Name: Crispy Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon pickle relish; 24 ounces ground beef (90/10); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; 8 slices American cheese; 4 hamburger buns; Fresh lettuce leaves; 4 slices tomato; 4 slices red onion

If you’re craving a juicy, indulgent burger experience, you’re in the right place. This Crispy Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe brings together perfectly seared patties, melty American cheese, and a tangy homemade sauce that’s next-level delicious. Trust me, this is the kind of burger you’ll want to make again and again.

A close-up of a double cheeseburger on a white plate with a side salad on a white marbled surface. The burger has a soft golden bun top with layers beneath it: two slices of red onion, a bright red tomato slice, two melted yellow cheese-covered beef patties with a slightly browned texture, fresh green lettuce, and a light spread of sauce on the bottom bun. The side salad includes leafy green lettuce, cucumber slices, and tomato pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I make these double-stack cheeseburgers on the stovetop, I’m amazed at just how quick and satisfying they are. Plus, the homemade burger sauce adds that special touch that turns a simple meal into a memorable one.

Perfectly Crispy Patties: Pressing the patties thin gives you that irresistible, crispy edge every burger lover craves.
Quick and Easy: You can have these burgers on your plate in just 25 minutes, making them ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: The tangy, creamy burger sauce elevates every bite without any fancy ingredients.
Customizable Toppings: Fresh lettuce, tomato, and red onion keep things bright and balanced with every mouthful.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients really makes a difference here. I always go for 90/10 ground beef for a great flavor-to-juiciness ratio, and fresh produce to keep the toppings crisp and refreshing. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need—and why it all comes together so well.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh ground beef, whole uncracked brown eggs, a few crisp green lettuce leaves, several thick slices of ripe red tomato, a few rings of vibrant purple-red onion, a couple of soft golden hamburger buns, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white ceramic bowl of chunky green pickle relish, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of pale garlic powder, several slices of smooth yellow American cheese, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base with a mild tang for the burger sauce.
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and a hint of tomato that brightens the sauce.
Pickle relish: Brings a tangy, slightly crunchy texture to the sauce that keeps things interesting.
Ground beef (90/10): Offers the perfect balance of fat and lean for juicy, flavorful patties.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the beef evenly and enhancing flavor.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle bite and depth to the burger seasoning.
Garlic powder (optional): A mild boost of umami if you want a little extra kick.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the patties crisp up beautifully on the stovetop without sticking.
American cheese slices: Melts perfectly over each patty to create that classic cheeseburger vibe.
Hamburger buns: Toasted buns provide a sturdy but tender base to hold all the layers.
Fresh lettuce leaves: Adds crunch and freshness to balance the richness.
Tomato slices: Juicy and bright, they add just the right amount of sweetness.
Red onion slices: Bring a lightly pungent bite that complements the savory patties.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste buds or occasion. Whether you're feeling adventurous or want to keep it classic, there’s room to make it yours.

Double the Cheese, Double the Fun: I love adding an extra slice of cheese on each patty for an ooey-gooey experience that truly lives up to the “double-stack” name.
Add a Smoky Twist: One time, I swapped American cheese for smoked cheddar, and the burger gained a deliciously smoky depth without overpowering the classic flavors.
Healthier Version: Using turkey or plant-based ground meat works surprisingly well here—just keep the seasoning the same for that familiar flavor profile.
Seasonal Freshness: In summer, I love swapping out the lettuce for arugula and adding a few slices of avocado for a fresh, creamy upgrade.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the burger sauce or toss some jalapeño slices on the burger to turn up the heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe

A woman's hand holds a cheeseburger with a shiny, soft light brown bun that has a smooth texture. Inside the bun, from bottom to top, there is a green lettuce leaf, two thick juicy brown beef patties with melted yellow cheese dripping slightly over the edges, a slice of red tomato, and thin slices of purple onion. The background shows a blurred white plate with some green salad on it over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip up your tangy burger sauce

Start by mixing together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, and 1 tablespoon pickle relish in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and tweak by adding more ketchup or relish if you prefer it sweeter or tangier. This sauce adds that perfect creamy, zesty boost, tying all the flavors together.

Step 2: Shape tender beef balls seasoned just right

Divide 24 ounces of 90/10 ground beef into eight loose 3-ounce balls—these will become your thin patties for those iconic double stacks. Sprinkle each ball with kosher salt, black pepper, and a little garlic powder if you like a hint of extra flavor. Remember, gentle hands here help keep the meat tender, so avoid overworking it.

