Utah Bear Lake Rocky Mountain Cheeseburgers

Introduction

Get ready to experience the bold flavors of the Rocky Mountains right at home with these juicy, perfectly grilled Utah Bear Lake Rocky Mountain Cheeseburgers. Featuring sharp local Utah cheddar, caramelized onions, and grilled to perfection on the Arteflame grill using the reverse sear method, these burgers deliver big flavor and unforgettable texture. With its unique 1,000°F center grill grate and wide, evenly heated flat top cooktop, the Arteflame grill ensures every ingredient is seared and cooked to perfection — all without needing a lid or any pots or pans. Let's fire it up and get grilling!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 4 slices sharp Utah-aged cheddar cheese
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for grilling)
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Optional: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles
• Optional: Dijon mustard or favorite burger sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Place 3 paper napkins on the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Douse them lightly with vegetable oil.
3. Pile firewood on top of the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and let the fire burn for about 20 minutes until the grill reaches grilling temperature — around 1,000°F on the center grate and 500–750°F on the flat top.

Step 2: Prepare the burger patties

1. Divide the beef into 4 equal parts and shape into 1/3 lb patties, about 1 inch thick.
2. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Keep chilled until ready to sear.

Step 3: Caramelize the onions

1. Melt 2 tbsp butter on the Arteflame flat cooktop near the outer edge (medium heat).
2. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until soft and golden brown (about 15–20 minutes).
3. Move onions to a cooler edge to keep warm.

Step 4: Sear the patties

1. Place patties on the blazing-hot center grill grate to sear — about 1 minute per side to develop a crust and lock in juices.
2. After searing, move patties to the flat top to finish cooking to desired doneness (see internal temp guide in Tips).

Step 5: Toast the buns and melt cheese

1. Place buns cut side down on a medium-hot area of the flat top for 1–2 minutes until golden.
2. Top each patty with cheddar cheese and cover with a dome lid if available for faster melt (or simply let it melt over indirect heat).

Step 6: Assemble and serve

1. Place each cheesy patty on bottom bun, top with caramelized onions, optional toppings, and sauce of choice.
2. Cover with top bun and serve sizzling hot directly from the Arteflame grill.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer: Remove patties from the grill when internal temperature is 15°F below your target (aim for 130°F for medium rare, pull off at 115°F).
• Let patties rest for 5 minutes before serving; this helps redistribute the juices.
• Always use butter on the flat top for added flavor and to enhance caramelization.
• Use the hotter inner ring of the cooktop for searing veggies or bacon if adding to the burger.
• Grill everything at once: Arteflame's wide surface allows you to cook burgers, onions, and buns simultaneously.

Variations

1. Bacon Avocado Cheeseburger: Add grilled bacon strips and fresh avocado slices for a smoky, creamy upgrade.
2. Southwest Chipotle Burger: Mix chipotle peppers into the beef and top with pepper jack cheese and roasted poblano peppers.
3. Blue Cheese Bison Burger: Use ground bison instead and top with blue cheese crumbles and grilled mushrooms.
4. BBQ Ranch Burger: Top patty with crispy onion straws, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing for bold flavor contrast.
5. Jalapeño Popper Burger: Add grilled jalapeños, cream cheese spread, and cheddar for a spicy twist.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a juicy cheeseburger infused with the flavors of Bear Lake and cooked over real wood fire on the Arteflame grill. With its steakhouse sear and clean finish, this Utah Rocky Mountain Cheeseburger recipe will quickly become a favorite at home or your next outdoor cookout. Simple ingredients, perfectly grilled execution — that’s what makes this burger unforgettable.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with butter and chili powder
• Sweet potato fries prepared on the Arteflame griddle
• Utah root beer or a Wasatch Brewery lager
• Coleslaw with apple cider vinaigrette
• Fresh seasonal melon or berries for dessert