Homemade Applebee’s Cheesy Burger Recipe

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There’s something about that sizzling skillet of molten queso, paired with smoky bacon and tender beef, that keeps me coming back for more. But what if I told you that you don’t need to wait for your next restaurant outing to enjoy this Applebee’s Cheesy Burger masterpiece? That’s right—today, I’m going to walk you through how to recreate this heavenly burger right in your own kitchen.

How to make an Applebee’s Cheesy Burger

Applebee’s Cheesy Burger is a cheese-heavy beef burger served with extra melted cheese for dipping.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create Applebee’s Cheesy Burger from scratch:

For the Burger:

• Ground beef patty (80/20 beef-to-fat ratio for juiciness) – ~6 ounces per burger
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp
• American cheese slices – 1-2 slices per burger
• Applewood-smoked bacon – 2 strips per burger
• Brioche bun – lightly toasted
• Spicy honey mustard – 2 tbsp per burger (store-bought or homemade)

For the Cheesy Skillet Sauce:

• Cheddar cheese (shredded) – 1 cup
• Queso blanco sauce – ¾ cup (store-bought or homemade)
• Heavy cream – ¼ cup (to adjust the sauce consistency)

Optional Toppings (Customizable):

• Sliced pickles
• Caramelized onions
• Lettuce or tomato (if you want a veggie addition, though it’s not in the original burger)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Patty

1. In a mixing bowl, gently form the ground beef into a burger patty, being careful not to overwork the meat. Aim for about a ¾-inch thickness.
2. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a touch of oil (if necessary) and cook the patty for 3-4 minutes on each side. For a medium-rare burger, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (or cook it to your desired doneness).
4. During the final minute of cooking, place a slice (or two) of American cheese on top of the patty and cover with a lid to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
5. Remove the patty from the heat and let it rest.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. In the same skillet (or a separate pan), cook the Applewood-smoked bacon until crispy. Place it on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Skillet Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the shredded Cheddar cheese, queso blanco sauce, and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the cheese fully melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the thickness by adding more heavy cream if necessary.
2. For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Burger

1. Spread a generous layer of spicy honey mustard on the bottom bun.
2. Place the cheesy beef patty on top of the sauce layer.
3. Add the crispy bacon strips.
4. Top with the upper half of the toasted brioche bun.

Step 5: Serve with Sizzling Cheese Skillet

1. Pour the hot cheese sauce into a small cast-iron skillet or serving dish.
2. Place the assembled burger on a plate beside the skillet. Serve the burger partially dipped into the cheesy goodness or with the cheese poured over for an authentic Applebee’s-inspired presentation.

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Burger

• Don’t Skip the Fat in the Beef: Using an 80/20 ground beef blend ensures your patty stays juicy and flavorful. Leaner beef may dry out during cooking.
• Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the brioche buns to create a barrier between the bun and fillings, preventing it from becoming soggy and adding a satisfying crunch.
• Use Quality Cheese: For authenticity, stick to a mix of smooth American cheese and melty queso blanco. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting, so shred the cheese yourself if you’re making the sauce at home.
• Don’t Overwork the Patty: Handle the meat gently to avoid a dense burger. Press lightly to form the patty, and keep it loose.
• Add Spice to the Sauce: If you love bold flavors, you can mix in a small amount of jalapeños or chili powder to the cheese sauce.
• Get Creative: While the original Applebee’s burger doesn’t typically include lettuce or tomato, feel free to add your favorite toppings to make the burger your own!

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating an Applebee’s Cheesy Burger at home doesn’t mean you’re limited to the exact ingredients.

1. Ground Beef Patty Substitutes

A classic Applebee’s Cheesy Burger uses a beef patty, but if beef isn’t for you or you want to try something different, here are some alternatives:

a. Alternative Meat Options

• Ground Turkey: A leaner option with a similar flavor when seasoned well. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil or grated zucchini to prevent it from drying out.
• Ground Chicken: Also leaner, but needs extra seasoning (try garlic powder, smoked paprika, or onion powder) to enhance flavor.
• Bison Meat: Rich in flavor, slightly gamey, and leaner than ground beef. Use 85% lean or less for extra juiciness.

b. Plant-Based Options

• Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger: Perfect for vegetarians or vegans; these plant-based patties mimic real beef in flavor and texture.
• Homemade Veggie Burger: Blend ingredients like black beans, mushrooms, oats, breadcrumbs, and your favorite spices to make a satisfying patty.

