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Juicy Lucy

Joshua Weissman · also America’s Test Kitchen
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Illustration created with AIGenerated with ImagineArt (Nano Banana)

Cheese sealed inside the patty so it melts into a molten core.

BeefOld-school · since 1950s
The recipe

How to make it

1 serving
Makes1Time20 minSourceJoshua Weissman · also America’s Test Kitchen

Ingredients

Burger

  • 2 × 3 oz portions 75/25 ground beef
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 slice American cheese
  • 1 hamburger bun

Method

  1. Shape each portion of beef into a thin patty, about ¼ in thick. Season both sides.
  2. Put the cheese in the middle of one patty, lay the other on top and pinch the edges firmly so the cheese is sealed in.
  3. Cook in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, 4–5 minutes a side. If it puffs up, poke it with a toothpick to let the steam out.
  4. Toast the bun and build it. Warn whoever eats it: the cheese inside is molten.

Note on the source: This is Joshua Weissman’s version. The ATK recipe from Ultimate Burgers isn’t published online.

Quantities come from the source. The method is written in our own words. See the original ↗

Video

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Background

Where it comes from

Since 1950s · Minneapolis, Minnesota · Source ↗

Matt’s Bar in south Minneapolis claims the original, spelled “Jucy Lucy”, from the 1950s. The 5-8 Club down the road disputes it.

Eat the original

Where to try it

  • Matt’s Bar3500 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN

    Spells it “Jucy Lucy” and claims the original.

  • 5-8 Club5800 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN

    The rival claimant, about 23 blocks south.

Checked October 2026. Opening hours change, so check before you travel. See it on the Burger Atlas →