold, tangy flavor pairs wonderfully with many ingredients, making it a fantastic addition beyond just burgers. If you’ve fallen in love with the blue cheese in these gourmet burgers, consider exploring these other exciting recipes:
- Bacon Blue Cheese Coleslaw: A creamy, crunchy side dish with smoky bacon and pungent blue cheese.
- Blue Cheese and Bacon Pizza: A savory pizza that combines the richness of blue cheese with crispy bacon.
- Beef and Blue Cheese Baked Spaghetti: A comforting baked pasta dish with a surprising blue cheese twist.
- Blue Cheese and Walnut Mashed Potatoes: A rich and creamy mashed potato dish with the added complexity of blue cheese and walnuts.
Blue Cheese Burgers
Deborah Harroun
10 minutes
10 minutes
20 minutes
4
servings
Main Dish
American
Pin
Nothing beats a juicy burger – especially when it’s topped with blue cheese! These Blue Cheese Burgers are simple yet filled with flavor.
Ingredients
-
1
pound
ground chuck,
80-85% lean -
1/2
pound
ground sirloin,
90% lean -
2
tablespoons
steak sauce -
3
large egg yolks -
3/4
teaspoon
salt -
1/2
teaspoon
pepper -
4
oz
crumbled blue cheese -
4
hamburger buns -
4
tablespoons
blue cheese dressing,
homemade or store bought - Lettuce, sliced tomatoes and sliced onions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, carefully combine the ground chuck, ground sirloin, steak sauce, egg yolks, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can lead to tough burgers. Form the mixture into 4 patties, ensuring they are slightly wider than your hamburger buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
- Preheat a grill over medium-high heat, or heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the cooking surface is hot before adding the patties.
- Place the patties on the preheated grill or in the skillet. Cook for 4 minutes on one side to achieve a good sear. Flip the patties and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium doneness (adjust cooking time for desired doneness). When there is about one minute of cooking time remaining, add 1 tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese to the top of each patty. If grilling, close the lid to help the cheese melt. If using a skillet, you can cover it briefly. When the cheese is melted and bubbling, remove the patties to a plate and cover loosely with foil to rest.
- While the burgers are resting, place the hamburger buns on the grill or in the skillet, cut-side down. Toast until the cut sides are golden brown and lightly crisp.
- To assemble your Blue Cheese Burgers, spread 1 tablespoon of blue cheese dressing on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cooked patty on top of the dressing. Finish with fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and sliced onions, then top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
Adapted from Barefoot Contessa at Home
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.
Nutrition Information
Serving:
1
burger
,
Calories:
654
kcal
(33%)
,
Carbohydrates:
26
g
(9%)
,
Protein:
40
g
(80%)
,
Fat:
40
g
(62%)
,
Saturated Fat:
16
g
(100%)
,
Polyunsaturated Fat:
4
g
,
Trans Fat:
0
g
,
Cholesterol:
274
mg
(91%)
,
Sodium:
992
mg
(43%)
,
Fiber:
1
g
(4%)
,
Sugar:
5
g
(6%)
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