The stacked grilled cheese burger has been gaining popularity over the last few years as an indulgent, over-the-top burger option. With multiple layers of cheese and beef patties stacked between slices of grilled cheese sandwiches instead of a regular bun, it’s a cheese and meat lover’s dream. But what exactly comes on the stacked grilled cheese burger? Here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients and components that make this burger so decadent and delicious.
Burger Patties
At the core of any great burger is the beef patty. A stacked grilled cheese burger takes this to the next level by including not just one, but multiple patties stacked on top of each other. Two or three patties are common, but some restaurants will stack up to five or six patties between the grilled cheese buns. The patties are cooked on a griddle or grill to get a nice sear and caramelization on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. High quality ground chuck or a blend of chuck and sirloin are typical patty options.
Cheese
With a name like stacked grilled cheese burger, you know cheese is going to be a key component. Most versions use at least two or three slices of cheese per patty. American cheese is a popular choice thanks to its creamy texture and gooey melting properties. Cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, and provolone are other good options. The cheese is placed on top of each cooked patty so it can get all nice and melty from the patty’s heat.
Grilled Cheese Buns
In place of a regular hamburger bun, the stacked grilled cheese burger uses two grilled cheese sandwiches as the top and bottom bun. This means layers of even more cheese and buttery grilled bread enclosing the juicy beef patties and cheese slices. The most common approach is to use thick sliced white bread or Texas toast with a filling of American, cheddar, or a cheese blend. The sandwiches are cooked in a pan with butter on the outside until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Burger Toppings
Part of the appeal of the stacked grilled cheese burger is all the flavors and textures going on between those grilled cheese buns. Some typical burger toppings that pair well include crispy bacon, sautéed onions, sliced tomato, pickles, lettuce, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. The juices of the juicy beef patties and melted cheese blend with these toppings for an amazing first bite. Avocado, a fried egg, grilled mushrooms, and barbecue sauce are also popular additions.
Fries or Chips
Like most burgers, an order of french fries or potato chips on the side complements a stacked grilled cheese burger perfectly. The combo of a hot, juicy burger with salty, crunchy fries or chips is simply irresistible. Fries can be ordered plain, seasoned, or doused in cheese, chili, or garlic Parmesan sauce. Waffle fries and sweet potato fries also pair great with a stacked grilled cheese burger.
History of the Stacked Grilled Cheese Burger
The origins of the stacked grilled cheese burger likely trace back to home cooks and restaurants looking for creative ways to one-up a regular burger. However, there are a few eateries that have claimed to invent this epic sandwich. Here’s a quick look at the possible origins.
Mulligan’s Pub, Decatur, IL
One of the earliest claims comes from Mulligan’s Pub in Decatur, Illinois. According to their story, they added a grilled cheese sandwich in place of a bun for a burger special one day in 1985. It proved so popular that it quickly became a menu staple. As they continued tweaking the concept over the years, they eventually arrived at the stacked style to satisfy super hungry customers.
Sluggers Sports Bar, Chicago, IL
Another Midwest contender for original inventor is Sluggers Sports Bar in Chicago. In the late 1980s, their cooks began experimenting with crazy burger creations to generate buzz among customers. Their stacked grilled cheese burger concept gained fame throughout Chicago for being an extremely filling meal for hungry sports fans.
The Vortex, Atlanta, GA
The Vortex Bar and Grill in Atlanta also claims to have invented the stacked grilled cheese burger. Their story credits an employee named Daniel who first made one for himself using leftover ingredients out of the blue in the early 1990s. Word spread about the delicious Frankenburger and customer demand led it to eventually be added to the menu.
Stackers Grill, Los Angeles, CA
On the West Coast, Stackers Grill in LA says their namesake burger was conceived by the restaurant’s founder in the late 1990s. He wanted to create a burger so ridiculously over the top that it would get attention. The stacked grilled cheese burger was added to their initial menu lineup when they opened in 2000, alongside other stacked options.
Other Earliest Sightings
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, more stacked grilled cheese burger sightings popped up, often as specials or secret menu items. College town bars and diners seem to have especially embraced the mashup. Food blogs, forums, and viral videos in the 2010s really launched the trend into widespread popularity across the US.
Regional Variations
While the core concept of multiple patties and cheese enclosed by grilled cheese sandwiches generally remains the same, you can find some regional variations of the stacked grilled cheese burger across different parts of America.
Southwest Version
In Texas and the Southwest, creamy guacamole, sliced jalapenos, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips are popular additions. The beef patties might even be infused with spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Oaxaca, pepper jack, or habanero cheese often replace American. Grilled onions and BBQ sauce also make frequent appearances.
Pacific Northwest Version
The Pacific Northwest opts for fresh ingredients like grilled mushrooms, tomatoes, and avocado. Swiss, provolone, or cheddar are go-to cheese choices, sometimes with a spread of cream cheese too. Locally-sourced beef and artisan bread give it a gourmet twist. Special sauces like garlic aioli or chimichurri sauce also show up.