Step 3: Heat your skillet and coat with olive oil

Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, swirling it around to cover the entire surface evenly. This step ensures a nice sear on the patties and helps create that delicious crispiness on the edges.

Step 4: Press patties thin for perfect double stacks

Put each beef ball into the hot skillet one by one. Cover the ball with a piece of foil and press firmly using a small pan or skillet to flatten it evenly down to about ⅛ inch thick. The foil keeps things neat and stops the meat from sticking. Repeat for all eight patties, reusing the same foil piece to save time.

Step 5: Sear and melt cheese to juicy perfection

Let the patties cook for 2 minutes on the first side until golden brown edges form. Flip each patty carefully and immediately top with a slice of American cheese. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the patties are cooked through. Try not to press down with your spatula here—you want to keep all the juicy goodness inside!

Step 6: Assemble your double-stack masterpiece

Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of your homemade burger sauce on the bottom half of each toasted hamburger bun. Add fresh lettuce leaves on top of the sauce, then stack two cheesy patties, one on top of the other. Finish with a slice of tomato and red onion before capping with the top bun. Voilà — a stacked, melty delight ready to devour!

Step 7: Serve and savor immediately

These burgers are best enjoyed hot off the stove while the cheese is still melty and the patties crispy around the edges. Serve with your favorite side or just dig in as is—you’ve earned it!

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the perfect Crispy Double-Stack Cheeseburgers every single time—juicy, flavorful, and stacked just right.

Perfect Patty Thickness: Press your beef balls into very thin patties, around ⅛ inch thick for double-stacks. This lets them cook fast and stack easily without overwhelming the bun.
Use Foil for Pressing: I found wrapping the patties in foil is a game changer to prevent sticking when pressing down with your pan. It keeps the patties intact and cooks evenly.
Don’t Overwork the Meat: Loose, gently formed meat balls make for tender patties. Overhandling leads to tougher burgers, so a light touch is key.
Light Touch When Flipping: Avoid pressing down with your spatula during cooking to keep those delicious juices inside the burger.

How to Serve Crispy Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with a thick, creamy sauce that has a light beige color with small chunks and specks scattered throughout. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, slightly dipping into the sauce. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface that adds a clean and bright background to the image. The texture of the sauce looks smooth but with some uneven bits giving it a homemade feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and crisp red onion rings add brightness and crunch to balance the rich, melty cheese and juicy beef. For an extra touch, try adding pickles or a few splashy dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Lightly toasting the hamburger buns also brings warmth and a subtle crunch.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like crispy French fries or kettle-cooked potato chips complement these double-stack burgers perfectly. For something lighter, a fresh coleslaw or a crisp garden salad bring a refreshing contrast. If you want to keep things fun, try onion rings or baked sweet potato fries — both soak up every bite of the burger sauce wonderfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover patties tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days and remain delicious for quick reheat meals.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked patties by layering them between parchment paper in an airtight freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months—perfect for meal prep or unexpected burger cravings.

Reheating

Reheat leftover patties gently in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, or until warmed through and cheese is melty again. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to dry out the burgers. Toast your buns fresh while reheating the patties for that just-made experience!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! American cheese melts perfectly for classic cheeseburgers, but feel free to swap in cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles. Just be sure to add the cheese after flipping the patties so it melts nicely.

Why do I need to press the patties so thin?

Pressing the patties thin helps them cook quickly and evenly, which is essential for the double-stack style. It also creates a lovely crispy edge that adds fantastic texture to the burger.

Can I make single thicker burgers instead of double-stacks?

Yes, you can make four 5- or 6-ounce patties instead if you prefer a traditional single stack burger. Just increase the cooking time to 3-4 minutes per side and add cheese near the end of cooking.

Is garlic powder necessary in the seasoning?

Garlic powder is optional and adds a mild depth of flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer a more straightforward beefy taste. The salt and pepper are the essentials for seasoning these patties.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about biting into a juicy, melty double-stack cheeseburger made right on your stovetop. With the flavorful beef, tangy homemade burger sauce, and fresh garnishes, this Crispy Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe is a fast, family-friendly winner that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and treat yourself to burger bliss tonight!