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Juicy Grilled Cheeseburgers Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce

juicy grilled cheeseburgers - featured image

This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful grilled cheeseburgers topped with a creamy, tangy secret sauce that elevates the classic burger to a new level of deliciousness. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Garlic powder (optional), to taste
  • 4 slices cheese (American, cheddar, or pepper jack)
  • 4 burger buns (brioche recommended)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) pickle juice
  • ½ tsp (1 g) smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp (0.5 g) garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: leaf lettuce, tomato slices, pickles (dill or bread-and-butter), sliced red onion

Instructions

  1. Mix the secret sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate while you prep the burgers.
  2. Form the patties: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz / 115 g each). Gently shape each into a patty about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick. Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high (around 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grates using a folded paper towel dipped in oil and tongs.
  4. Season the patties with salt and pepper on both sides just before grilling. Add garlic powder if desired.
  5. Grill the burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, flipping once. Avoid pressing down on the patties.
  6. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and close the grill lid to melt.
  7. Toast the buns cut-side down on the grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted and golden.
  8. Assemble the burgers: Spread secret sauce on the bottom bun, add the patty with melted cheese, then top with optional lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion. Finish with the top bun.
  9. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Notes

Do not overwork the meat when forming patties to keep them tender. Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing. Season patties just before grilling to avoid drying out. Let patties rest for a few minutes after grilling to redistribute juices. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. The secret sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to a week.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled cheeseburgers, secret sauce, easy burger recipe, juicy burgers, BBQ, quick dinner