Juicy Lucy

The Juicy Lucy is not your ordinary burger. With its molten core of melted cheese  encapsulated within two juicy patties, each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor and texture. The exterior is perfectly grilled, boasting a savory crust that gives way to a succulent and tender interior. As you sink your teeth into this iconic creation, the cheese oozes out, mingling with the juicy meat and melding with the other toppings to create a symphony of taste sensations. Whether you’re a cheese lover or simply crave a burger with a surprise twist, the Juicy Lucy promises to satisfy your cravings and leave you longing for more.

Origin and History

The Juicy Lucy, also spelled Juicy Lucy, is a beloved American burger innovation originating from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Its exact origins are a subject of debate, but it’s widely believed to have been first served at either Matt’s Bar or the 5-8 Club in Minneapolis in the 1950s. Legend has it that a customer at one of these establishments requested two hamburger patties with a slice of cheese in the middle. Thus, the Juicy Lucy was born.

Potential Health Benefits:

1. Protein: Ground beef, the primary ingredient in the Juicy Lucy burger, is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
2. Calcium: Cheese, especially varieties like cheddar or American cheese commonly used in Juicy Lucy burgers, contains calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
3. Iron: Ground beef is also a source of iron, which is necessary for carrying oxygen in the blood and supporting overall energy levels.
4. Satiety: The combination of protein and fat in the burger may help you feel fuller for longer, potentially reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day.

Tips for Healthier Options:

1. Choose Leaner Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or alternative meats like turkey or chicken to reduce the overall fat content of the burger.
2. Use Whole Wheat Buns: Swap out traditional white hamburger buns for whole wheat or whole grain options to increase fiber content.
3. Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles to add nutrients and fiber to the burger.
4. Portion Control: Enjoy Juicy Lucy burgers as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet, and be mindful of portion sizes.

Serving Suggestion

• Serve Juicy Lucy burgers with classic burger accompaniments like:
  • French fries
  • Sweet potato fries
  • Potato chips
  • Onion rings
• Include a side of coleslaw or a mixed green salad for added freshness.
• Offer a variety of condiments for guests to customize their burgers, such as:
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayonnaise
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Hot sauce
• Provide a selection of fresh toppings to enhance the flavor and texture of the burgers, such as:
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato slices
  • Red onion slices
  • Pickles
  • Jalapeño slices
• Accompany the meal with refreshing beverages like:
  • Ice-cold beer or craft beer
  • Soda or sparkling water
  • Iced tea or lemonade
• For dessert, consider serving something sweet to balance the savory flavors of the burgers, such as:
  • Ice cream sundaes
  • Fresh fruit salad
  • Chocolate chip cookies or brownies

These serving suggestions can help create a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience when serving Juicy Lucy burgers to family and friends!

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Juicy Lucy

Author: Yum Platter Cuisine: American Courses: Breakfast, Dinner Recipe Keys: Dairy Kids Non Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 20 mins

Calories: 500

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)

• 4 slices of cheese (traditionally American or cheddar)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Hamburger buns

• lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, condiments of your choice (optional toppings)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Patties

   • Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions.
   • Take one portion and flatten it into a thin patty on a clean surface. Repeat with the remaining portions.
   

2. Add Cheese

   • Place a square of cheese in the center of 4 of the patties.
   • Take the remaining 4 patties and place them on top of the cheese-topped patties.
   • Press the edges of the patties together firmly to seal, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed within the meat.
   • Gently shape each patty into a burger shape, ensuring they are evenly formed and the cheese remains sealed inside.
   • Make sure the burgers are slightly larger than your burger buns, as they will shrink during cooking.
   

3. Season

   Season both sides of each burger patty with salt and pepper to taste.

   

4. Cooking

   • Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Place the burgers on the grill or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
   • You can also cook them on a grill pan or in a frying pan if you don't have access to a grill.
   

5. Toast the burger

   Toast the burger buns lightly.

   

6. Serve

   • Place each Juicy Lucy burger on a bun and add your favorite toppings.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy the oozy, cheesy goodness!
   

Nutrition Facts

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 500kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 30g47%

Saturated Fat 11g56%

Cholesterol 112mg38%

Sodium 600mg25%

Total Carbohydrate 26g9%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 3g

Protein 33g66%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

1. Cheese Selection: Use a cheese that melts well, such as American cheese, cheddar, or pepper jack. Experiment with different cheese varieties to find your favorite flavor combination.

2. Patty Thickness: Aim for thin patties to ensure the cheese melts evenly and doesn't take too long to cook. Thicker patties may result in uneven cooking and a longer cooking time.

3. Sealing the Edges: Make sure to press the edges of the patties firmly together to seal in the cheese. You want to create a tight seal to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.

4. Avoid Overhandling: Handle the meat gently when forming the patties to prevent them from becoming tough. Overhandling the meat can result in dense, dry burgers.

5. Cooking Method: You can cook Juicy Lucy burgers on a grill, stovetop skillet, or even in the oven. Choose your preferred method based on convenience and desired flavor.

6. Cooking Time: Cook the burgers for about 4-5 minutes on each side over medium-high heat, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Avoid pressing down on the burgers with a spatula while cooking, as this can cause the cheese to ooze out.

7. Resting Time: Allow the burgers to rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. This helps keep the burgers moist and flavorful.

8. Customization: Feel free to customize your Juicy Lucy burgers with your favorite toppings and condiments. Popular options include lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.

9. Safety Note: Make sure the burgers are cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.

10. Serving Suggestions: Serve Juicy Lucy burgers with classic burger accompaniments like French fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy your Juicy Lucy Hamburger!

Keywords: juicy lucy, hamburger, burger recipe, homemade, Minnesota