Learn how to craft a flawless cheeseburger from the experts behind the delicious burgers found at Disney Springs’ Planet Hollywood restaurant.
Who doesn’t love a hearty burger topped with your favorite kind of melty cheese? Well, we think there’s no better way to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day – which falls on September 18 – than with an expertly-made cheeseburger! To help you perfect your patties, toppings, and cooking method, we’ve gotten some pro tips from Rafael Chico, Executive Sous Chef at Planet Hollywood. Check them out below!
How to Make the Perfect Cheeseburger
When you’re making a cheeseburger (or really, any burger), you want to focus on the meat first. The meat determines a lot of the flavor and how juicy the final result is. However, you don’t have to get crazy complicated with the kind of meat you’re using, and you can easily find the right option at your local grocery store. As Chef Chico explains, “You want your burger to remain juicy, so choose a standard meat, [like] chopped sirloin or chuck – 80/20 is perfect!”
When you’re ready to make patties, “Bind your patties together with eggs and breadcrumbs,” Chico recommends. He also suggests that you “season the meat AFTER you bind the patties together” using nothing more than salt and black pepper.
Once your patty mixtures are ready to hit the grill or stovetop, Chico explains cooking time varies: “Cook burger[s] 5-6 minutes on each side for medium; 8-9 minutes for well done.”
And don’t forget to get your cheeseburger buns ready! “Always toast your buns with a light butter spread,” Chico suggests. “It keeps the sauces from sinking into the bread.”
Get Fancy With Different Flavors and Toppings
If you’re used to sticking with a particular type of cheese or a few standard toppings, don’t be afraid to branch out for National Cheeseburger Day – or really, any day of the year! Here are some of Chef Chico’s suggestions for which cheeses, sauces, and toppings make for the best burgers:
- Smoked Gouda
- Brie
- Cheddar
- American
- Ketchup
- Mayo
- Barbecue
- Garlic aioli
- Shredded lettuce
- Onions
- Tomato
- Bacon
Don’t want to make a burger at home for National Cheeseburger Day? Head to Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs on September 18, and you can easily enjoy one that’s made just for you – and to your liking.
