The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Grilled Burgers: Tips, Techniques & Toppings

There is nothing better than the sizzle of a burger hitting the grill on a warm summer evening. The aroma draws everyone to the grill, creating one of those perfect moments that make summer unforgettable. After years of perfecting my grilling technique, I’ve discovered that the secret to an extraordinary burger isn’t complicated seasonings or fancy equipment. It’s understanding the fundamentals of grilling.

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Why this recipe works

The 80/20 ground chuck ratio creates the perfect balance between flavor and juiciness. The fat content ensures your burgers stay moist during cooking while providing the rich taste that makes a great burger unforgettable. Simple seasoning lets the beef flavor shine, while proper stacking techniques keep all your toppings in place for the perfect bite every time.

Grilling the Burgers

If you like thick burgers, just leave the meat on the grill and let the fire do the work (takes a little longer).

If you prefer thin patties, place the burger in a cast-iron pan or griddle, press it with a spatula to achieve a nice sear, and then cook to your desired doneness (it won’t take long).

Seasonings for Burgers

Keep it simple – it’s not necessary to add exotic seasonings to your beef. Your basic salt and pepper work just fine.

If you do want a little extra flavor, try my burger seasoning recipe.

The Best Types of Cheese for Hamburgers

If you want cheese on your burger, let it melt on the burger before you take it off the grill.

You can use your favorite cheese. What cheese isn’t good on a burger? If you are on a budget, deli American cheese is an excellent and inexpensive choice.

More About Your Cheese Choices

Did you know that there are about 2,000 different types of cheeses and that each cheese has its distinct characteristics? Here’s a list of the most popular cheeses for burger toppings.

• Mozzarella: Some cheeses are explicitly created for cooking and baking, and in that category, mild mozzarella is the king. Mozzarella is mild enough that it doesn’t interfere with other flavors.
• Provolone: If you are looking for a cheese with more flavor than mozzarella, consider provolone, which has all the features of mozzarella, plus it offers additional flavor.
• Fontina: For the ultimate Italian style cheese, Fontina should be considered. Fontina has a creamy melt that is perfect for your burger
• Goat Cheese: Who knew that such a simple cheese could taste so good? Goat cheese delights with its pristine white color and distinct flavor. A humble basic for some; a gourmet delight for others. Goat cheese is light on calories but rich in flavor.
• Monterey Jack: Monterey Jack is entitled to be called a true American cheese, as it originated with the Mexican Franciscan friars in Monterey, California. This is one of the best mild cheeses for melting, making it a super-gooey cheese topping for your burger.
• American Cheese: Although often derided as an “ungourmet” cheese, American cheese is the resounding champion of melty cheeses. Why? Because it adamantly refuses to come apart when melted, providing for a yummy pool of cheese atop your burger. What you get is a really melty, scrumptious cheese topping.
• Cheddar Cheese: This is perhaps the second most popular option behind American cheese. The original Cheddar cheese was made in the village of Cheddar in England. It’s a firm cheese that comes in flavors ranging from mild to sharp and in colors from white to pumpkin orange. The orange hue comes from annatto, a natural dye. There’s a Cheddar for every taste bud.
• Smoked Gouda: Gouda originated in the city of Gouda, Netherlands, and is now produced by artisan cheesemakers worldwide. The smokiness comes from being smoked in brick ovens over hickory chip embers. If you are going for a smoky barbecue sauce on your burger, then smoked Gouda is a perfect match.
• Blue Cheese: The name blue cheese covers a group of cheeses that are distinguished by containing cultures of the mold Penicillium, so that the final product is spotted or veined throughout with blue, or blue-grey mold. This imparts to the cheese its distinctive aroma and taste. If you like your cheese to be pungent, salty, and stinky, go for a blue cheese such as Stilton.

The Bun

A soft burger bun that will hold up nicely to the burger’s juices is a good choice. The ideal bun surrounding your burger should be soft, pillowy, and tender, with a crumb that is both soft and slightly sweet.

The ideal bun should not disintegrate halfway through your meal. Toasting the bun lightly will help to make it firmer.

Here’s a list of seven contenders for the best burger buns found in most supermarkets (following testing by the Burger Lab).

