Get ready for a crave-worthy burger that redefines the weeknight dinner game: Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with American Cheese are irresistibly juicy, full of umami, and honestly impossible to resist. Imagine a tender beef patty packed with savory Parmesan, a punch of garlic, sweet teriyaki glaze, and a luscious blanket of melty cheese all nestled in a golden-toasted bun. These burgers capture the thrill of homemade comfort food and add a dash of bold, international flair—it’s basically a flavor party between two buns!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’re minutes away from burger bliss. Each component brings its own character, building layers of flavor, texture, and gorgeous color in every bite.
- Ground beef (80/20): This fat ratio keeps patties juicy and flavorful, making every bite succulent.
- Teriyaki sauce: The star ingredient adds a sweet and tangy glaze, infusing each patty with character and a hint of caramelization.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the beef, enriching the texture and adding a nutty, salty kick.
- Garlic powder: One of those subtle-yet-essential layers that wakes up every bite.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked if possible, it balances the sweetness and sharpness in the burger.
- Salt: Just enough to bring everything together without overpowering.
- American cheese slices: For a creamy, velvety finish that screams classic burger comfort.
- Burger buns (toasted): Go for sturdy but soft buns—these hero a perfect texture contrast.
- Butter (for buns): Boosts richness and helps the buns toast up beautifully golden.
- Lettuce, tomato slices, red onion slices, pickles (optional): Crisp, colorful toppings that brighten and freshen up every burger.
How to Make Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with American Cheese
Step 1: Mix Up the Burger Patty Magic
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, teriyaki sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently with your hands, just until everything is evenly distributed. Overworking the meat can make the burgers dense, so keep things light and tender for that perfect bite.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Portion the meat mixture into four equal balls, then gently flatten each one into a patty just a bit bigger than your buns. They’ll shrink slightly during cooking, so a little extra size at this stage is your friend. Press a tiny indent in the center of each patty with your thumb—this helps them cook up flat rather than puffing into meatballs!
Step 3: Get the Grill (or Skillet) Sizzling
Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Once hot, add your patties and let them sizzle away for about 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. Flip, brush generously with more teriyaki sauce, and finish the second side for another few minutes. This is where the aroma gets wild!
Step 4: Cheese, Please!
During the last minute of cooking, lay a slice of American cheese over each burger. Cover for a moment (a bowl or lid works great) to help the cheese melt into a gooey, beautiful layer that clings to your patty.
Step 5: Toast Those Buns
While the burgers finish, spread butter on the cut sides of your buns and toast them—either right on the grill or in a skillet—until golden and crisp at the edges. This step might seem small, but a toasted bun takes your Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with American Cheese straight to restaurant status.
Step 6: Assemble with All the Goodies
Grab a bottom bun, pile on a cheesy patty, then stack on lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles (if you’d like an extra crunch). Crown it with the top bun and serve up hot—the scent alone will have everyone circling the kitchen!
How to Serve Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with American Cheese
Garnishes
Go bold with your garnishes to make these burgers sing. A quick brush of extra teriyaki sauce, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even some scallion slices ramp up the flavor. If you like a spicy zing, slip in spicy mayo or a dash of sriracha—both complement the richness and take your Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with American Cheese to the next level.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with the classics: crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a tangy slaw. For a lighter touch, a simple green salad with an Asian-inspired vinaigrette pairs beautifully. The burgers’ sweet-savory profile balances out salty sides, so have fun playing with textures and contrasting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For something unique, serve Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with American Cheese slider-style at your next party, or skip the bun and go “protein-style” wrapped in crisp lettuce for a lighter take. They also look fabulous stacked on a wooden board with all the toppings and sauces arrayed for everyone to build their own masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover burgers, store the patties in an airtight container in the fridge (without the bun and fresh toppings) for up to three days. This keeps the flavors from mingling and your veggies from wilting, making it super easy to refresh your burger experience.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked burger patties between sheets of parchment paper for up to two months. When you’re ready for more Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with American Cheese, just thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as usual—so handy for busy nights!
Reheating
To reheat, pop patties in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water, cover, and heat until warmed through. Add fresh cheese in the last minute for extra meltiness. Avoid microwaving assembled burgers to keep buns from going soggy; always refresh with new toppings for best results.
FAQs
Can I make Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with American Cheese with ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! These burgers work beautifully with ground turkey or chicken—just remember those meats tend to be leaner, so consider adding a splash of oil or a bit more teriyaki sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
What’s the best way to get the cheese super melty?
Once you place the cheese on your hot patty, covering the pan or grill for a minute traps the steam and helps the cheese melt smoothly and thoroughly. It’s the secret to that iconic gooey finish this burger deserves!
Can I prep the patties in advance?
Yes! Shape your patties and store them (covered) in the fridge for up to a day ahead. Just bring them to room temperature before cooking for the juiciest results—this little trick ensures even cooking too.
Are there other cheese options if I don’t have American cheese on hand?
Definitely. Provolone and mozzarella both melt beautifully and will give your Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with American Cheese a fun flavor twist—try smoked gouda for a little extra flair!
What can I do to make these burgers even more special?
Add a slice of grilled pineapple for tropical vibes, stir a little sriracha into mayo for a spicy spread, or pile on crispy fried onions for texture. The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can make it your own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fresh and ridiculously tasty take on the classic burger, Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with American Cheese have your back. Whip them up for a quick weeknight dinner or show them off at your next cookout—you won’t believe how fast they disappear. Give these burgers a spin and get ready for rave reviews!
Print
Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with American Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with melted American cheese are a flavorful twist on classic burgers, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Burger Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 burger buns (toasted)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for buns)
- Lettuce, tomato slices, red onion slices, and pickles (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Mix Burger Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, teriyaki sauce, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 patties.
- Cook Patties: Cook patties on grill or skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with teriyaki sauce. Add American cheese slices during the last minute to melt.
- Toast Buns: Toast buns with butter until golden brown.
- Assemble Burgers: Place patties on bottom buns, top with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and top bun. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can swap American cheese for provolone or mozzarella for a different flavor twist.
- Add grilled pineapple or sriracha mayo for unique variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
