Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary experience: the Juicy Lucy, often spelled Jucy Lucy, burger. This isn’t just a burger; it’s a revolutionary inside-out cheeseburger, boasting a generous core of melted cheese encased within two succulent patties of lean ground beef. Served traditionally on a perfectly buttery, toasted bun with crisp dill pickle slices, it’s a masterpiece of flavor and texture that truly stands out from the crowd.
As the sun graces us with longer days and the scent of barbecue fills the air, it’s the perfect time to fire up the grill and celebrate the early stages of summer. Here in Nebraska, we know there’s no better way to kick off the season than with an epic burger, and today, we’re diving into the legendary Juicy Lucy. If you’ve yet to encounter the sheer delight of this cheese-stuffed marvel, you’re in for a treat – and thankfully, it’s much simpler to prepare than its impressive reputation might suggest.
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When brainstorming the ultimate summer grilling recipe for Dorothy Lynch, the idea of the Juicy Lucy immediately sprang to mind. It felt like an oversight that this iconic burger wasn’t already a staple in my extensive recipe collection. The time for that to change was now. But, in true fashion, it couldn’t be just any basic Juicy Lucy. No, this version would be elevated, infused with that unmistakable sweet and tangy kick of Nebraska’s beloved Dorothy Lynch, transforming a classic into something truly exceptional.
What Exactly is Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing?
Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment is best described as a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, encased in a thick, creamy texture. Its vibrant reddish-orange hue often leads people to mistake it for French dressing, but one taste reveals a completely different, far more unique profile. Unlike oil-based French dressings, Dorothy Lynch is proudly tomato-based, offering a depth of flavor that is genuinely homemade in character.
The story of Dorothy Lynch dates back to the 1940s when “the” Dorothy Lynch herself first crafted this signature dressing. She served it at a restaurant she and her husband operated within the local Legion Club in St. Paul, Nebraska. The dressing quickly became a local sensation, so much so that patrons would bring their own bottles to be refilled, eager to enjoy its distinct taste at home. This beloved Nebraska tradition has since grown, making Dorothy Lynch a staple in kitchens far beyond its humble origins.
Beyond the Salad Bowl: The Incredible Versatility of Dorothy Lynch
While Dorothy Lynch began its journey as a humble salad dressing, its culinary applications are remarkably diverse. Our household goes through it at an astonishing rate because we incorporate it into countless dishes! It’s not just for greens; its unique sweet and savory notes make it an incredible marinade for meats, a delectable dip for fresh vegetables, and even a surprising, yet irresistible, pizza dip. It truly shines when paired with barbecue and fried chicken, adding a layer of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. Furthermore, both Dorothy Lynch Home Style and Dorothy Lynch Light & Lean varieties are certified gluten-free, making them accessible to even more food lovers.
Adding Dorothy Lynch to recipes instantly elevates them. Its distinctive flavor profile has consistently taken many of my own creations from good to gourmet, proving that a truly great condiment can be the secret ingredient your cooking has been missing.
Integrating Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment into Your Recipes
From my celebrated Sloppy Dorothy Sandwich to savory brunch pies and everything in between, Dorothy Lynch has been a cornerstone in my kitchen, adding its distinctive zest to recipes for decades. It’s truly a versatile ingredient that can transform a simple meal into something extraordinary.
More Irresistible Dorothy Lynch Recipes from An Affair from the Heart
- Pictured Above: Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches
- Dorothy’s Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Bread
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Dorothy’s Cole Slaw
- Dorothy’s BBQ Pork Chops
- Dorothy’s Impossible Pie with Bacon & Swiss
- Taco Salads with Dorothy’s Homemade Taco Sauce
- Dorothy’s Cranberry Meatballs (perfect for appetizers!)
- Dorothy’s Puff Pastry Pizza Pockets
Introducing Dorothy’s Juicy Lucy Burgers: The Ultimate Stuffed Cheeseburger
Today, Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment joins an incredibly simple lineup of just five core ingredients to create this classic burger recipe. You’ll need lean ground beef, a robust Montreal Steak Seasoning, a touch of bread crumbs, high-quality American cheese, and of course, that secret ingredient: Dorothy Lynch. These elements combine to form burgers that are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
I chose to serve my Juicy Lucy burgers on a perfectly buttery, grilled bun, adorned with plenty of crisp dill pickles. However, the beauty of this burger is its adaptability; feel free to customize your Juicy Lucy with your favorite toppings, from caramelized onions and crispy bacon to fresh lettuce and tomatoes. Don’t forget an extra side of Dorothy Lynch for dipping, enhancing every single bite!
To begin crafting your magnificent Juicy Lucy, combine the lean ground beef, Dorothy Lynch dressing, Montreal steak seasoning, and bread crumbs in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to a tough burger. The Dorothy Lynch will infuse the meat with moisture and a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the savory beef.
Pro Tip: No bread crumbs on hand? Don’t fret! Simply toss some stale bread or even homemade croutons into your food processor for a quick, fresh batch!
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting the Perfect Juicy Lucy Burger
- **Prepare Your Patties:** Start by dividing your seasoned meat mixture into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a neat ball.
- **Form Layers:** Now, divide each of those four balls into two more sections. One section should be slightly larger, forming the base of your burger, while the smaller section will become the top layer. This ensures a thick, substantial burger with ample space for cheese.
- **Shape with Ease:** Place each individual meatball (both larger and smaller) between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a flat object – the bottom of a dinner plate works wonderfully – gently press down to flatten each ball into a patty. Aim for a consistent thickness.
