Cheese Curd Burger

Our Cheese Curd Burger might just be the best thing you throw on the grill this summer. One bite into this cheese-stuffed beauty, and you’ll forget why we ever started putting cheese on top of burgers in the first place. Instead of the usual slice of cheese melting over the patty, this burger takes things to the next level by tucking Wisconsin’s favorite snack—fresh cheese curds—right into the center of the burger itself.

As the burger cooks, the cheese curds melt down into gooey pockets of rich, creamy goodness. When you take that first bite, you’re met with a perfectly seasoned beef patty, followed by a warm, melty burst of cheddar tucked inside. It’s the kind of surprise that turns a simple summer meal into a showstopper.

Living here in beautiful Wisconsin—home to around 69,754 farms—I’m surrounded by a deep appreciation for where our food comes from. With the growing popularity of the farm-to-fork movement, more families are looking to connect their meals to the people and places behind them. I’m proud to have family and friends who are farmers—they’re some of the hardest working, most passionate people I know, and they inspire recipes like this one every day.

Whether you’re tailgating at a Packers game (Go Pack Go!), hosting a backyard BBQ, or just enjoying a summer evening, there’s one thing you can count on—burgers sizzling on the grill. It’s practically the scent of summer in the Midwest.

If you’re from this part of the country, especially Minnesota, you might already know the famous cheese-stuffed burger known as the Juicy Lucy. My husband, a proud Golden Gopher and University of Minnesota alum, brought home more than just a diploma—he brought back his love for this molten cheese-filled classic.

As a Wisconsin girl through and through, I knew I had to put a local spin on it. And so, the Cheese Curd Juicy Lucy was born—our state’s signature squeaky snack tucked right into the center of a juicy grilled burger. It’s everything you love about a classic, with a little Midwest magic.

We are excited to partner with Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market, a store we’ve proudly supported for years. When shopping in-store or online for pickup, I find that their Kroger and Simple Truth brands ensure quality and savings, adding an extra layer of assurance for families. Create Kids Club values wholesome choices and delicious meals, and our collaboration creates an ideal platform for affordable, quality living.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to creating the ultimate cheese-stuffed burger made with 100% ground beef. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers big flavor in every bite!

How to Make It

Ready to build your burger? Follow these simple steps to stuff your patties with melty cheese curds and grill them to perfection.

No cheese curds nearby? No problem! Just swap in your favorite melty cheese—cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack work great.

1. Look in your pantry for lids from jars the size you’d like your burgers to be.

The goal is just a tad speck larger than the bun. I found small lids for the kid’s burgers and a larger lid for the adult-sized burger.

2. To make a juicy homemade burger, some fat is needed

I like to blend 90% lean beef with 80% lean beef. If you want a lower fat burger, use just 90% lean, but take care to not overcook and dry it out.

Disregard the nutrition info on these packages. The facts are based on 4 oz portions, which we are not making. We are going for 10 burgers at around 2.5 oz. portions, reducing the calories and fat.

Fun fact: There are just 22 calories in a moderate-sized curd.

Just 1 cheese curd is needed. You can cut a mozzarella cheese stick into 5 pieces and use that too, or your favorite cheese. The smaller amount of cheese helps cut fat and calories from a typical cheeseburger.

Pro Tip: In order to not get “domed” burgers, push down the middle as much as you can without revealing the cheese when forming the burger patty.

Season burgers with salt & pepper.

3. Grill 4 min. each side, flipping only once.

And don’t squeeze down on the burgers with the spatula while cooking! This squeezes the juice right out of the burger.

Pro Tip: If you’re cooking for gluten-free guests, make sure to place thick tin foil onto the grill. Cook their hamburger on the tin foil to avoid cross-contamination (and your guest getting sick!).

Do Not grill buns at the same time as you make their burger.

5. Top with tomato, lettuce, more cheese, or your favorite condiments!

Seriously—once you sink your teeth into this Cheese Curd Juicy Lucy, your burger standards will be forever changed. The crispy, golden edges of the curds melt into the juicy center of the patty, delivering a rich, gooey bite every time. It’s the perfect balance of salty, savory, and satisfying, with just the right amount of Wisconsin flair.

This isn’t just a burger—it’s a full-on flavor experience. Whether you’re impressing guests at your next cookout or whipping up a weekend dinner the kids will rave about, this recipe brings something special to the table. After just one bite, don’t be surprised if your family requests it again… and again… and again.

 Side Dish recipes for Burgers

• Make-ahead Roasted Potatoes
• Fruit Parfaits
• Camping Doughnuts
• Lighted Up Snickers Apple Salad