Midwestern Version
Expect the Midwest to go heavy on meats like bacon and ham to complement the beef patties. Plenty of creamy cheese sauces drench the top as well for total indulgence. The grilled cheese sandwiches may use pretzel buns, sourdough, or rye bread for heartiness. BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and fried pickles are familiar sights too.
East Coast Version
In New England and the Mid-Atlantic, the stacked grilled cheese burger goes more upscale. Brioche or challah bread, artisanal cheeses, grass-fed beef, wild mushroom toppings, and truffle aioli elevate the concept. But you can also expect extra grease and oil to dripping down your hands like a true dive bar burger.
Nutrition Facts
While certainly high in enjoyment and indulgence, the stacked grilled cheese burger is lower in nutritional virtue. Here’s a breakdown of an average version’s calorie and macro nutrient contents:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount | Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 1250 | 63% |
| Total Fat | 90g | 138% |
| Saturated Fat | 45g | 225% |
| Cholesterol | 255mg | 85% |
| Sodium | 1800mg | 75% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Sugars | 15g | |
| Protein | 80g | 160% |
With about 1250 calories and nearly a full day’s worth of saturated fat and sodium, the stacked grilled cheese definitely qualifies as an occasional indulgence meal. Going for some veggie toppings and lighter bread and cheese options can improve the nutrition profile. But most diners are willing to splurge on the full cheese-and-beef-stuffed version.
Stacking Methods
Constructing a properly stacked grilled cheese burger does require some structural engineering. Here are the two main techniques that restaurants use:
Support Skewer Method
This approach involves sliding long skewers through the stack to reinforce it. The skewers run vertically through the burger, inserting through the top grilled cheese slice, then each patty and cheese layer, and finally going into the bottom grilled cheese. Usually two skewers placed at equal distances across the burger are used.
The skewers help hold all the layers aligned and together, preventing slippage as you pick up and bite into the burger. The skewers get removed after the first big bite so they don’t interfere with the full burger experience.
Layering Toothpicks Method
A toothpick version involves placing toothpicks horizontally between each layer. First a toothpick is placed between the bottom grilled cheese slice and the bottom patty. Then another toothpick separates that patty from the next cheese slice and patty layer. This continues all the way up the stack, with 3-5 toothpicks total used.
The toothpicks keep the burger stable and all the fillings packed tightly together. Like skewers, the toothpicks can be removed after the first bite or two once the burger integrity has been compromised by biting and chewing. The toothpicks essentially serve their purpose as assembly aids.
Eating Strategies
Attacking a stacked grilled cheese burger can seem daunting. But with the right strategy, you can dismantle the layers while minimizing spillage and keeping that first bite intact. Here are some tips:
The Wide Grip
Use both hands to pick up the burger and grab it across the widest horizontal plane possible for secure leverage. This helps counteract the heavy gravity of the stack wanting to spill out the sides. Thumbs on top help press down any loose edges too.
The Chipmunk Cheeks Stuff
On the first bite, clench the buns against your gripped fingertips and pack your cheeks full, chipmunk style. This jams the ingredients into your mouth rather than letting them fall out the back end. Open wide and take as big a bite as you can manage.
The Lean and Poke
As you get deeper into the burger, leaning forward over your plate helps catch any escaping ingredients. Gently poking the backside patties and cheese into the closing bread pocket creates a backstop. Keep a supply of napkins handy too for any sauce drippage.
The Layer Breakdown
Once the beast is partially tamed, feel free to peel off the top bun and eat the rest layer by layer burger salad style with a knife and fork. Cut the remaining grilled cheese slices into tasty dippers for all those juicy burger drippings too.
Where to Find One
If you want to take on a stacked grilled cheese burger yourself, here are some top spots across America known for their quality versions:
Midwest
- Kuma’s Corner – Chicago, IL
- The Thurman Cafe – Columbus, OH
- B-52 Burgers & Brew – Minneapolis, MN
- Grease Trucks – Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Northeast
- Cheeburger Cheeburger – Various Locations
- Jimmy’s Lunch – Boston, MA
- New Park Tavern – West Hartford, CT
- Bareburger – New York, NY
South
- Mulligan’s Pub – Decatur, IL (Original Home)
- Slater’s 50/50 – Dallas, TX
- Fuzed Cafe – Memphis, TN
- Hungry Horse Cafe – Metarie, LA
West
- Stackers Grill – Los Angeles, CA (Original Home)
- Bub’s at the Ballpark – Phoenix, AZ
- Stadium Inn – Tacoma, WA
- Garage Burgers – San Diego, CA
Conclusion
With its indulgent layers of beefy patties, gooey cheese, and buttery grilled bread, the stacked grilled cheese burger is a gut-busting feast to remember. The combination of flavors and textures between the juicy drippings and crunchy toppings is hard to top. Just be ready for a mess as you dismantle the towering creation. But that first mouthwatering bite makes it all worth it! Moderation is probably wise, but don’t be afraid to live a little and give this calorie-packed burger beast a try.