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Chef Tips for Perfecting the Classic Summer Cheeseburger

Aug 11, 2026

Classic Summer Cheeseburger

A cheeseburger in summertime is a classic for a reason. Yes, juicy beef matters. A toasted bun helps. And the right toppings take things up a notch. But when you take that first bite, you're looking for that one thing: thick, melty, full-flavored Tillamook Slices that pull everything together.

To help you grill a better burger all summer long, we asked Tillamook Executive Chef Josh Archibald to share his favorite tried, tested, and tasty burger tips. From choosing the right beef blend to achieving the ideal melt, so you can serve up a bold and buttery cheeseburger worthy of any backyard cookout.

PERFECTING THE INGREDIENTS

Before you fire up the grill, make sure you're building your burger with ingredients you're excited to eat.

Start with great cheese: A cheeseburger is only as good as the cheese on top. Chef Josh's pick? Tillamook Farmstyle Sharp Cheddar Slices, a standout for their bold flavor and ideal melt that makes people ask, “What cheese did you use?”

Go for quality: While frozen patties can certainly work in a pinch, sourcing a high-quality 80/20 ground beef blend—or grinding your own blend—can create a more flavorful and memorable burger experience.

Less is more: When you start with flavorful beef and bold Tillamook cheddar, you don't need a tower of toppings competing for attention. For the ultimate sharp cheddar burger, Chef Josh recommends:

Get creative: If you're making your own patties, consider mixing in ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, finely diced onions, jalapeños, or even small cubes of Tillamook Cheddar Cheese. These additions can help boost flavor and create a burger that's uniquely your own.

PERFECTING THE JUICINESS

One of the most common questions people ask is, “How do you keep burgers juicy?” According to Chef Josh, it starts before the burger ever reaches the grill.

Handle with care: When forming patties, avoid overworking the meat. Ground beef that's squeezed and packed too tightly can lead to tough burgers instead of tender ones.

Turn up the heat: Allow your cooking surface to get to temperature before putting your patties on. This helps the flavor develop and ensures they don't fall apart when you go to flip them. No one wants that.

Don't press: Pressing burgers with a spatula squeezes out flavorful juices and can leave you with a drier burger. It may sound dramatic, but every time you press a burger, a tiny bit of burger magic disappears.

Put the spatula down: Turn your burgers only once—or twice at the absolute most. The less you move them around, the better crust and caramelization you'll get.

Which brings us to the most important part...

PERFECTING THE MELT

Anyone can put cheese on a burger. Getting it just right is where things get interesting. And more delicious, of course.

Temper your cheese, please: Let your cheese come to room temperature before cooking so it melts more evenly and quickly. While the burger should stay cold until it hits the grill, Tillamook Cheese Slices can sit out for up to an hour for ideal melting control.

Layer last minute: Don't be too speedy with the slices. Add cheese after your flip, during the final few minutes of cooking. A quick lid-close can help, too.

Over-melted is overrated: Fully melted cheese can slide off the burger and take all that delicious flavor with it. Aim for a “relaxed” melt: warm, soft, and perfectly draped over the burger while still holding onto its bold cheddar flavor.

Give 'em a rest: A few minutes of resting time before serving allows the residual heat to finish the cooking process and gives the cheese time to settle into that perfect “relaxed” state.*

DON'T SAY “WHEN”

If one slice of cheddar is good, more cheddar opportunities are even better. Try stuffing the patty with cheese for a “Juicy Lucy,” searing the bun in cheese for a crispy textural component, or toasting the top bun with a slice of cheese and a sprinkling of your favorite seasoning. This is a judgment-free zone when it comes to cheese.

CHEESEBURGER RECIPES

Okay, so now that you know how to cook a cheeseburger like a pro, test your newly learned skills on some of our favorite melty recipes: https://www.tillamook.com/recipes/search/cheeseburger