This grilled cheeseburger recipe makes the ultimate juicy burger—perfect for summer BBQs or easy weeknight grilling. Topped with melty cheese and all your favorite fixings!

Cheeseburger with red onion and pickles.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure policy.

Juicy Grilled Cheeseburgers

This juicy grilled cheeseburger is exactly the kind of burger you crave when the grill is hot and the cravings are real. It’s a thick and flavorful hamburger loaded with melty cheese—all topped off with a tangy burger sauce that brings it all together.

Forget the drive-thru—this homemade version is grilled to perfection with charred edges and a juicy center, just right for summer cookouts, backyard BBQs, or easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients for grilled cheeseburgers laid out on a counter, including grilled burgers, cheese slices, buns, and toppings.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Ground beef: For juicy burgers, go with 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat). The extra fat keeps the patties tender and full of flavor.
  • Seasoning: A dash of BBQ sauce adds subtle smoky flavor, paired with simple seasoning: garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also use your favorite burger seasoning blend.
  • Cheese: Classic American cheese melts like a dream and gives that true cheeseburger taste. Prefer cheddar, colby, or something fancier? Go for it!
  • Burger buns: I like buttery brioche buns or classic sesame seed buns. You can even use homemade hamburger buns if you have the time.
  • Special sauce: This tangy homemade burger sauce mixes mayo, ketchup, vinegar, seasoning salt, and dill relish—don’t skip it!

How to Make the Best Grilled Cheeseburgers

Collage showing how to mix the beef, shape the patties, grill the burgers, and assemble the cheeseburgers on buns.
  1. Season the beef. In a medium bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (gloves help if you want less mess), and be careful not to overmix—this keeps the burgers tender.
  2. Shape the patties. Form into patties about ¾-inch thick. Press a small indent in the center of each with your thumb to help them cook evenly and avoid puffing up on the grill.
  3. Grill the burgers. Preheat your grill to 375°F. Cook the patties for 8–10 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Add a slice of cheese during the last minute, then close the lid so it melts.
  4. Build your cheeseburgers. Place each patty on a toasted bun, add a spoonful of the special sauce, and pile on your favorite toppings. Add the top bun and serve!

Recipe Tips

  • Make sure the grill is clean, oiled, and hot. Never add meat to a cold grill. It also helps to let the patties come to room temperature if they’ve been refrigerated.
  • Use a large spatula to flip. A small one might not support the whole patty and could cause it to fall apart.
  • Don’t flip too early. Let the burgers cook undisturbed for the first 4–5 minutes so they get a good sear.
  • Toast the buns. Butter each bun and place them cut side down on the grill for about a minute until golden.
  • Customize it. Add your favorite toppings like bacon, pickles, or caramelized onions to make it your perfect burger.
Cheeseburgers served on a platter with a side of fries, ready to eat.

Serving Suggestions

Cheeseburgers and fries are a classic combo for a reason. Try them with homemade French fries or baked sweet potato fries for something a little different.

For a fresh side, pair them with a crisp salad or a scoop of macaroni salad for the ultimate backyard cookout plate.

Side view of juicy grilled cheeseburger with burger sauce and topppings.

Looking for more burger recipes? Try smash burgers, baked hamburgers or cheeseburger sliders year round!

More Burger Recipes

Juicy grilled cheeseburger stacked with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles on a toasted brioche bun.

Juicy Grilled Cheeseburgers

5 from 7 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4
This grilled cheeseburger recipe makes the ultimate juicy burger—perfect for summer BBQs or easy weeknight grilling. Topped with melty cheese and all your favorite fixings!
Print Pin This! Rate

Video

Ingredients 

Special Sauce

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2-3 Tablespoons ketchup
  • ½ teaspoon white vinegar
  • Pinch seasoned salt (I use Lawry's)
  • 1-2 Tablespoons dill pickle relish , optional

Cheeseburgers

  • 1 ½ pounds (80/20) ground beef
  • 2 Tablespoons BBQ sauce , or steak sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns (I prefer brioche buns)
  • Butter for toasting , optional

Optional toppings: Bacon, Lettuce leaves, Tomato slices, Sliced red onion, Pickles

Instructions

Special Sauce

  • In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2-3 Tablespoons ketchup, 1/2 teaspoon vinegar, seasoned salt, and 1-2 Tablespoons relish, if using, until well combined.

Cheeseburgers

  • Preheat the grill to medium high (375℉). 
  • In a medium bowl, using your hands, mix 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 2 Tablespoons BBQ sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper just until combined. Shape into 4 3/4-inch thick patties. Using your thumb, make a well in the center of the patties to prevent bulging.
  • Place patties on the grill and cook 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until juices run clear. Top with cheese slices. Cover the grill and cook until cheese has melted. You can also butter the buns and put on the grill the last minute of cooking to toast, if desired.
  • Place cheeseburgers on buns and top with secret sauce and your favorite toppings to serve. 

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Cheese:  Use sliced Swiss, muenster, provolone or your preferred cheese.
Oven: Make baked hamburgers in the oven, year-round.
Storage: Leftover cooked hamburger patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 753kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 38g, Fat: 53g, Saturated Fat: 19g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g, Monounsaturated Fat: 19g, Trans Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 148mg, Sodium: 1547mg, Potassium: 594mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 274IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 319mg, Iron: 5mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Recipe FAQs

What kind of ground beef is best for cheeseburgers?

Ground chuck (80/20) is the top choice—it has just the right balance of fat and flavor for a juicy burger. Ground sirloin works too, but it’s leaner and usually more expensive..

How do I know when my cheeseburgers are done?

Grill for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on how well done you like them. For food safety, use a meat thermometer—burgers are done when the internal temp reaches 160°F although I usually take mine off earlier so they will continue to cook as they rest.

How to store leftover cheeseburgers?

Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet until warmed through.

Can I freeze raw burger patties?

Yes! Shape the patties, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.