2. Cheese Substitutes

Cheese plays a starring role in the Applebee’s Cheesy Burger, both in the patty topping and the accompanying cheese sauce. If the classic combo of American cheese and queso blanco isn’t available or ideal, try these swaps:

a. For American Cheese Slices

• Cheddar Cheese: Mild or sharp cheddar is a flavorful alternative that melts smoothly. Pre-sliced versions work great for patties.
• Swiss Cheese: Adds a creamy bite with a hint of nuttiness.
• Provolone: A more subtle flavor with excellent melting properties—great if you prefer a less intense cheese flavor.
• Vegan Cheese Slices: For dairy-free options, look for plant-based brands like Violife or Daiya.

b. For Queso Blanco Cheese Sauce

• Homemade Cheese Sauce: If you don’t have queso blanco, melt shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack with heavy cream over low heat for a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Velveeta: A processed cheese product that’s great for replicating queso’s smooth texture.
• Nacho Cheese Sauce: Widely available and already seasoned for an added punch.

3. Bacon Substitutes

The smoky, crispy bacon strips on the burger are an essential element, but there are plenty of alternatives to suit your dietary needs or preferences:

a. Pork Alternatives

• Turkey Bacon: A leaner, lower-calorie alternative that still delivers a smoky flavor.
• Beef Bacon: Tends to be richer in beef flavor but less fatty than classic pork bacon.

b. Non-Meat Substitutes

• Vegan Bacon: Look for plant-based bacon strips made from soy or seitan (such as brands like Lightlife or Sweet Earth).
• Coconut Bacon: For a smoky, crunchy topping, bake coconut flakes coated with smoked paprika, soy sauce, and a dash of maple syrup.
• Tempeh Bacon: Marinate thin strips of tempeh in soy sauce, liquid smoke, and maple syrup, then bake or fry for a savory, umami-rich bacon replacement.

4. Bun Substitutes

The brioche bun is the perfect rich and fluffy companion to the burger, but there are plenty of other options if you’re feeling creative or need to accommodate dietary restrictions:

a. Bread Alternatives

• Whole Wheat Buns: A healthier option with more fiber.
• Gluten-Free Buns: Many grocery stores sell gluten-free burger buns made from rice flour, almond flour, or tapioca starch.
• Pretzel Bun: Adds a rich, slightly salty twist for extra flavor.

b. Low-Carb or Keto Options

• Lettuce Wrap: Use large, crisp lettuce leaves (like romaine or iceberg) as a wrap for a lighter, carb-free option.
• Portobello Mushroom Caps: Grill or roast them to use as a burger bun substitute.

c. Other Creative Options

• Sourdough Bread: Toast a sliced round sourdough bun for a tangy flavor.
• English Muffins or Ciabatta: These can elevate the texture and flavor without overpowering the burger.

5. Sauce Substitutes

The spicy honey mustard and cheese sauce are the key flavors here, but if you’d like to adjust or experiment, here are some other options:

a. For Spicy Honey Mustard

• Classic Honey Mustard: Skip the spice for a milder flavor.
• Sriracha Mayo: For a creamy and spicy kick, mix mayonnaise and Sriracha sauce.
• BBQ Sauce: Sweet and smoky BBQ sauce is a great alternative for a rich, bold flavor.
• Dijon Mustard + Honey: If you don’t have pre-made honey mustard, you can easily make your own by combining 2 parts Dijon mustard with 1 part honey.

b. For Cheese Sauce

• Ranch Dressing: Offers a creamy, tangy counterpart.
• Greek Yogurt Sauce: Mix plain Greek yogurt with garlic, lemon juice, and spices for a lighter, high-protein drizzle.
• Guacamole or Avocado Spread: If you’re avoiding dairy, mashed avocado is a great creamy alternative.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be afraid to swap out ingredients in the Applebee’s Cheesy Burger to meet your needs—it’s a versatile dish!

More Applebee’s Recipes:

• Copycat Applebee’s Grilled Cheese Burger Recipe