A blue cheese burger is usually a dish consisting of a hamburger patty stuffed with blue cheese, which is typically served on a bun with toppings, such as lettuce, sliced tomato, and condiments. These burgers are usually grilled, but may also be cooked in a skillet on a stove top. When making blue cheese burgers, the cheese may be incorporated into the ground beef, or a layer of cheese may be placed between two thin patties that are pressed together before cooking. Most chefs recommend that this type of hamburger be made with ground beef that is 80% to 85% lean.
After cooking, blue cheese burgers contain melted cheese that pairs well with the taste of beef. The two most popular methods for making blue cheese burgers include either combining crumbled blue cheese with the ground beef when making the patties, or placing a layer of blue cheese between two thin beef patties, which are then pinched around the edges to seal the cheese inside. Combining the blue cheese with the ground beef results in an even amount of cheese in each bite, while placing the blue cheese between two patties generally gives the dish a more intense cheese flavor.
To prevent the burger from becoming dry while cooking, it is generally recommended that ground beef with a fat content of 15% to 20% be used. Many people choose to cook these burgers on a grill for maximum flavor, but they may also be prepared on a stove top in a skillet. During the cooking process, the cheese will melt. Blue cheese burgers are often served on regular hamburger buns, but some gourmet recipes call for the burgers to be served on artisan bread for a more interesting flavor and texture profile. The buns may also be toasted if a firmer, crispier texture is desired.
A variety of toppings may be added to blue cheese burgers. Popular toppings include lettuce, tomato, and sliced onions. Some people choose to add a few slices of bacon to these burgers. Condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise, are commonly spread on the burger bun for extra flavor. Blue cheese has a strong taste, and some chefs and hamburger enthusiasts believe that this type of burger is best served on the bun alone, without toppings. French fries are the most popular side dish served with blue cheese burgers, but healthier choices, such as a salad or vegetables, may also accompany the dish.