- **The Cheese Core:** Take your stacks of good quality yellow American cheese (remember, skip the overly processed singles for the best melt!) and place them in the center of each larger patty. Mound the cheese slightly higher in the middle to create that iconic molten core.
- **Seal the Deal:** Carefully place the smaller patty on top of the cheese-laden larger patty. Gently fold and crimp the edges of the bottom patty up and over the smaller top patty, pressing firmly to create a complete seal. This step is crucial! A tight seal ensures your precious melted cheese remains locked inside until you take that first glorious bite.
Now, it’s time for the magic to happen on the grill. Carefully place your prepared patties onto the hot grates. Grill them to your desired doneness, flipping only once or twice to avoid disturbing the cheese seal. The less you handle these beauties, the more likely you are to keep that wonderful, molten cheese tucked inside, ensuring a truly “Juicy Lucy” experience. These are not your average sliders, friends! Each burger, with the addition of the cheese, weighs in at a little over half a pound, guaranteeing a hearty and satisfying meal.
Once grilled to perfection, serve your magnificent Juicy Lucy Burgers on a warm, buttery toasted bun. I personally love loading mine up with generous slices of crisp dill pickles, and of course, a side of extra Dorothy Lynch for dipping. The combination of the rich, cheesy interior, the savory beef, and the sweet-tangy dressing creates an explosion of flavors that is truly addictive.
Loved This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this incredible Juicy Lucy burger recipe get lost! Make sure to save these mouth-watering burgers to your favorite Pinterest board before you navigate away. You’ll be incredibly grateful to have it easily accessible the next time a craving for the ultimate cheese-stuffed burger strikes!
The Intriguing History of the Juicy Lucy Burger
Much like the spirited debate over the origin of the famous Reuben Sandwich – which Nebraskans proudly claim originated right here in Omaha, not some bustling New York City deli – the Juicy Lucy burger also boasts a contested birthplace. Interestingly, both establishments vying for the title are located on the same street in Minneapolis, Minnesota, just about three miles apart, adding to the local lore and friendly rivalry.
Matt’s Bar staunchly claims that its original owner invented the Juicy Lucy sometime in the 1950s. Their unique spelling, “Jucy Lucy,” is said to be a deliberate play on words, a nod to the burger’s incredible juiciness. The name itself allegedly came from a customer who, after taking his first bite, exclaimed in pure delight, “Oooooh! That’s one Juicy Lucy!” This spontaneous declaration, they say, solidified the burger’s iconic name.
On the other side of town, The 5-8 Club also asserts its claim to inventing the cheese-stuffed burger, though they offer less specific historical documentation regarding the exact date. The club itself has a rich history, dating back to the Prohibition era of the 1920s as a speakeasy. Regardless of which establishment truly birthed this culinary marvel, one thing is certain: we are all eternally grateful that *someone* had the brilliant idea to create a burger with a molten core of cheese, forever changing the landscape of American comfort food.
If you consider yourself a true connoisseur of exceptional burgers, I have no doubt that these Juicy Lucy masterpieces will quickly ascend to the top of your favorites list. The combination of flavor, texture, and that irresistible cheese pull is simply unmatched. When you embark on your own Juicy Lucy adventure, I would absolutely love for you to share your experience with me! Tag me on social media or leave a comment below.
Where to Find Your Own Bottle of Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing?
Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment is more accessible than you might think! It can be purchased at numerous locally-owned Nebraska shops and is also available at select grocery stores nationwide, including major retailers like Walmart and Hy-Vee. For those who can’t find it on their local shelves, stocking your pantry with Dorothy Lynch is still easy! You can conveniently shop online at Buy Nebraska, Amazon, or directly from the official Dorothy Lynch website, where you’ll also discover a treasure trove of additional fantastic recipes!
To stay updated on the latest culinary inspirations and delicious recipes all year long, be sure to follow Dorothy Lynch on their website, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.
While you’re here, explore all my other irresistible burger recipes and exciting grilling recipes!
So, are you ready to embark on this delicious journey and create some incredible Juicy Lucy Burgers? Let’s get cooking! 
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Print Recipe
Juicy Lucy Burger (Jucy Lucy)
Equipment
- Dorothy Lynch Home Style Salad Dressing
- Thermapen Mk4 Instant-read Thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 1 Tablespoon Montreal Steak Seasoning
- ¼ cup Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment
- 7 slices good quality yellow American cheese each slice cut into 4 pieces and divided evenly into 4 stacks.
- Dill pickle slices and toasted hamburger buns for serving.
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, steak seasoning, bread crumbs and Dorothy Lynch in a bowl.
- To make the patties the same size, divide the meat in half, then in half again. You will have 4 half pound meatballs. Now divide each of those in half, only make one ball about ⅓ less the size of the other. Now you have 8 meatballs, 4 larger, 4 smaller.
- Place the balls between two pieces of parchment paper. Using a flat object, like the bottom of a plate, press the ball to flatten each into a patty.
- Place the cheese squares In the middle of the large patty, stacking a little higher in the center.
- Cover with the smaller patty, and “fold” the edges of the bigger patty over the smaller one, making sure to seal it tightly so the cheese doesn’t escape when you grill them.
- Grill at 350 degrees, 6 minutes on each side. Test to make sure they are done to at least 160 degrees. (this will be medium doneness) Don’t put the thermometer in the cheese, make sure to check only the meat.
- Butter the buns on the inside and toast. I used a skillet, you can do this on the stove or the grill.
- Serve with dill pickles.