Just in time for the summer holidays, these Blue Cheese Burgers are the perfect main attraction for your BBQ. A juicy, flavorful hamburger, spiced up with jalapenos and garlic then topped with a generous helping of creamy, tangy blue cheese will have everyone begging for seconds!
They're quick, easy and super delicious whether you're grilling up a quick weeknight dinner or planning a summer cookout.
Why you'll love this blue cheese burger recipe
If you're already drooling, just wait. These burgers are seriously something special, and here's why you'll want to make them over and over again.
Super Simple. Just a mix of a mix of ground beef, zing from garlic and onion, umami from Worcestershire, and just the right kick of heat from jalapeños. Plus blue cheese!
Out of this world flavor. The savory beef mixed with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and topped with creamy, tangy blue cheese makes for a burger that's anything but basic.
Easy to customize. Want to kick up the heat? Add jalapeños. Prefer it mild? Leave them out. Love bacon or buffalo sauce? Go wild with the toppings.
Perfect patriotic party food. With that bold blue cheese, juicy red tomato, and white bun, these are basically red, white, and blue burgers! Make them for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any star-spangled celebration.
Just plain delicious. No need for fancy sauces or hard-to-find ingredients. These burgers deliver max flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make these bleu cheese burgers happen. The ingredient list is short, sweet, and tasty.
- Ground beef - Go for something with a bit of fat (like 80/20 or 85/15) for the juiciest results.
- Onion - Adds savory depth and a little sweetness as it cooks.
- Jalapeños (optional) - Bring the heat if you like it spicy!
- Garlic - Fresh or pre-minced, it gives the burgers a little kick of flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce - A splash adds a subtle umami boost that really bumps up the flavor.
- Salt and pepper - Keep it simple and season just before grilling.
- Crumbled blue cheese - It's tangy, salty, mildly sharp flavor complements the rich burger and makes it irresistible. Opt for blue cheese dressing which adds a creamier, cool texture that contrasts with the chewier burger.
- Hamburger rolls - Soft, sturdy, and perfect for holding all that deliciousness.
- Lettuce and tomato - For freshness, crunch, and that classic burger vibe.
Best blue cheese for burgers
When it comes to blue cheese, not all crumbles are created equal! Here are a few standout choices to top your burgers with bold, creamy goodness.
- Gorgonzola - Milder and creamier, this Italian blue cheese melts beautifully and adds a subtle tang.
- Roquefort - Bold and briny, this French classic brings strong flavor if you're a true blue cheese lover.
- Maytag Blue - American-made and fantastically crumbly, it's sharp, salty, and perfect for burgers.
- Blue cheese slices - Yep, they exist! Look for pre-sliced blue cheese if you want an easier melt and a more uniform cheesy layer.
How to make blue cheese burgers
Making these burgers is as easy as mix, grill, and devour. Here's how it's done:
- In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onions, chopped jalapenos and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined to avoid having tough burgers.
- Form into 4 patties about ¾" thick. This will help seal in the moisture as they cook. Press a little dip in the center of the patty with your thumb. This help keep the burger flat instead of puffing up into a ball. Place the burgers on a plate, cover, and chill until ready to grill.
Tip: Wet your hands prior to forming burgers to keep the meat from sticking to your fingers and makes shaping easier.
- Preheat grill to medium-high. Place chilled burgers on grates and cook for 9-11 minutes, turning only once. Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles just prior to removing from grill or remove from grill and spoon on blue cheese dressing.
Serve on burger buns with a garnish of lettuce and tomato. Just look at that awesome burger! There's just something mouthwatering about a juicy, flavorful burger hot off the grill but when you throw on the blue cheese - it's magical! Perfect for laid-back weekends, BBQs, and holiday parties.
Recipe Tips for Success
A few simple tips can take your burgers from good to totally unforgettable.
Leave out the jalapeño if you don't like spicy food. No shame in keeping it mellow, you'll still get tons of flavor.
Switch up the meat if you want to change it up. Ground chicken, turkey, or lamb all make great alternatives.
Use ground beef that's no leaner than 85%. A little fat equals a lot of flavor and juiciness. Lean meat can dry out fast.
Don't mix salt into the meat before chilling. It can draw out moisture and make your patties dense. Salt them just before grilling.
Chill your patties before grilling. Cold burgers hold their shape better and cook more evenly, especially if you want them medium.
Dress it up with a fun toothpick! A blue frill or flag toothpick gives your burger a festive, party look.
Toppings for blue cheese burgers
Lettuce and tomato are the go-to classics, but why stop there? These burgers are the perfect for all your favorite toppings.
Bacon - Because everything's better with bacon. The salty crunch is perfect with the creamy blue cheese.
Buffalo sauce - Want to go full-on Buffalo Blue? Drizzle on some buffalo sauce for spicy, tangy vibes.
Other topping ideas - Think sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, arugula, avocado, or even a fried egg. You really can't go wrong.
How to store, freeze, and reheat leftovers
Leftover burgers? Here's how to keep them tasting great.
To store: Place any cooked burgers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keep the buns and toppings separate so they don't get soggy.
To freeze: Let the cooked burgers cool completely, then wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. You can also use the microwave in a pinch, but they'll stay juicier if you reheat on the stove or in the oven.
Check out more deliciousness for your cookout
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Red Dill Potato Salad
- Red White and Blue Deviled Eggs
- Patriotic Parfaits
Find lots more burger recipes right here on 2CM!
Blue Cheese Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ pound ground beef
- ¼ cup onion chopped
- 1-2 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 clove garlic or ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese or ½ cup blue cheese dressing
- 4 hamburger rolls
- Lettuce & tomato
Instructions
- Mix ground beef with onion, jalapenos, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Divide into 4 portions. Form into patties, making sure to mold it enough for the meat to stick together.
- Once made, form a small depression in the center of each patty to keep the hamburger from puffing up into a round ball during grilling.
- Chill hamburgers until ready to cook. 15-30 minutes should do the trick.
- Preheat grill to medium high.
- Season burgers with salt and pepper and grill for about 9-11 minutes for medium doneness, turning only once halfway through.
- Sprinkle blue cheese or spoon on dressing over the top of the hot burgers and remove immediately to platter.
- If you prefer your hamburger buns toasted on the grill, when there is about 4 minutes left, slice them in half and put face down on grill. You can pick them up from time to time to check on them as they can char rather quickly.
- To serve: Lay bun open on plate. Place cheeseburger on the bottom of hamburger bun. On the top of bun, place a little lettuce and a nice slice of tomato. If you have a decorative toothpick with a blue top, stick through tomato to make it a special Memorial Day or 4th of July presentation.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with more helpful information and step-by-step directions. It was first published on June 30, 2014.
