Southern Grilled Cheeseburgers
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These Southern Grilled Cheeseburgers are everything you love about a classic cheeseburger, with a bold Southern twist. Juicy beef patties seasoned to perfection, melty cheese, toasted brioche buns, and a stack of crave-worthy toppings like fried green tomatoes and sweet BBQ sauce? Yes, please!
DIY Southern BBQ Cheeseburgers
There’s just something about a grilled burger that feels like summer, family gatherings, and southern cooking all wrapped up in one perfect bite. Forget everything you know about making a basic burger; we’re layering in smoky spices, buttery buns, and all the favorite condiments to turn a cookout staple into a showstopper.
I’ve been making these for years, and they’re always a hit. You can keep them simple or go full-on Southern with fried pickles, pimento cheese, or even a slice of fried green tomato if you’re feelin’ it!
Ingredients for the Best Southern Cheeseburgers
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 small cubes of cold butter
- 4 slices of American cheese, cheddar, or Swiss cheese
- 4 brioche hamburger buns
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for toasting buns)
Optional Toppings:
- BBQ sauce
- Fried or regular onion rings
- Tomato slices or green tomatoes
- Red onions, sliced into rings
- Butter or iceberg lettuce
- Pickles or fried pickles
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer lean meat; just know that you’ll want to add a splash of olive oil or a bit more seasoning to compensate for the lower fat. You’ll still get a great result, just a lighter version of the classic cheeseburger.
How to Make the Best Southern Grilled Cheeseburgers
Make the Patties
1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground meat, Worcestershire sauce, and all the seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Divide the mixture into equal portions and form into 4 patties, about ¾-inch thick.
Tip: Make a small, shallow depression in the center of each hamburger patty with your thumb. This helps the cooking process by preventing puffing as they grill.
3. Optional but highly recommended: Press a cube of cold butter into the center of each beef patty and gently shape the meat around it. It’s the best way to a juicy burger!
Fire Up the Grill
4. Preheat your gas grill or charcoal grill to medium-high heat (about 400–425°F). Make sure your grill grates are clean and brushed with a little oil to prevent sticking.
5. Place patties on the hot grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, depending on your desired doneness.
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy:
- 145°F for medium
- 160°F for well done
Tip: Let the patties rest for a few minutes after cooking. This seals in those flavorful juices!
Toast the Buns & Melt the Cheese
- During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of your preferred cheese on top of the burgers. Close the grill lid to help it melt.
- While that’s happening, brush the inside of your hamburger buns with olive oil or butter. Place them on the grill for 1–2 minutes until golden and toasted. A cast iron skillet works great, too, if you’re grilling indoors.
Assemble Your Burgers
- Time to build! Layer your Southern Grilled Cheeseburgers from the bottom bun up for max flavor and stability:
- Bottom bun
- Lettuce
- Cheeseburger patty
- Ripe tomato slices or fried green tomatoes
- Red onions or onion rings
- Spoonful of barbecue sauce
- Pickles
- Top bun
Stack it high, sauce it up, and take a big ol’ bite!
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftover hamburger patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or low oven to keep them juicy. You can also freeze raw patties; just separate with parchment paper and wrap in plastic wrap.
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 1½ lbs ground beef 80/20
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 cubes of cold butter optional
For Grilling & Assembly:
- 4 slices of American or cheddar cheese
- 4 brioche hamburger buns
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Toppings:
- BBQ sauce
- Pickles or fried pickles
- Tomato
- Red onion
- Lettuce
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings in a bowl. Divide into 4 patties and press a shallow dent into the center. Optional: Add butter to the middle of each patty.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400–425°F). Clean and oil grates.
- Place patties on grill and cook 4–5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, add cheese and toast buns.
- Assemble burgers: Bottom bun, lettuce, burger, tomato, onion, BBQ sauce, pickles, top bun. Serve hot!
