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Cast-Iron Juicy Lucy Burgers with Pickle Butter Buns

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Quick answer

Stuff a folded slice of American cheese between two thin beef patties, seal the edges, and cook in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium coals or a medium camp stove flame, about 5 minutes per side with a lid. Cook to 160°F, rest 3 minutes so the molten cheese settles, then serve on buns toasted in pickle butter. Plan on about 45 minutes total.

Cast-Iron Juicy Lucy Burgers with Pickle Butter Buns
As much as we try, we're not food photographers. This is an illustrative image for context. We don't have real photos for every recipe. Cooked this one? Send us your photo and we'll credit you.

A Juicy Lucy hides the cheese inside the patty. You bite in and get a hot, gooey center, with no slice sliding off the top. It's the burger people ask about at the next site over, and it only takes a skillet.

The trick is a tight seal and a gentle hand. Don't press the patties while they cook, and let them rest before serving. The pickle butter on the buns is a small extra that makes them taste like a diner burger.

Recipe card

Cast-Iron Juicy Lucy Burgers with Pickle Butter Buns

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Prep
20 min
Cook
25 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Heat
Medium coals or medium stove flame
Pack weight
3.5 lb
TrailFit
  • Campfire
  • Camp stove
  • Backpacking
  • Cooler required
  • One burner
  • Low water
  • A few dishes
  • Prep ahead

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