When it comes to making a cheeseburger, everyone has an opinion. But the opinions that truly matter come from the professional chefs and grillers who make them for a living. Stephanie De La Paz, a chef instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, strongly believes that grilling is the best method for making a cheeseburger.
Grilling provides opportunities for increased flavor, color, and presentation that griddling does not. The fat drips through the grates, creating a smoky flavor that cannot be achieved with a griddle. And those grill marks add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the burger.
However, making a top-notch cheeseburger on a grill can be trickier than it seems. To help you succeed, we asked professional chefs for their top tips:
1. Bring the cheese to room temperature before adding it to the patty. This will ensure ideal meltiness without overcooking the burger.
2. “Dome” the burger to help the cheese melt. If your grill has a lid, place the cheese on the burger and close the lid for two to three minutes. If you don’t have a lid, use a heatproof bowl to cover the meat with the cheese.
3. Use firm, low-moisture cheese for best results. Cheddar, Swiss, and high-temp mozzarella are all good options.
4. American cheese is a favorite among professional grill chefs for its excellent meltability.
5. Plant-based cheeses take longer to melt, so add them quickly after flipping the burger.
6. Set your grill to two different heat zones. Direct heat gives you a well-browned crust, while indirect heat allows the cheese to melt without overcooking the burger.
7. Remember to preheat your grill for 20 to 30 minutes before using it.
8. Avoid over-handling and over-flipping your burgers to prevent moisture depletion and to allow the crust to form properly.
9. Resist the urge to “smash” the burgers, as it can cause the fat to eject and create bitter flare-ups.
10. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your burger is cooked to your desired temperature. Medium rare is 130-135°F, medium is 140-145°F, and well-done is 160°F.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to grilling the perfect cheeseburger.
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