The Juicy Loosey - A Jucy Lucy or Juicy Lucy is a cheesy cheeseburger with the cheese inside the meat patty instead of on top, resulting in gooey melted core of cheese within the patty.
The Juicy Lucy - A Molten Cheese Masterpiece
The Juicy Lucy (or Loosey, if you're feeling adventurous) is a cheeseburger that redefines the concept. Imagine a symphony of flavors, where the cheese isn't just a topping but a molten, gooey core within the patty itself. Each bite delivers a burst of cheesy goodness, making this burger an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices American cheese (or your favorite melty cheese)
- 4 buns
- Your favorite condiments and toppings
Procedure
Prep the patties: In a bowl, combine the ground chuck, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Divide the mixture into eight equal portions and shape each into a thin, round patty slightly larger than your cheese slices.
Stuff with cheese: Fold each cheese slice in half twice to create a compact stack. Place a folded stack onto 4 of the patties. Top each with one of the remaining patties.
Seal it tight: This is crucial! Carefully crimp the edges of the patties together to create an airtight seal. A loose seal risks a cheesy explosion during cooking.
Cook to perfection: Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat, or fire up your grill to medium-high. Cook each burger for 3-4 minutes per side. The burger might puff up slightly due to steam from the melting cheese – this is perfectly normal.
Release the steam: Once flipped, gently prick the top of each burger with a toothpick to allow steam to escape. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through.
Assemble and enjoy: Remove the patties from the heat, let them rest briefly, and then assemble your masterpiece. Place each patty on a toasted bun, add your favorite condiments and toppings, and prepare for a truly indulgent burger experience.
Tips:
Cheese choice: American cheese is the classic choice for its meltability, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or pepper Jack.
Don't overwork the meat: Gently mix the beef to avoid tough burgers.
Check for doneness: An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the patty should read at least 160°F (71°C).
Get creative with toppings: Classic burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion work great, but consider adding a fried egg, caramelized onions, or even a spicy aioli for extra flavor.
