O-M-Cheese Burger Recipe

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This burger is not your average cheeseburger. It’s a sizzling masterpiece smothered in molten queso, topped with layers of cheddar and American cheese, and finished off with crispy Applewood-smoked bacon. The O-M-Cheese Burger is every cheese lover’s dream come true, and recreating this show-stopping dish at home is easier than you think.

How to make O-M-Cheese Burger

The O-M-Cheese Burger is a new menu item introduced by Applebee’s. It features a juicy, all-beef burger served in a sizzling skillet filled with molten queso and a blend of cheddar cheeses.

Ingredients

For the Burger Patty:

• 1 lb (or 2 medium-sized) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy patties)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cheese Blend:

• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup American cheese (shredded or slices)
• 1 cup queso (store-bought or homemade queso dip)

Toppings:

• 4 slices Applewood-smoked bacon (or any thick-cut smoked bacon)
• 1 lettuce leaf (optional for balance)
• 2 tomato slices (optional)
• 2 burger buns (preferably brioche for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Bacon

1. Cook the Applewood-smoked bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Make the Burger Patties

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape the mixture into thick patties roughly the size of your burger buns.
3. Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat, and add a drizzle of oil.
4. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side or until desired doneness (medium-rare, medium, etc.). Tip: Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking to retain juices!

Step 3: Melt the Cheese

1. On low heat, pour your queso into a small pan and warm it until it’s hot and melted.
2. Mix shredded cheddar and American cheese into the queso for added texture and flavor. Stir continuously until the cheese blend is smooth and thick.

Step 4: Assemble the Burger

1. Toast your brioche burger buns lightly on the same skillet or grill for added flavor.
2. Place the cooked burger patty on the bottom bun.
3. Layer 2 slices of crispy bacon on top of the patty.
4. Pour a generous amount of the molten cheese blend over the bacon and patty.
5. Add optional toppings such as lettuce or tomato.
6. Place the top bun firmly on the gooey tower of goodness.

Chef’s Tips for the Perfect O-M-Cheese Burger

• Skillet Matters: A cast-iron skillet works well for replicating the sizzling presentation Applebee’s is known for. Serve the O-M-Cheese Burger straight from the skillet for extra drama!
• Homemade Queso: If you want a truly homemade feel, you can make your queso from scratch by melting Velveeta cheese with diced tomatoes and chilies for a Tex-Mex spin.
• Bacon Hack: Bake your bacon strips in the oven (400°F for 15-20 minutes) for even crispiness without the mess on your stovetop.
• Toast for Texture: Lightly butter and toast your buns for added crunch and buttery flavor.
• Custom Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses if you’re feeling adventurous—pepper jack, gouda, or Monterey Jack can add unique flavor twists.
• Drizzle Extra Cheese: Serve queso on the side as a dip for fries—or drizzle extra over the burger so every bite is packed with cheesy goodness.

What to serve with

The O-M-Cheese Burger is a show-stopping dish on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can take your meal to the next level.

• French Fries: Crispy, golden fries are a no-brainer with any O-M-Cheese Burger. Choose thick-cut steak fries or thin, crunchy shoestring fries depending on your preference.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Looking for a twist? Sweet potato fries offer a slightly sweeter, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory cheese and bacon of the burger.
• Loaded Fries: Take it up a notch by serving loaded fries, topped with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and a drizzle of sour cream or ranch dressing.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making an O-M-Cheese Burger at home is all about balancing indulgence with convenience, so if you don’t have certain ingredients or want to jazz things up, substitutes can save the day.

1. Ground Beef Substitutes

The burger patty is the star of the show, but it doesn’t always have to be ground beef. Here are some delicious alternatives:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: These are leaner options that still deliver a juicy and flavorful burger when seasoned properly.
• DIY Veggie Burgers: Make your own patty with blended black beans, lentils, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or walnuts for texture.
• Ground Pork or Sausage: Pork adds richness and pairs excellently with melted cheese and bacon for a slightly sweeter flavor (try Italian sausage for a spicy kick).

2. Cheese Substitutes

The O-M-Cheese Burger is all about that cheesy goodness, but you can get creative with the cheese choices depending on what’s on hand or your dietary needs:

Substitute for Queso Dip

• Homemade Queso: Combine cream cheese and shredded cheddar, melting them with a splash of milk or half-and-half. Add diced tomatoes or jalapeños for flavor.
• Nacho Cheese Sauce: Pre-made nacho cheese from the store (even the canned kind) is a good, quick alternative.

Substitutes for Cheddar & American Cheese

• Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and offers a milder flavor profile.
• Provolone: A buttery, creamy option that pairs well with beef.
• Pepper Jack: Want to add a spicy kick? Pepper Jack is a fun alternative loaded with chili peppers.
• Vegan Cheese: For vegans, use dairy-free cheddar or queso substitutes from brands like Daiya or Violife.

3. Bacon Substitutes

The crispy, smoky bacon plays a big role in the burger’s flavor, but there are plenty of ways to substitute:

• Turkey or Chicken Bacon: Lower in fat but still brings in that smoky flavor and crunch.
• Vegetarian Bacon: Brands like MorningStar Farms or Lightlife Smart Bacon offer plant-based alternatives, which are perfect for vegetarians.
• Smoked Mushrooms or Eggplant: Thinly slice mushrooms or eggplant, marinate them in liquid smoke, soy sauce, and a pinch of smoked paprika, and bake until crispy. This delivers a smoky taste with a vegetarian twist.
• No Bacon? Try Salami: If you’re out of bacon, crispy fried salami slices make a decadent swap with a slightly savory twist.

4. Burger Bun Substitutes

If you don’t have brioche buns or want a gluten-free or low-carb option, try these creative alternatives:

• Pretzel Buns: Pretzel buns are denser and add a unique salty twist to your burger.
• Potato Buns: A soft, slightly sweet replacement that works beautifully in burgers.
• Gluten-Free Buns: Many supermarkets offer great gluten-free bun alternatives made with almond flour or rice flour.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, skip the bun altogether and wrap your burger in crisp iceberg or romaine lettuce.
• Bread Substitutes: Use thick slices of toasted sourdough, ciabatta rolls, or even English muffins for a gourmet twist.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of the O-M-Cheese Burger is that it’s incredibly versatile—you can enjoy its rich, indulgent flavors no matter what ingredients or dietary constraints you have.

More Burger Recipes:

• Ultimate Steakhouse Whopper Recipe