New Hampshire Smoked Cheddar Burgers

Introduction

These juicy New Hampshire Smoked Cheddar Burgers are packed with bold flavor by blending aged smoked cheddar right into the beef patties. Grilled on the Arteflame grill using the reverse searing method, they're perfectly seared, juicy on the inside, and irresistibly cheesy. The unique heat zones of the Arteflame grill let you cook all your toppings and sides at once, making this not just a burger, but a full grilling experience.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
• 1 cup aged smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 brioche buns
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for buns)
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onions
• Pickles (optional)
• Butter for grill surface

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Place three folded paper napkins in the center of the grill.
2. Drizzle vegetable oil liberally onto the napkins.
3. Stack quality firewood over the napkins in a crisscross pattern.
4. Light the napkins with a match or lighter.
5. Wait about 20 minutes for the center grill grate to reach searing temperature (around 1,000°F).

Step 2: Prepare the Patties

1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, smoked cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Divide into 4 equal portions and form into thick burger patties.
3. Make a small dimple in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during grilling.

Step 3: Sear the Patties

1. Place each patty on the center grill grate for a high-temp sear (about 1 minute per side).
2. Sear until a deep, golden crust forms.
3. Move patties to the flat cooktop griddle to finish cooking, closer to the outer edge depending on doneness preference.
4. Grill until internal temperature reaches 15°F below your desired doneness (medium-rare = 130°F, medium = 140°F).
5. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes as carryover cooking occurs.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

1. Butter the cut sides of each brioche bun.
2. Place directly onto the flat cooktop of the Arteflame until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Place burger patties on toasted buns.
2. Top with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles to taste.
3. Serve immediately while hot with your favorite Arteflame-grilled sides.

Tips

• Sear over the center grate, cook to temp over the griddle—this reverse searing method locks in juices.
• Use butter for flavor enhancement on both burgers and buns.
• Don’t skip letting patties rest to ensure juicy burgers.
• Use the hotter inner zone of the flat top to caramelize onions or cook bacon for toppings.
• Use a meat thermometer for precision – always remove burgers when 15°F below your final target temp.

Variations

1. Spicy Maple Bacon Cheddar Burger: Add maple-candied bacon and pepper jack cheese for sweet heat.
2. Applewood Mushroom Cheddar Burger: Mix in sautéed mushrooms and a drizzle of truffle oil on top for earthy depth.
3. Vermont BBQ Cheddar Burger: Top with BBQ sauce, crispy onion strings, and coleslaw, all made on the griddle.
4. Blue Cheese and Cheddar Mash-Up: Swirl in crumbled blue cheese with the cheddar for rich tanginess.
5. Pepper-Crusted Swiss-Cheddar Burger: Coat patties with cracked black pepper and mix Swiss with cheddar.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn with chili butter
• Thick-cut steak fries cooked on the Arteflame flat griddle
• Smoky Arteflame-grilled asparagus
• Freshly mixed coleslaw with a touch of honey-mustard
• Craft IPA or a chilled root beer

Conclusion

This New Hampshire Smoked Cheddar Burger is all about depth of flavor, juicy texture, and that unbeatable crust from grilling on the Arteflame. With the right cheese, cooking style, and heat control, you’ll be serving up burgers that look incredible and taste even better. Don’t be surprised when your guests ask for seconds.