Description
This cheeseburger link recipe is your ultimate guide to crafting juicy, flavorful burgers at home. Made with 80/20 ground beef, melty cheese, buttery toasted buns, and bold sauces, it’s everything a cheeseburger should be. Whether grilled or pan-fried, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with easy, step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
For the Burger Patties:
- 1.5 lbs 80/20 ground beef
- 1 egg yolk (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 4 sesame or brioche buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion rings
- Dill pickles
Optional:
- Butter for toasting buns
- Extra sauces (BBQ, spicy mayo, ranch)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate while preparing the rest. - Prepare the Patties:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and optional egg yolk. Mix gently—don’t overwork. Divide into 4 equal portions and form into patties. Press a thumbprint in the center of each. - Toast the Buns:
Spread butter on the cut sides of the buns. Toast on a skillet or grill until golden brown. Set aside. - Cook the Patties:
Heat a cast iron skillet or grill to medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once. Add cheese slices during the last minute and cover to melt. - Assemble the Burgers:
Spread sauce on both bun halves. Layer lettuce, patty with cheese, tomato, onions, and pickles. Top with bun and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, use freshly ground 80/20 beef and toast the buns just before assembling. You can prep the sauce and toppings ahead of time for quicker burger assembly. If grilling outdoors, chill patties for 10 minutes before cooking to help them hold shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheeseburger
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 970 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: cheeseburger link recipe, homemade burger, juicy cheeseburger, burger sauce, gourmet cheeseburger, burger toppings, cast iron burger, grilling burger