Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Longfellow Grill›Cheese Burger Recipe

Cheese Burger Recipe

Inspired by Longfellow Grill
Time25m
Serves2

Ah, the simple things, just a perfectly ground burger with melted American cheese on a brioche bun (GFM)

Jump to Recipe

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Burger

Buns & Toppings

Method

Burger

  1. 1

    Form patties

    Divide the ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form each portion into a loose ball, then press into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly larger than the bun (about 4 inches). Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.

  2. 2

    Season

    Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking. Do not overwork the meat or pack tightly.

  3. 3

    Cook patties

    Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot (1–2 minutes). Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Place the patties in the pan and cook without moving for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook the second side 2–3 minutes for medium doneness (adjust time for preferred doneness).

  4. 4

    Melt cheese

    When the patties are nearly done (about 30–45 seconds remaining), place two slices of American cheese on each patty. Cover the pan with a lid or a large metal bowl and remove from direct heat for 30–45 seconds, or keep on low heat briefly, until the cheese is fully melted.

Buns & Toppings

  1. 5

    Toast buns

    While the patties cook, split the brioche buns and spread about 1 tablespoon softened butter on each cut side. Place cut sides down on a separate skillet or the same pan (clear space) over medium heat and toast until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

  2. 6

    Prepare sauce

    In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise (2 tablespoons) and yellow mustard (1 teaspoon). Spread about 1 tablespoon of this mixture on the bottom half of each toasted bun.

  3. 7

    Assemble

    Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun (over the sauce), add the cheeseburger patty, then top with two sliced dill pickles and a sprinkle of thinly sliced red onion. Spread a little mayonnaise on the top bun if desired and place it on top.

  4. 8

    Serve

    Serve immediately while the burger is hot and the cheese is melted. Optionally serve with fries or chips.

More from Longfellow Grill