Molten Cheese Juicy Lucy Food

"JUCY" LUCYS

Steps:

• Divide the meat into 12 loose balls, then form into 1/4-inch-thick patties. Fold 1 slice cheese into a small square; center it on a patty, leaving a 1/2-inch border of meat around the cheese. Top with another patty. Crimp the edges of the 2 patties together, sealing the cheese inside. Repeat with the remaining cheese and meat to make 6 cheese-stuffed patties.
• Warm the vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer the onion to a bowl and wipe out the skillet.
• Add the patties to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook 7 to 8 minutes. Flip, then poke the middle of each patty with a toothpick to release steam; cook 7 more minutes for medium well.
• Put about 3 pickle slices on each bottom bun; top with the sauteed onion and a patty, then close with the top bun. Wait a few minutes before biting into the burger-the cheese is hot!

JUICY LUCY

Steps:

• Lightly mix 6 ounces ground beef chuck with a big pinch of kosher salt. Form into two equal balls, and then shape into two flat patties. Lay two slices American cheese between them and form the meat around the cheese; make an indentation in the center of the patty. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat; sprinkle the skillet with salt. Cook the burger 4 to 5 minutes per side. Serve on a soft bun.

SPICY JUICY LUCY-FER SLIDERS

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the onions, spreading them into an even layer. Cook, without stirring, until the edges of the onions are beginning to brown, 5 minutes. Stir the onions and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and caramelized, another 20 minutes. Add the chipotles, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook until fragrant and well combined, 1 to 2 minutes, and remove from the heat.
• Preheat the oven broiler. Divide the meat into 12 portions, about 2 ounces each. Form a patty around each piece of cheese and flatten to 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter. Put the wrapped patties on a foil-lined baking sheet and sprinkle all the patties with 3/4 teaspoon salt.
• Broil until the cheese is melted and the burgers are still a bit pink inside, about 6 minutes. The burgers will be cooked to at least medium in order to melt the cheese but still stay juicy.
• Mix the ketchup, balsamic and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Brush the burgers with some of the ketchup sauce and divide the rest among the bottom halves of the buns. Place a burger on each bottom bun, top with some of the spicy onions and finish with a top bun. Serve warm.

JUICY LUCY BURGER

Steps:

• In a small bowl, stir together 2 teaspoons salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Divide the beef into four equal portions, then halve each of those portions. Gently roll each portion into a ball using the palm of your hand, then flatten each into a disk shape on a large cutting board, pressing with your fingers and palm until just over 4 inches wide and 1/4-inch thick. Repeat to form eight patties. Season both sides of each patty with the salt-and-pepper blend.
• Add one slice cheese to the center of one patty, folding any overhanging corners of the cheese inward. Using a spatula, lift another patty from the cutting board and place it on top of the cheese, pressing gently to connect both patties. Gently pinch the edges of the patties together to thoroughly seal, then use your fingers to round the edges by pressing and patting along the perimeter. Repeat with the remaining patties, forming three more burgers, and set aside.
• In a large (preferably 12-inch) cast-iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion; sprinkle with sugar, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, adding 2 tablespoons water about every 5 minutes to prevent burning, until tender and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Once the onions are caramelized, transfer them to a bowl. (If you have any bits left in the pan, wipe them out.)
• Add the oil to the skillet to lightly coat the bottom and heat over medium-high until scalding-hot, about 2 minutes. Add the burgers and cook until seared and dark brown on the outside, 3 to 5 minutes per side. (You'll want to let the burgers cook undisturbed as long as possible to develop a crisp sear and to prevent them from splitting. Their insides will cook through by the time the outsides form a proper sear. Resist the urge to cut them open, as the cheese will spurt out.) Transfer burgers to a clean cutting board to rest.
• Meanwhile, toast the buns: Scrape up and remove from the pan any cheese that may have leaked, leaving a thin layer of accumulated fat in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium. Working in batches, toast the buns cut-side down until warmed and toasted in spots, about 1 minute. Form sandwiches by layering pickles, patties, then caramelized onions on buns. Serve immediately.

JUICY LUCY

Steps:

• 1. Divide the ground chuck into 6 equal pieces, then divide each piece in half. Roll the 12 pieces into tight balls and press flat, until the patty is slightly larger than the bun. Make sure the meat is compacted, because if the meat is too loose the fillings will seep out and make a mess on the grill.
• 2. Cut each slice of cheese into square quarters and place the four quarters on a patty. Place another patty on top and press down around the edges, making a tight seal. Place the shaped patties on a platter and cover with some plastic wrap. Chill the burgers for about 30 minutes.
• 3. Preheat the grill. Place patties on the grill and cook over high heat for 6 minutes. Flip the burgers and pierce the cooked sides with a sharp knife to let a little steam escape from the molten cheese. Cook another 4 to 6 minutes (or longer) depending on your doneness preference, then remove from the grill. Let the burgers rest and cool a few minutes, then serve with your favorite toppings.