• Arnold
• Gold Medal Bakery
• Martin’s
• Pepperidge Farm
• Pepperidge Farm Golden Potato
• Sunbeam
• Super A
• Market Pantry (Target)
• Whole Foods
• Wonderbread

The Supporting Cast – Burger Toppings

There’s a lot to be said in favor of sticking with the classics and keeping things simple. Traditional toppings include fresh ingredients, such as lettuce and tomato. And, bacon always goes well with cheeseburgers.

Add some taste zing with onions, pickles, and condiments such as ketchup, mustard, or mayo.

• Lettuce: With respect to lettuce, the goal is to provide crunch and flavor that can stand up to the rest of the mix. Iceberg and romaine are two of the best options. However, whichever type of lettuce you choose, it must be fresh and crisp.
• Tomatoes: A slice of tomato adds a touch of color and tangy fresh juiciness to your burger. Among the many varieties of tomatoes, the firm texture of a fresh, plump, sliced beefsteak tomato makes it a favorite with restaurants, fast food outlets, and home grillers.
• Onions: A burger without onions is like a movie without popcorn. You’d still indulge, but deep down you’d know that something was missing. I prefer red onion for taste and color both. Here’s a veritable treatise from the Burger Lab on different ways to use, cook, and slice onions for burgers.

How Does Your Burger Stack Up?

What’s the best way to stack your backyard burger? Instead of just piling everything on, build your burger in a certain way to help prevent the escape of rogue ingredients (I’m looking at you, tomato) and enhance your burger’s flavor. Here’s how to do it.

1. Start with the bottom bun (obviously!), which you’ve toasted slightly. Spread your chosen condiment (ketchup, mustard, or mayo) directly on the bun so that it stays in place and doesn’t end up on your shirt.
2. Next up is pickles – place them under the meat so their strong, crisp flavor doesn’t overpower that of your tomato.
3. Add your meat with melted cheese on top, and then your tomato. If your cheese is melty enough, it should keep the tomato from straying when you take that first bite.
4. Put a tomato slice on top of the melted cheese.
5. Add your lettuce – it will act as a blanket to help keep the tomato in place.
6. Then, a sliced onion is placed on top of the lettuce.
7. Finally, top your stacked burger with your toasted top bun, and voilà! – you’re all set.

Freezing Your Burgers

• Refrigerator Storage: Store cooked patties in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep toppings separate to maintain freshness.
• Reheating Method: Reheat patties in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds.
• Freezing: Vacuum-seal slightly undercooked patties when cooled. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the microwave for juicier results.

What to Serve with Grilled Burgers

Here are some great summer side dishes to serve with your tasty grilled burgers:

• BBQ Baked Beans
• Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Macaroni Salad
• Three Bean Salad

Love good burgers? Try these recipes!

• Buffalo Burger
• Burger King Whopper
• Culver’s Butter Burgers
• James Coney Island Juicy Lucy
• McDonald’s Quarter Pounder
• Steak and Shake Garlic Double Burger
• Whataburger Breakfast Burger
• White Castle Burger

Check out more of my easy burger recipes and the best summer recipes here on CopyKat!

Perfect Grilled Burgers Guide

Master the art of grilling perfect burgers with expert tips on meat selection, cooking techniques, and flavor combinations.

4.91 from 10 votes

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Backyard Burger, Burger

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 619kcal

Author: Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

Burgers

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck 80/20
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 slices cheese, your choice

Optional Toppings

• dill pickle slices
• thinly sliced white onion
• fresh tomato slices

Instructions

• Place ground chuck, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir or use your hands to combine.
• Form four patties that are about 3/4 inch thick.
• Clean your grill. It is important to start with a clean grill. The burgers will taste better, the burgers will not stick, and it helps you make those pretty grill marks on your burger patty.
• Set or moderate your temperature to cook the burgers on medium-low to medium heat. My preferred temperature is 350 degrees F. You can test the temperature with a Thermapen if your grill does not have a thermostat.
• Place the patties on the grill. Once you have placed the patties on the grill try to turn them only once. The more often you turn the burgers the more likely you are to squeeze out the juices.
• Burgers should cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side. You can test the temperature of the patty by inserting a meat thermometer into the patty. Ground meat patties should reach a temperature of 160 degrees F.
• Place a slice of cheese on top of each patty just before they are done so the cheese will be slightly melted.
• Remove the patties from the grill.
• Assemble your burger with your preferred toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 619kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 134mg | Sodium: 1077mg | Potassium: 544mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 169IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 250mg | Iron: 5mg