Blu’s Burger Recipe

Prepare beef mixture

Place the ground chuck in a mixing bowl. Add Worcestershire sauce, minced shallot, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently fold the mixture 6–8 times until combined — avoid overmixing to keep burgers tender.

Form patties with blue cheese center

Divide the meat into four equal portions (about 4 oz / 115 g each). Flatten each portion into a 1/2" thick patty. Place about 2 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese in the center of two patties. Top each with another patty and press the edges to seal, creating stuffed burgers. For the remaining two patties, sprinkle 1 tablespoon blue cheese into the center or mix lightly into the meat before shaping if you prefer cheese throughout.

Chill briefly

Place formed patties on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up seals and help them hold shape while cooking.

Cook patties

Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat. Cook burgers 3–4 minutes per side for medium (internal temp 145–150°F / 63–66°C), pressing only once to ensure an even sear. If patties are stuffed, cook an extra minute per side. During the last 30–60 seconds, spoon a little of the blue sauce (from next section) onto the top of each patty and allow it to warm slightly.

While patties chill, make the blue sauce. In a bowl combine mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled blue cheese, lemon juice, hot sauce, black pepper, and salt. Stir until mostly smooth with some small cheese pieces remaining for texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more hot sauce or lemon as desired. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Toast buns

Butter the cut sides of the buns lightly. On a separate skillet or on the griddle after removing the burgers, toast buns butter-side down over medium heat until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Keep warm.

Assemble burgers

Spread about 1 1/2 tablespoons of blue sauce on each bottom bun. Place a couple of lettuce leaves, then a burger patty. Top with tomato slice, a few red onion rings, and pickles. Add optional bacon or caramelized onions if using. Spread a little blue sauce on the top bun and close the burger.

Serve immediately with your choice of sides (fries, chips or a salad). If desired, provide extra blue sauce on the side. Leftover sauce keeps covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.