Copycat Applebee’s Grilled Cheese Burger Recipe

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At the heart of this masterpiece is simplicity done right. Every bite delivers gooey melted cheese, crispy golden bread, and the bold flavor of a beef patty cooked to perfection. If you’re someone like me who loves recreating restaurant favorites at home, then this Applebee’s Grilled Cheese Burger recipe is going to be a game-changer!

How to make Applebee’s Grilled Cheese Burger

Applebee’s Grilled Cheese Burger is one of their specialty burgers that combines a classic burger with a cheesy twist.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Cheese:

• 4 slices of white bread (or sourdough) – Choose a sturdy bread that crisps well.
• Butter – About 2 tablespoons, softened for spreading.
• Cheddar cheese – 4 slices (or use a mix of cheeses like American and provolone for extra gooeyness).

For the Burger:

• Ground beef – ½ pound (you can make 2 smaller patties or one larger one).
• Salt – ½ teaspoon, for seasoning.
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon, for seasoning.
• American cheese – 2 slices (optional but recommended for layering that cheesy flavor).

Optional Add-ons:

• Caramelized onions for extra flavor.
• Bacon – Cooked, for added crunch and saltiness.
• Pickles or condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Burger Patties

1. Divide your ground beef into patties (you can do either two smaller patties or one larger patty).
2. Season the patties generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness (medium, medium-well, etc.).
4. In the final minute of cooking, place a slice of American cheese over the patty and cover the pan with a lid to let the cheese melt. Remove the patties from the pan and let them rest.

Step 2: Make the Grilled Cheese

1. Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
2. Place 2 slices of buttered bread, butter-side down, on a skillet over medium heat. Add cheddar cheese slices on top of each piece of bread.
3. Once the cheese starts to melt and the bread turns golden brown, put the other two slices of bread (butter-side up) on top and carefully flip. Cook until both sides are crispy and golden, and the cheese is fully melted.

Step 3: Assemble the Grilled Cheese Burger

1. Take one grilled cheese sandwich and place it on a plate as the “bottom bun.”
2. Add your cheesy burger patty on top, along with your favorite toppings like bacon, onions, or pickles.
3. Finish by placing the second grilled cheese sandwich on top as the “top bun.”

Pro Tips for Perfection

• Choose Quality Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) for a juicier and more flavorful burger.
• Cheese Combinations: Mix and match cheeses for different textures—sharp cheddar for bold flavor, American cheese for creaminess, and provolone for stretchiness.
• Toast the Bread Properly: Low-and-slow is the way to go when toasting bread for a grilled cheese. It ensures a golden brown crust without burning!
• Layer the Cheese Smartly: Adding cheese to both the burger and the grilled cheese sandwich ensures every bite is packed with gooey deliciousness.
• Experiment with Add-ons: Personalize your Applebee’s Grilled Cheese Burger by adding crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or a splash of your favorite sauce like chipotle mayo or BBQ.
• Rest the Patty: Always let your cooked burger patty rest for 1-2 minutes before assembling. This helps retain the juices and flavor.

What to serve with

The Applebee’s Grilled Cheese Burger, with its buttery grilled cheese “buns” and juicy beef patty, is already a comforting, hearty treat on its own. However, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your dining experience and make the meal feel complete.

1. French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: French fries are the ultimate burger side dish. Serve crispy, golden fries seasoned with salt or seasoned with paprika and garlic powder for added flavor.

2. Onion Rings: Add some crunch with crispy, golden-battered onion rings. Their sweetness and crunch are the perfect match to the gooey cheese and savory patty.

3. Homemade Potato Chips: Slice potatoes thinly, fry them or bake them until crispy, and toss them with salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning blend. They’re a fun and easy way to add a crisp side dish.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating the Applebee’s Grilled Cheese Burger can be an exciting task, but sometimes you might need to substitute certain ingredients due to dietary restrictions, availability, or just personal preference.

Substitutes for Bread

1. Gluten-Free Bread: If you’re gluten-sensitive or avoiding gluten, use gluten-free sandwich bread or rolls. Brands like Udi’s or Canyon Bakehouse offer options that toast well and yield crispy, golden results.

2. Whole Wheat Bread or Multigrain Bread: Whole wheat or multigrain bread can replace traditional white bread for a healthier alternative. These options have a more robust, nutty flavor that complements the richness of the burger and cheese.

3. Sourdough Bread: For a gourmet twist, opt for sourdough bread as your base. It adds a tangy depth of flavor and crisps beautifully when grilled.

4. Brioche or Pretzel Buns: If you’d prefer a softer texture or something different, brioche and pretzel buns can substitute the bread entirely. They’ll be less grilled cheese-like but provide a rich, buttery or slightly salty flavor.

Substitutes for Butter

1. Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Brush the bread with olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter for a lighter and healthier alternative. Olive oil adds a slight earthy flavor, while avocado oil keeps the flavors neutral.

2. Margarine: For a dairy-free option, use margarine. Choose a non-hydrogenated margarine for a healthier choice that spreads like butter.

3. Plant-Based Vegan Butter: Brands like Miyoko’s Creamery or Earth Balance provide vegan butter substitutes that mimic the richness and flavor of traditional butter while being entirely plant-based.

Substitutes for Cheese

1. Vegan Cheese: For a vegan or dairy-free option, substitute cheddar, American, and/or provolone with vegan alternatives. Popular brands like Daiya or Violife offer plant-based cheeses that melt well.

2. Non-Dairy Nutritional Yeast Sauce: If you’re avoiding dairy or prefer to make everything from scratch, a creamy nutritional yeast sauce can act as a cheesy alternative. Combine nutritional yeast, cashews, and plant milk for a savory, gooey sauce.

3. Swiss Cheese: For a sharper taste and added nuttiness, replace the cheddar or American cheese with Swiss cheese. It’s great for melting and adds a more refined flavor profile.

4. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese: Want to add some spice to your burger? Pepper Jack cheese is a fantastic substitute that brings heat and zest to your sandwich.

Substitutes for Ground Beef

1. Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner protein alternative, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Season generously with salt, pepper, and spices (like garlic powder or paprika) to enhance flavor.

2. Plant-Based Burger Patties: Brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods offer plant-based burger patties that mimic the taste and texture of beef. They’re an excellent alternative for vegetarians or those looking to reduce meat consumption.

3. Mushroom-Based Veggie Patties: For a homemade vegetarian substitute, use patties made from mushrooms. Their umami flavor is a great match for the richness of the grilled cheese.

4. Black Bean Burger Patties: Black bean patties are a great source of protein for vegetarians or vegans. They bring a smoky, earthy taste to complement the gooey cheese.

Final Thoughts

The Applebee’s Grilled Cheese Burger is indulgent, cheesy, and hearty, and choosing the right sides can elevate your meal to iconic comfort food status.

More Burger Recipes:

• Copycat Burger King Steakhouse Whopper Recipe
• Copycat Burger King Krabby Whopper Recipe