The Monster Cheese Burger is a deliciously enticing burger that’s perfect for the summer fun! It’s loaded with caramelized onions, homemade pepper jack cheese sauce (that’s super easy to make), fresh arugula, and a crunchy Parmesan cheese crisp, all on a butter-toasted bun.
8ouncespepper jack cheesegrated on large holes of a box grater
1tablespooncorn starch
1cupevaporated milkfrom 12 ounce can
Parmesan crisps:
4tablespoonsParmesan cheese per burger
Assemble burgers:
Burger pattiescooked with your preferred method (grilled, microwaved, skillet heated)
arugula
Instructions
Prepare buns:
Spread softened butter on the insides of the hamburger buns, and place buns butter side down in a hot skillet over medium heat. Cook until bun is golden and toasted. Remove buns from the pan.
Caramelize onions:
Place oil in a medium pan, and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add sliced onions, and stir. Place lid on pan, and cook for 5 minutes to allow the liquid to be released from the onion. Remove lid, and add a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring regularly, adding a little bit of water if the onions start to burn, for 15-20 minutes, or until nicely golden and soft. Remove from heat, and set aside.
Make pepper jack cheese sauce:
Place shredded cheese and cornstarch in a large bowl, and toss to combine.
Transfer coated cheese to a medium saucepan, and add evaporated milk.
Cook cheese and milk over low heat, stirring constantly until melted, bubbly, and thickened, about 5 minutes.
Mixture may look thin and grainy at first but will thicken and come together after heating. If desired, thin the cheese sauce with additional evaporated milk. There will be more cheese sauce than you need for a couple of burgers.
Make Parmesan cheese crisps:
Preheat oven to 400° F. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using the small holes of a box grater, grate the Parmesan cheese.
With a tablespoon-measuring spoon, scoop 4 tablespoons of the grated Parmesan onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave at least ½-inch between each pile. Lightly press the mounds out until they are flat and approximately the size of the hamburger buns. Make as many crisps as burgers that you’re having.
Bake for 5-8 minutes. Remove from oven when edges just turn golden brown. Let cool completely on the baking sheet.
Assemble the burgers:
Place the bottom of the butter-toasted bun on the plate. Place the cooked patty on top of the bun. Spread the caramelized onions over the top of the patty. Drizzle the cheese sauce over the top of the onions. Add a handful of fresh arugula leaves to the top. Place the Parmesan cheese crisp on top of the arugula, and top with the butter-toasted bun.
Enjoy. Don’t forget the napkins!
Video
Notes
Make as many burgers as you like. The recipe card gives guides for each burger. The cheese sauce will make enough for a whole bunch of burgers, so you may have leftover. Use leftover cheese sauce for dipping your fries into!