Cheesy and Spicy Stuffed Burger with Bacon and Arugula

A juicy burger is one of life’s greatest pleasures in the summer months. Get ready! This is not any ordinary burger! I have amped the classic burger up just in time for #burgerday, which just so happens to fall today! Ladies and gents, I present my uber-cheesy and Spicy Stuffed Burger topped with Bacon and Arugula! This will rule your BBQs!

There’s nothing quite like a juicy American burger. They’re a national treasure, as ingrained in our culture as baseball and apple pie. Who can imagine watching “Grease” without those iconic diner scenes? Burgers are loved by most (anyone who claims otherwise is suspect!) and come in endless varieties: beef, chicken, turkey, bison, and even veggie options. While veggie burgers might not be the exact same experience, they offer a way for everyone to enjoy the burger experience.

What Are Cheese Stuffed Burgers with Bacon and Arugula?

For this delicious recipe, I took things up a notch by giving basic burgers a gourmet twist. My mission: stuffed flavorful burgers. Bacon, naturally, joined the party (oven-roasted perfection, of course). The patties were a bit small, so I created a hefty 10 oz masterpiece by stuffing them.

As for seasoning, I just used salt and pepper for this beauty, letting the stuffing shine – cream cheese, garlic, chives, cheddar, and a touch of sriracha. My cast iron pan delivered a gorgeous sear, followed by throwing the burgers in the oven for a perfect medium finish.

Out came the burger, ready for its cheesy crown – sharp cheddar, a steam trick (learned from a pro for melty goodness!), and all nestled on a soft brioche bun. Fresh arugula for some peppery bite, oven-roasted bacon for crunch, and that’s it! One cut revealed the ultimate ooze factor: tender meat, melty cheese, crispy bacon – burger bliss achieved. This is how unforgettable burgers are made.

Why You’ll Love This Cheese Stuffed Burger Recipe

• Takes Your Burger Game to the Next Level: This recipe takes the classic burger to a whole new level with a hidden pocket of melty cheese in every bite. It’s a fun and impressive twist that will surely become your new favorite burger. 
• Flavorful: Craving a burger that bursts with deliciousness? Look no further! Between the juicy patty, crispy bacon, and peppery arugula, this burger recipe is the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds.
• Perfect for Summer Cookouts: This Cheese Stuffed Burger with Bacon and Arugula is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make in batches, perfect for feeding a hungry crew at your next cookout.

What You Need to Make Cheesy and Spicy Stuffed Burgers with Bacon and Arugula

• Burger Patties: You can buy premade burger patties or form your own patties. I recommend 80/20 or 85/15 for super juicy burgers. Lean ground beef can cause dry burgers. 
• Brioche Buns: These buttery and slightly sweet buns perfectly complement the savory flavors of the burger. But you can use any type of hamburger bun you like. 
• Smoked Applewood Bacon: I roast the bacon in the oven for perfectly cooked bacon every time. Crispy bacon adds a salty and smoky layer of flavor to every bite. Oven roasting ensures even crispness.
• Whipped Cream Cheese: This creamy spread adds richness and helps bind the stuffing together. 
• Minced Garlic Cloves: Garlic brings a pungent and aromatic kick to the stuffing.
• Chopped Chives: Fresh chives add a touch of oniony flavor and vibrant green color.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Because melty cheese makes everything better, right? This goes inside the burger for a cheesy surprise.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This is for topping the burger after cooking for an extra layer of melty goodness.
• Baby Arugula: Arugula’s peppery bite adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger.
• Siracha: This hot sauce is totally optional but adds a spicy kick if you like things fiery!
• Salt & Pepper

How to Make a Cheese Stuffed Beef Burger

1. Mix cream cheese, cheddar, garlic, chives, and some sriracha (if you like it spicy) in a mixing bowl. This is your meat mixture.

2. Unwrap your burgers or divide your ground beef into equal portions. You need 2 hamburger patties per burger. Plop a spoonful of that filling onto one patty. Now smash the other patty on top, sealing in the cheesy goodness by sealing the patties together. Don’t forget to salt and pepper the mixture!

3. Place patties on the grill or pan for 7 minutes a side for a medium burger. Add cheese slices in the last 30 seconds for melty goodness.

4. Build your burger! Bottom bun, juicy burger, crispy bacon, and a fresh arugula crown.
5. Dig in! Tell your friends to cut their burgers in half for a cheesy surprise!

Tips

• Don’t worry about not having a grill because you don’t have to have one for this recipe. I used my trusty cast iron pan, and it turned out beautifully! A preheated cast iron skillet holds heat super well and helps the burgers sear beautifully, resulting in a crispy crust. 
• Once cooked, let the burger rest for a few minutes before digging in. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty for an even more delicious bite.

Serving Suggestions

Want to know what goes perfectly with a burger?  Sweet potato fries…these golden and deliciously baked babies are always a hit!!! Plus, you get a bonus sauce with them!!! WINNING!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a healthy alternative to beef. Since turkey is leaner than beef, you may want to add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the meat mixture to help keep it moist. Be sure to cook the turkey burgers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

No worries! You can still cook your cheese-stuffed burgers in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Just make sure the pan is hot before adding the burgers to ensure a good sear.

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! Here are some of my favorite options for burgers:

• Melty: Gruyere, Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack
• Tangy: Blue cheese, goat cheese
• Creamy: Feta cheese, mozzarella

What other toppings can I use?

• Veggies: Caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, sliced avocado, crispy onion rings, sliced red onion
• Sauces: Barbecue sauce, sriracha mayo, ketchup and mustard, chimichurri sauce
• Extras: Fried egg, pineapple ring, jalapeno slices

Can I make the cheese filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare the cheese filling in advance. Simply combine the cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic, chives, and desired amount of sriracha in a bowl and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

How do I store and reheat leftover cheese-stuffed burgers?

It’s best to enjoy these burgers fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

What if my burger bulges while cooking?

A gentle press with a spatula can help to flatten any bulging during cooking. You can also create a shallow indentation in the center of each patty before cooking to help prevent them from puffing up too much.

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