Chef Jake Thompson - Comfort Food Specialist
👨‍🍳 Comfort Food Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Culinary Arts Graduate ⏰ 18+ Years Experience 🍽️ BBQ & Grill Master

❤️ My Recipe Story

"These cheesy beef burgers were inspired by my favorite burger joint's secret - incorporating cheese directly into the patty and finishing with a nutty sesame seed crust. The combination creates the ultimate comfort food experience with every bite."

Jake specializes in elevated comfort food that brings bold flavors to classic dishes. He's spent years perfecting techniques that maximize flavor while maintaining the hearty, satisfying nature of traditional American cuisine.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Golden-brown cheesy beef burgers with melted cheddar cheese and toasted sesame seed coating, garnished with fresh parsley on a cast iron skillet

The Perfect Cheese Integration

Creating the perfect cheesy burger requires understanding how to incorporate cheese both within and on top of the patty. Mixing cheese directly into the ground beef ensures every bite has that gooey, melted goodness, while the topping provides visual appeal and extra richness.

The sesame seed coating adds a delightful nutty crunch that complements the creamy cheese perfectly. Toasting the seeds beforehand intensifies their flavor and ensures they maintain their crispiness throughout the cooking process.

💡 Professional Tip

Grate your own cheese from a block for better melting properties. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can form the patties and apply the sesame coating up to 4 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. Cook directly from cold, adding 1-2 minutes to cooking time.

Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor and melting properties. You can also try Gruyère, Swiss, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.

Yes, bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet for better air circulation and crispier coating.

Don't overstuff with cheese, seal the edges well when forming patties, and avoid pressing down while cooking. Chilling the formed patties for 15 minutes also helps.

Cook to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty.

These pair excellently with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. The rich cheese flavor works well with lighter, fresh sides.

Yes, but add an extra tablespoon of oil to the mixture since turkey is leaner. You may also want to add extra seasoning as turkey has a milder flavor.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness, or slice for sandwiches.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Sesame Seeds Burning

Problem: Sesame seeds burn before burger is cooked through

Solution: Lower heat to medium and cook longer, or finish in a 350°F oven after initial searing. Pre-toasting helps prevent burning.

✅

Cheese Leaking Out

Problem: Cheese oozes out during cooking

Solution: Form patties with thicker edges to contain cheese, chill before cooking, and don't press down on patties while cooking.

✅

Coating Falls Off

Problem: Sesame seed coating doesn't adhere properly

Prevention: Press coating firmly into patties, ensure eggs are well incorporated, and don't flip too early during cooking.

✅

Dry Burgers

Problem: Burgers turn out dry despite cheese content

Recovery: Use 80/20 ground beef, don't overmix, avoid pressing patties while cooking, and let rest after cooking.

✅

Uneven Browning

Problem: Some areas brown faster than others

Prevention: Ensure even coating thickness, use a heavy-bottomed pan, and maintain consistent medium-high heat.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add more black pepper or a touch of smoked paprika

Too Salty: Serve with pickled vegetables or a squeeze of lemon

Bland: Increase Worcestershire sauce, add more garlic, or finish with herb butter

Raw ingredients for cheesy sesame beef burgers including ground beef, grated cheddar cheese, toasted sesame seeds, and seasonings on a wooden cutting board

Selecting Quality Ingredients

The foundation of exceptional cheesy burgers starts with quality ground beef and cheese. Choose an 80/20 blend for optimal juiciness and flavor. The cheese should be freshly grated from a block for superior melting and taste.

High-quality sesame seeds make a noticeable difference in both flavor and texture. Look for fresh, plump seeds that toast to a beautiful golden color. The combination with panko breadcrumbs creates the perfect textural contrast to the melted cheese.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ground Beef: Choose freshly ground beef with good marbling. The fat content is crucial for keeping burgers juicy and flavorful, especially with the cheese addition.
  • Cheese Selection: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor balance. Grate from a block rather than buying pre-shredded for better melting and taste.
  • Sesame Seeds: Use raw sesame seeds and toast them yourself for maximum flavor. Pre-toasted seeds can become bitter during the second cooking phase.
Cheesy beef burgers with melted cheddar and golden sesame seed crust sizzling in a cast iron skillet

Mastering the Cooking Process

Success with cheesy sesame burgers requires careful temperature control to ensure the sesame seeds develop a golden crust without burning while the cheese melts perfectly. Medium-high heat provides the ideal balance for achieving both goals.

The key is patience during cooking - resist the urge to press down on the patties, which would squeeze out the melted cheese and juices. Instead, allow the natural searing process to create a beautiful crust while keeping the interior moist and cheesy.

The Cheese Melt Technique

Add the final cheese layer only in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Cover the pan to create steam, which helps melt the cheese evenly without overcooking the burger.

Cheesy Beef Burgers with Sesame Seed

Prep 15 min
Cook 20 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Burger Patties

  • 60g sesame seeds
    Toast for maximum flavor
  • 60g panko breadcrumbs
    Creates perfect crunch
  • 45g grated Parmesan cheese
    Adds umami depth
  • 30ml vegetable oil
    For proper searing
  • 60g butter
    For basting and richness
  • Fresh parsley
    For fresh garnish
  • Flaky sea salt
    For finishing touch

For the Sesame Coating

  • 900g ground beef (80/20 blend)
    Perfect fat ratio for juicy burgers
  • 200g sharp cheddar cheese, grated
    Divided for inside and topping
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
    Binds mixture and coating
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    Fresh garlic adds depth
  • 30ml Worcestershire sauce
    Adds umami complexity
  • 15ml Dijon mustard
    Provides tang and binding
  • 1 tsp onion powder
    Adds savory base note

Instructions

  1. Toast Sesame Seeds

    In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

  2. Prepare Cheese Mixture

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, half the cheddar cheese, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form into 6 thick patties.

  3. Create Sesame Coating

    In a shallow dish, combine toasted sesame seeds, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Press each beef patty firmly into the sesame mixture, coating both sides generously.

  4. Cook the Burgers

    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and sesame seeds are crispy. Add butter to pan and baste.

  5. Add Cheese and Finish

    Top each patty with remaining cheddar cheese and cover for 1-2 minutes until melted. Remove from heat, sprinkle with flaky salt and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Cooked burgers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven to maintain the sesame seed crispiness rather than microwaving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crispy sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or fresh greens. The rich cheese pairs beautifully with acidic sides like pickles or tomato salad.

Variations

Try different cheeses like Gruyère or Swiss for variety. You can also add herbs to the beef mixture or experiment with black sesame seeds for visual contrast.