Description
Listen, I know blue cheese is polarizing. You either love it or you think it tastes like gym socks. But if you’re team blue cheese, this burger is about to become your obsession. We’re talking about a juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patty topped with tangy, creamy blue cheese that gets all melty and gorgeous, plus caramelized onions that add sweetness to balance out that funky cheese bite.
This isn’t just any burger — this is the kind of burger that makes you close your eyes on the first bite and maybe make inappropriate sounds in public. It’s got layers of flavor that work together like a symphony, and honestly, once you have one of these, regular burgers just seem sad and boring. My husband calls it “the burger that changed everything,” and he’s not wrong.
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend — don’t go leaner, trust me)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
For the Blue Cheese Magic:
- 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled (get the good stuff)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
For Assembly:
- 4 brioche buns (or your favorite burger buns)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 cups arugula or mixed greens
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced thick
- Butter for toasting buns
Instructions
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add sliced onions and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
Stir in brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Cook 2 more minutes until glossy.
Set aside and keep warm. (These can be made ahead!)
In a small bowl, mash together blue cheese, cream cheese, mayo, lemon juice, and black pepper until well combined but still chunky.
Set aside at room temperature so it’s ready to melt on those hot patties.
Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Save some of that bacon fat for cooking the burgers if you’re feeling extra.
Gently mix ground beef with Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Form into 4 patties, making them slightly larger than your buns (they’ll shrink).
Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb — this prevents the burger dome.
Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat (or fire up the grill).
Cook patties for 3-4 minutes on the first side without pressing them down (seriously, don’t smash them).
Flip and immediately top each patty with a generous dollop of the blue cheese mixture.
Cook another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness.
Let rest for 2 minutes while you prep the buns.
Slice buns in half and lightly butter the cut sides.
Toast in a dry skillet or on the grill until golden brown.
Bottom bun gets a handful of arugula.
Add the blue cheese-topped patty (that cheese should be all melty and gorgeous).
Layer on the caramelized onions.
Add bacon slices.
Top with thick tomato slices.
Crown with the top bun.
Serve immediately with your favorite fries or onion rings.
Take a picture because this is Instagram-worthy.
Prepare for your taste buds to be forever changed.
Notes
Classic sides: Crispy fries, onion rings, or sweet potato fries.
Lighter option: Serve with a side salad or coleslaw to balance the richness.
Beer pairing: A hoppy IPA or a smooth stout complements the blue cheese perfectly.
Wine moment: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon if you’re feeling fancy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~620 kcal
- Fat: ~42g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Protein: ~35g