Minnesota Smoky Cheddar-Stuffed Burgers

Introduction

Get ready to make the juiciest, most flavorful Minnesota Smoky Cheddar-Stuffed Burgers right on your Arteflame grill! These mouthwatering burgers are stuffed with rich, melty Minnesota smoky cheddar and seared at 1,000F on the center grill grate before being finished on the flat cooktop for the perfect doneness. The high heat locks in the juices, while the flat top ensures even cooking without burning. Plus, you can grill everything at once on the large griddle surface. Let’s fire up the grill and start cooking!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 6 oz Minnesota smoky cheddar cheese, cubed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 2 tbsp butter
• Your favorite burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles)
• Condiments of choice (mustard, mayo, ketchup, etc.)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light them.
4. Let the fire build up for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Burger Patties

1. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions.
2. Flatten each portion into a thin patty.
3. Place a cube of Minnesota smoky cheddar in the center of 4 patties.
4. Cover each cheese-filled patty with another patty, sealing the edges tightly.
5. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Sear the Burgers

1. Place the burgers on the center grill grate and sear for 2 minutes per side at 1,000F.
2. Use a spatula to flip them carefully.

Step 4: Finish on the Flat Cooktop

1. Move the seared patties to the flat top griddle.
2. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 135F for medium (remove at 120F).
3. Butter the burger buns and toast them on the outer edges of the flat cooktop.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Place the burgers on the toasted buns.
2. Add your favorite toppings and condiments.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature.
• Do not press down on the patties while cooking.
• Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes after removing from the grill.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties for a new twist.

Variations

1. Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar: Add diced jalapeños inside the patties with the cheese.
2. Bacon-Stuffed Cheddar: Mix cooked, crumbled bacon into the cheese filling.
3. Mushroom Swiss: Swap cheddar for Swiss cheese and top with grilled mushrooms.
4. BBQ Onion Cheddar: Stuff with cheddar and caramelized onions, then top with BBQ sauce.
5. Blue Cheese & Garlic: Stuff with blue cheese crumbles and a touch of minced garlic.

Best Pairings

• Grilled sweet potato fries
• Crispy coleslaw
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Smoky baked beans
• A cold, crisp Minnesota lager

Conclusion

Making these Minnesota Smoky Cheddar-Stuffed Burgers on your Arteflame grill is an easy way to achieve steakhouse-quality results at home. The high-heat sear locks in juices, while the flat cooktop gives perfect even heat. Give this recipe a try, experiment with the variations, and enjoy one of the best burgers you've ever tasted!