Flavors of the Fifty
Juicy Lucy Burger
Minnesota Juicy Lucy
At TNBD, we’re continuing our series featuring a recipe from a different U.S. state every day! Today’s stop is Minnesota, home of the iconic Juicy Lucy burger.
The Juicy Lucy is a legendary burger that hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota. What sets it apart is simple but genius: the cheese is stuffed inside the beef patty rather than melted on top. When cooked, the cheese becomes molten, creating a molten, cheesy core that bursts out with every bite. Traditionally, American cheese is used, but modern variations include cheddar, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a gourmet twist. The patty is usually grilled or pan-seared, and the burger is served on a soft bun with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions.
The Juicy Lucy’s origins are the subject of a friendly rivalry. Two Minneapolis bars—Matt’s Bar and the now-closed 5-8 Club—both claim to have invented it in the 1950s. Despite the debate, the Juicy Lucy has become a Minneapolis staple and a must-try for burger lovers. The appeal lies in the surprise of biting into a molten core of cheese while enjoying a perfectly cooked, juicy beef patty—hence the name.