How to melt cheese on a burger patty by covering the pan
Add cheese after flipping, then cover the pan with a lid to trap steam and melt it fast.
Once the patty is flipped, place cheese on top and cover the pan. The trapped heat and steam melt the cheese quickly without needing to overcook the meat.
The short version
- Covering the pan melts cheese faster than open-pan cooking
What you need
- frying pan or skillet
- lidoptionalAny cover that fits over the patty area works
How to do it
- 1
Flip the patty once the first side is browned.
Flip before adding cheese so the cheese doesn't overcook while the first side finishes.
Watch this step - 2
Place cheese on top of the patty.
Any slice/shredded cheese works; adjust amount to preference.
Watch this step - 3
Cover the pan with a lid until the cheese melts.
If you don't have a lid, use a sheet pan or large metal bowl as a cover.
Watch this step
What goes wrong
Waiting for cheese to melt with the pan uncovered
Cover with a lid to trap heat and steam
Why it works
A lid creates a hotter, more humid micro-environment over the patty, speeding cheese melt.
Put it to use
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