Fast food cheeseburgers have a special place in many hearts. Each of us has our favorites, from Five Guys to Whataburger. Even celebrity NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes can’t resist Whataburger. Recently, some expert butchers weighed in on cheeseburgers, sharing their thoughts on what makes a great one.
To find the best fast food burgers, we turned to award-winning butchers. They know meat and can spot a good burger in a snap. Here’s what they say makes the perfect fast food cheeseburger:
- **Fresh Beef**: Look for places that use fresh beef. If a restaurant doesn’t freeze its meat, it tends to be juicier—less moisture lost means a better burger.
- **Cooked to Order**: Fast service is great, but the best burgers are made fresh. Cooking burgers to order keeps them from drying out.
- **Crispy Edges**: A good burger should have a nice char on the outside. Those crispy edges are a sign of proper cooking.
- **Quality Over Price**: Sometimes, spending a little more means a lot better quality. Cheaper options can scrimp on meats, so a slightly higher price might yield a delicious payoff.
The butchers shared their top picks for fast food cheeseburgers:
- **Shake Shack**: Known for its 100% Angus beef burgers, Shake Shack stands out. It’s not just the quality; the flavor and crispy edges bring back childhood nostalgia for many burger lovers.
- **Culver’s**: The ButterBurger is a favorite. Made with a blend of beef cuts, it’s deliciously crafted, and the toasted bun gives it that extra touch.
- **Portillo’s**: This Chicago chain is better known for hot dogs but offers surprisingly good burgers. The thickness of their patties is a highlight, especially if you opt for the Double Cheeseburger.
So, how can you create a restaurant-quality fast food burger at home? Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Start with 70/30 beef for a juicy, flavorful patty.
- Form two-ounce balls and cook them on a hot cast-iron skillet.
- Press down for crispy edges, and keep the heat high. After a couple of minutes, flip them, add American cheese, and cook a bit longer.
- Assemble on a buttered, toasted bun with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and that special sauce.
Fast food may have its charms, but you can enjoy a homemade version that rivals your favorite joint. After all, a good burger is about quality and flavor, whether you’re dining in or cooking at home.
For more inspiration, check out [Allrecipes](https://www.allrecipes.com/butchers-best-fast-food-cheeseburger-11912242) and learn more about incorporating your favorite fast food flavors into your kitchen!
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Fast food restaurants, American cheese, smash burger, Publican Quality Meats, Shake Shack, Nick Lenters, Rob Levitt, Josh Turka, crispy edges, quality, Cheeseburger
