Rating the Cheeseburger from The Menu (2022)
Rating the Cheeseburger from The Menu (2022) is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 800 calories per serving. Recipe by Michael Ligier on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 24 min
Cost: $6.50 total, $3.25 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Sesame Seed Bun (store-bought, split and toasted)
- 0.5 pound Ground Beef (80% lean, formed into 2 equal patties)
- 4 slices American Cheese (good melting cheese, one slice per patty)
- 4 tablespoons Mayonnaise (room temperature for easy spreading)
- 8 slices Dill Pickles (thinly sliced)
- 1 small Onion (thinly sliced)
- to taste pinch Salt (season beef patties)
- to taste pinch Black Pepper (season beef patties)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Thinly slice the onion, slice the pickles, set out mayonnaise, and have the cheese slices ready.
Time: PT5M
Toast Buns
Split the sesame seed buns and toast the cut sides in a skillet or toaster until lightly golden.
Time: PT2M
Form and Season Patties
Divide the ground beef into two equal portions, shape each into a patty slightly larger than the bun, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Time: PT3M
Cook First Side of Patties
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat (about 375°F). Add the patties and cook for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: 375°F
Add Onions and Flip
Place the thin onion slices on top of the patty, then flip the patty so the onions end up underneath. Immediately place a slice of American cheese on the cooked side.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: 375°F
Finish Cooking
Cook the second side for another 3–4 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: 375°F
Assemble the Double Cheeseburger
Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun, add pickle slices, place the cooked patty with melted cheese, then top with the other bun half.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 800
- Protein
- 40g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 45g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: contains meat, high protein, not vegetarian, gluten
Allergens: milk, wheat, egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Sesame Seed Bun: any burger bun, pretzel bun
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, plant‑based burger patty
- Instead of American Cheese: cheddar, Swiss cheese
- Instead of Mayonnaise: aioli, mustard
- Instead of Dill Pickles: relish, bread‑and‑butter pickles
- Instead of Onion: shallots, red onion
- Instead of Salt: seasoned salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
Equipment Needed
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Toaster or Grill
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Form and season the beef patties without over‑working the meat
- Cook the patty to a proper internal temperature of 160°F
- Place thinly sliced onions on the patty before flipping so they end up underneath
- Assemble with mayo and pickles to maintain bun texture
Chef Tips from the Video
- Let the ground beef sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before forming patties for more even cooking.
- Season the patty just before it hits the pan; salt draws out moisture if applied too early.
- Use a thin slice of onion; it softens quickly under the hot patty and adds a subtle sweetness.
Troubleshooting
Patty is dry or tough
Do not over‑mix the ground beef and avoid pressing the patty while cooking. Use 80% lean meat for juicier results.
Burger is soggy
Add pickles and mayo after the patty is cooked and keep the bun toasted. Place onions underneath the patty so they steam rather than sit on the bun.
Cheese does not melt
Cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking to trap steam, or lower the heat slightly and let the cheese melt gently.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked patties, cheese, and buns separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Wrap raw patties tightly and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw before cooking.
Room temperature: Do not leave assembled burgers at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Form the patties and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Slice onions and pickles ahead of time and store in airtight containers.
- Toast the buns just before assembling to keep them crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the cheeseburger in American cuisine?
The cheeseburger became an iconic American fast‑food staple in the 1920s and 1930s, symbolizing convenience, indulgence, and the rise of car‑culture diners. It evolved from the plain hamburger by adding a slice of cheese for extra flavor and melt, quickly becoming a national favorite.
What are the traditional regional variations of the cheeseburger in the United States?
Across the U.S., you’ll find variations like the California avocado cheeseburger, the Midwest’s butter‑burger with extra butter on the bun, and the Southern patty melt with caramelized onions and cheese on rye. Each region adds its own twist while keeping the core beef‑cheese combo.
How is a classic cheeseburger traditionally served in American diners?
In classic American diners, a cheeseburger is served on a toasted sesame‑seed bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, and mayo on the side. It’s often accompanied by French fries and a cold soda.
What occasions or celebrations is the cheeseburger traditionally associated with in American culture?
Cheeseburgers are a staple at backyard barbecues, sports‑watch parties, Fourth of July picnics, and casual family dinners. Their ease of preparation makes them a go‑to for gatherings where quick, satisfying food is needed.
How does the cheeseburger fit into the broader American fast‑food tradition?
The cheeseburger epitomizes the American fast‑food ethos of speed, portability, and flavor. It helped launch major chains like McDonald’s and Burger King, shaping the nation’s dining habits and influencing global fast‑food culture.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a classic American cheeseburger versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditionally, a classic cheeseburger uses a beef patty (80% lean), American cheese, a toasted sesame‑seed bun, mayonnaise, pickles, and raw onion. Acceptable substitutes include ground turkey or plant‑based patties, cheddar or Swiss cheese, and gluten‑free buns for dietary needs.
What other American side dishes pair well with this double cheeseburger?
Classic pairings include seasoned French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, a simple green salad, or a dill pickle spear. A cold milkshake or craft soda also complements the richness of the burger.
What makes this double cheeseburger special or unique in American cuisine?
The double‑patty format adds extra juiciness and protein, while placing thin onions underneath the patty creates a subtle caramelized flavor that’s not always found in standard fast‑food versions. Michael Ligier’s minimalist approach highlights quality ingredients without unnecessary toppings.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this double cheeseburger at home?
Common errors include over‑mixing the beef, pressing the patty while cooking (which squeezes out juices), under‑seasoning, and stacking too many wet toppings that make the bun soggy. Follow the critical steps to keep the burger juicy and the bun crisp.
How do I know when the double cheeseburger patty is done cooking?
Use an instant‑read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F for ground beef. Visually, the juices run clear and the cheese should be fully melted.
What does the YouTube channel Michael Ligier specialize in?
The YouTube channel Michael Ligier focuses on straightforward, no‑frills home cooking tutorials that emphasize flavor, simplicity, and occasional humor, often tackling classic comfort foods with a fine‑dining twist.
How does the YouTube channel Michael Ligier's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Michael Ligier blends casual home‑cooking techniques with a fine‑dining rating mindset, rating dishes on a 10‑point scale and often using minimal equipment, which sets his style apart from channels that rely on elaborate gadgets or overly stylized presentations.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
