How to Make That Cheeseburger from the movie The Menu
How to Make That Cheeseburger from the movie The Menu is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 610 calories per serving. Recipe by TheCrankyCook on YouTube.
Prep: 7 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 26 min
Cost: $58.59 total, $29.30 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 slice American Cheese (standard processed American cheese)
- 0.25 medium onion Yellow Onion (thinly sliced)
- 0.25 cup Pickle Chips (store‑bought dill pickle chips)
- 2 tablespoon Mayonnaise (regular mayo)
- 2 tablespoon Ketchup (regular ketchup)
- 2 piece Seeded Bun (sesame‑seed hamburger buns)
- 6 ounce Ground Beef 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat; formed into loose 3‑oz balls)
Instructions
Make Burger Sauce
Combine equal parts mayonnaise and ketchup in a small mixing bowl and stir until smooth.
Time: PT1M
Slice Onion
Thinly slice the yellow onion into half‑moon strips.
Time: PT2M
Form Burger Balls
Divide the ground beef into two 3‑ounce portions and loosely shape each into a ball, leaving visible meat strands.
Time: PT2M
Chill Patties
Place the two burger balls on a plate and put them in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up.
Time: PT10M
Toast Buns
Heat the cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat, split the seeded buns and toast each side for roughly 2 minutes until golden brown.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium-high
Preheat Skillet
Wipe the hot skillet with a paper towel, then let it heat on high until it begins to smoke lightly.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: high
Sear First Side
Place the chilled burger balls in the skillet, press down gently with the spatula, and let cook undisturbed for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: high
Add Onions & Flip
Scatter the sliced onions over the patties, then flip the burgers using the metal spatula, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Cook the second side for another 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: high
Melt Cheese
Lay two slices of American cheese on each patty and let them melt until the edges curl like a fried‑egg, about 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: high
Assemble Burger
Spread a dollop of the mayo‑ketchup sauce on the bottom bun, place the cheeseburger with onions on top, add pickle chips to the top bun, and close the sandwich.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 610
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 30g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten, High protein
Allergens: Milk, Egg, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of American Cheese: Cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, Provolone
- Instead of Yellow Onion: Red onion, White onion
- Instead of Pickle Chips: Sliced dill pickles, Bread and butter pickles
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Aioli, Greek yogurt
- Instead of Ketchup: Tomato sauce, BBQ sauce
- Instead of Seeded Bun: Brioche bun, Potato roll
- Instead of Ground Beef 80/20: Ground chuck, Ground turkey (lower fat)
Equipment Needed
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Thin Sturdy Metal Spatula
- Paper Towel (optional)
- Cutting Board (optional)
- Chef's Knife (optional)
- Mixing Bowl (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Chill Patties
- Preheat Skillet
- Sear First Side
- Add Onions & Flip
- Melt Cheese
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a cast‑iron skillet for the best Maillard reaction and flavor.
- Press the patty lightly with the spatula right after it hits the pan to increase contact surface.
- Scrape up every brown bit; they add umami to the burger.
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
Troubleshooting
Patty does not develop a crispy crust.
Make sure the skillet is fully pre‑heated and smoking before adding the meat; avoid moving the patty during the first 2 minutes.
Cheese does not melt or stays rigid.
Reduce the heat slightly and cover the skillet for 30 seconds to trap steam, or add the cheese a few seconds earlier.
Bun burns before the patty is done.
Toast the buns separately on medium heat and remove them before the high‑heat sear, then re‑warm briefly if needed.
Patty falls apart when flipping.
Do not over‑compress the meat when forming the balls and keep the chilling time short (10 min). Use a sturdy metal spatula to support the whole patty.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet to retain crispness.
Freezer: Uncooked patties can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
Room temperature: Do not leave assembled burgers at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Form and freeze the burger balls up to 24 hours in advance.
- Mix the burger sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
- Slice onions and keep them in a sealed container.
- Toast the buns just before assembly to preserve crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of The Menu Cheeseburger in American pop‑culture?
The cheeseburger is an iconic American comfort food, and its appearance in the 2022 film *The Menu* turned it into a cinematic symbol of upscale reinterpretation. The movie sparked a viral fascination, leading fans to recreate the high‑end version featured at the fictional restaurant.
How does The Menu Cheeseburger differ from a traditional fast‑food cheeseburger?
Unlike a typical fast‑food patty, this version uses loosely formed 80/20 beef balls that are briefly frozen, then seared at very high heat for a crisp, almost fried crust. It also incorporates caramelized onion bits scraped from the pan and a simple mayo‑ketchup sauce applied only to the bottom bun.
What regional variations of the cheeseburger exist within Southern cuisine?
Southern cheeseburgers often feature toppings like fried onions, pickles, and a buttery brioche bun, and may use higher‑fat ground beef for extra juiciness. Some versions add a slice of pepper jack or a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick, reflecting local flavor preferences.
What occasions or celebrations is The Menu Cheeseburger traditionally associated with in modern American dining?
While not tied to a historic holiday, the burger has become a popular feature at movie‑themed parties, pop‑culture gatherings, and casual dinner nights where fans of *The Menu* want to recreate the film’s signature dish.
What authentic ingredients are used in the original Starland Yard version of The Menu Cheeseburger?
The original recipe calls for 80/20 ground beef formed into loose balls, American cheese, thinly sliced yellow onion, dill pickle chips, a simple sauce of equal parts mayonnaise and ketchup, and a seeded hamburger bun. No added oil or butter is used during cooking.
What other Southern dishes pair well with The Menu Cheeseburger?
Classic Southern sides such as sweet potato fries, coleslaw, baked beans, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complement the rich, crispy burger nicely.
How has The Menu Cheeseburger evolved since the film’s release?
After the movie’s debut, home cooks began experimenting with variations—adding smoked cheese, swapping the bun for brioche, or incorporating a smoked paprika rub. However, the core technique of a high‑heat sear and loose‑formed patty remains the defining feature.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making The Menu Cheeseburger at home?
Common errors include over‑compressing the meat, using a pan that isn’t hot enough, adding oil which prevents the crust, and flipping the patty too early. Each mistake reduces the signature crispiness and flavor.
Why does this The Menu Cheeseburger recipe use a cast‑iron skillet and no oil instead of a grill?
The cast‑iron skillet retains extreme heat, creating a rapid Maillard reaction that forms the crunchy crust. Skipping oil lets the beef’s own fat render and brown without burning, replicating the restaurant’s high‑heat stovetop method.
Can I make The Menu Cheeseburger ahead of time and how should I store it?
You can form and freeze the patties up to a day ahead, and pre‑mix the sauce. Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in a hot skillet to regain crispness. Assembled burgers should be eaten fresh for optimal texture.
What does the YouTube channel TheCrankyCook specialize in?
The YouTube channel TheCrankyCook focuses on recreating iconic dishes from movies, TV shows, and pop culture, delivering step‑by‑step tutorials with a humorous, down‑to‑earth style that emphasizes practical home‑cooking techniques.
How does the YouTube channel TheCrankyCook's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
TheCrankyCook blends pop‑culture references with straightforward, no‑frills cooking, often highlighting high‑heat techniques and kitchen hacks that make restaurant‑style dishes achievable in a typical home kitchen, whereas many channels prioritize elaborate plating or gourmet twists.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
