Smoked Cheese Stuffed Burger

How to Make a Smoked Cheese Stuffed Burger – The Ultimate Stuffed Burger Recipe

When it comes to juicy burgers, few recipes are as iconic as the Smoked Juicy Lucy. This stuffed burger is packed with melty cheese, cooked to perfection on a pellet grill, and topped with a delicious homemade burger sauce.

Whether you’re using a charcoal grill, an air fryer, or a cast iron skillet, this smoked burger recipe will deliver the best results every time.

What is a Smoked Cheese Stuffed Burger?

AKA a Juicy Lucy is a stuffed burger with cheese hidden inside the beef patty instead of on top. When cooked properly, the cheese melts into a molten core, creating a cheesy burger that’s unlike any other.

This unique cooking process results in a beef patty that stays incredibly juicy while delivering a rich, cheesy bite with every mouthful.

Where Did the Juicy Lucy Originate?

The Juicy Lucy burger originated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the 1950s. Two competing bars, Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club, both claim to have invented the first stuffed burger.

Regardless of its true origin, this cheesy burger has gained national recognition and is now a favorite way to enjoy an extra flavorful and juicy burger.

Ingredients for a Smoked Juicy Lucy Burger

Burger Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of 80/20 ground beef
• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1/4 cup Bachan’s Roasted Garlic Sauce
• 3 tbsp of burger seasoning
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 Brioche Burger Buns
• 4 tbsp mayo for toasting buns

Burger Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayo
• 3 tbsp Bachan’s Roasted Garlic Sauce
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1.5 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

How to Make a Smoked Cheese Stuffed Burger

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties

Start by forming the ground beef into 1/4-pound hamburger patties. Lightly drizzle Bachan’s Roasted Garlic Sauce over each beef patty, then season with your favorite burger seasoning.

Step 2: Stuff the Burgers with Cheese

Take one patty and place 1/2 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese in the center then place a second patty on top, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed.

Press the edges together tightly to create a tight seal. This step is crucial in preventing cheese from oozing out during the cooking process.

Step 3: Smoke the Burgers

Place the stuffed burgers on the grill grates of a pellet grill or charcoal grill preheated to 225°F. Smoke the burgers indirectly of the heat for 30 minutes to allow the flavor to develop.

Step 4: Caramelize the Onions

While the burgers are smoking, dice the onion and cook it in a cast iron skillet over medium heat for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized.

Step 5: Make the Burger Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all of the burger sauce ingredients. Mix well and refrigerate until serving time.

Step 6: Increase Heat and Finish Cooking

Increase the grill temperature to 325°F and cook for another 7-8 minutes, flipping the burgers every 2 minutes.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—once it reaches 155°F, the burger is done, and the cheese should start oozing out.

Step 7: Toast the Buns

Spread a thin layer of mayo on the inside of the brioche buns. Toast them in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8: Assemble and Serve the Smoked Cheese Stuffed Burger

Place the smoked juicy Lucy burgers on the toasted buns, then top with caramelized onions and the burger sauce.

Serve with your favorite burger toppings and a delicious side dish for a complete meal. Be cautious when taking your first bite—the cheese inside will be molten hot!

Tips for Making the Best Smoked Cheese Stuffed Burger

1. Ensure a Tight Seal – Press the edges of the top patty and bottom patty together firmly. Any gaps will allow the cheese to escape during cooking.
2. Stuff with Extra Cheese – A generous stack of cheese in the middle guarantees a gooey, cheesy burger.
3. Cook Slowly for Best Results – Smoking at low temperatures first prevents the cheese from leaking out and keeps the beef patties juicy.
4. Use a Meat Thermometer – Checking the internal temperature ensures a perfectly cooked burger without overcooking.
5. Experiment with Cheese Varieties – While pepper jack is used in this recipe, cheddar cheese or American cheese are great alternatives.

More Delicious Burger Recipes

Bacon Jam Brisket Burger

This burger combines a juicy beef patty with slow-smoked brisket and a rich, sweet-savory bacon jam. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and served on a toasted brioche bun, it’s the ultimate indulgent burger for BBQ lovers.

Bone Marrow Bacon Jam Burger

A decadent twist on a classic burger, this recipe features a beef patty topped with roasted bone marrow, crispy bacon jam, and a slice of cheese. The combination of creamy marrow and smoky bacon makes this burger unforgettable.

Grilled Chicken Bacon Ranch Burger

For a lighter but equally flavorful option, try this grilled chicken burger. It’s topped with crispy bacon, ranch dressing, lettuce, and tomato, delivering a fresh and smoky taste in every bite.

Grilled Pizza Burger

This burger fuses two favorites: pizza and burgers. It’s topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni, all stacked on a toasted bun for a delicious Italian-inspired meal.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Burger

For adventurous eaters, this burger combines the sweet and salty flavors of peanut butter and jelly with a juicy beef patty. The creamy peanut butter and tangy jelly create a surprisingly delicious contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

The Smoked Juicy Lucy Burger is one of the best burger recipes you can make at home. Whether you cook it on a pellet grill, in an air fryer, or on a cast iron skillet, the stuffed burger technique ensures juicy, cheesy goodness in every bite. Serve with your favorite burger toppings and a tasty side dish for the perfect meal!

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