Cheeseburger Wellington Recipe

Name: Cheeseburger Wellington
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 105 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 6 ounces frozen puff pastry; 1 slice bacon, cut in half; 8 ounces ground beef; salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; cayenne pepper to taste; 0.5 ounce sharp Cheddar cheese; 1 large egg

Cook Time: 35 minutes

This Cheeseburger Wellington is a stunning and affordable twist on the classic Beef Wellington, guaranteed to wow your guests both in taste and presentation. The secret? Its deceptively simple to make almost as easy as preparing a bacon cheeseburger. Just don't let on how straightforward it is, because we chefs enjoy the mystery behind these visually impressive dishes. That being said, as delicious as this dish is, nothing can beat the perfection of a traditional bacon cheeseburger. But what makes this recipe special is the show it puts on. Wrap the beloved burger components in buttery puff pastry, score the top for a decorative touch, and youve got a crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Aim for a nice pink center by checking the internal temperature (135F), which you can easily manage with inexpensive ground beef rather than pricey filet mignon. Ready to impress? Lets get started!

Ingredients

6 ounces frozen puff pastry
1 slice bacon, cut in half
8 ounces ground beef
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cayenne pepper, to taste
ounce sharp Cheddar cheese
1 large egg

Directions

Step 1: Begin by gathering all the ingredients. It's always helpful to have everything ready before you start cooking.

Step 2: Place the bacon in a large, cold skillet. Heat it over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until its evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Once browned, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Pour out the bacon fat and wipe the pan, but dont clean it completely. The residual bacon flavor will help sear the burger.

Step 3: Shape the ground beef into a patty thats approximately 1 inch thick and 4 1/4 inches in diameter. Season the patty generously with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Sear the burger in the same skillet over high heat, 2 minutes per side, to get a nice crust. Once seared, transfer the burger to a plate and place it in the refrigerator to cool down.

Step 4: Remove a sheet of puff pastry from the freezer. Roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out a 5 1/4 to 5 1/2 inch circle for the bottom. Then cut a second circle thats 7 1/4 to 7 1/2 inches in diameter for the top. Place the dough on a sheet pan and return it to the freezer until firm.

Step 5: For the top pastry, cut a small hole in the center to allow steam to escape while baking. Using a knife, lightly score the surface of the pastry in a decorative pattern, but dont cut all the way through. Place the top pastry back in the fridge to stay chilled.

Step 6: Retrieve the bottom pastry from the freezer. Place the cooled burger patty on it, followed by the bacon and shredded Cheddar cheese. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a teaspoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the edges of the bottom pastry with the egg wash to help seal the layers.

Step 7: Carefully place the top pastry over the burger and cheese fillings. As the dough warms, gently press the edges of the top and bottom pastries together to seal them tightly. If needed, fold the bottom edges over the top edges to finish sealing. Place the entire assembled Wellington in the fridge for about 20 minutes to chill and firm up.

Step 8: Preheat your oven to 450F (230C). Once the pastry is chilled, crimp the edges of the pastry with a fork to create a decorative border. Brush the top with the remaining egg wash to give it a golden finish when baked.

Step 9: Bake the Wellington in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. Once baked, transfer it to a cooling rack and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 10: Serve the Cheeseburger Wellington hot and enjoy the crispy pastry and juicy, flavorful burger inside!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 935
Total Fat: 72g (93% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 24g (122% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 204mg (68% Daily Value)
Sodium: 460mg (20% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 39g (14% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% Daily Value)
Protein: 31g (62% Daily Value)
Potassium: 374mg (8% Daily Value)

Cheeseburger Wellington Recipe

History and Origins

While the Cheeseburger Wellington is a contemporary fusion dish, it draws its inspiration from the renowned Beef Wellington. Beef Wellington has roots in the early 19th century, believed to have been created in honor of the Duke of Wellington after his victory at the Battle of Waterloo. The dish typically consists of a tenderloin of beef wrapped in puff pastry, creating a decadent, show-stopping centerpiece. The Cheeseburger Wellington, on the other hand, offers a fun and budget-friendly twist on this classic, substituting ground beef for the expensive tenderloin and adding bacon and cheeseperfect for those looking for a more casual yet impressive alternative to Beef Wellington.

Regional Variations

Although the Cheeseburger Wellington is not traditionally linked to a specific region, it combines elements of American fast food with the classic French culinary technique of wrapping food in puff pastry. The dish is particularly popular in urban and trendy settings where chefs are known to experiment with familiar comfort foods. It's often served in creative gastropubs or modern American restaurants, where traditional recipes are reimagined with a touch of innovation. In some regions, you might find variations where ground lamb or bison is used instead of beef, adding a unique flavor profile.

What Sets It Apart

At first glance, the Cheeseburger Wellington may seem like a simple variation of a cheeseburger, but its much more than that. Unlike a traditional cheeseburger, which is typically served on a bun, this dish takes the flavors of a cheeseburger and wraps them in golden, flaky puff pastry. The result is a crispy, buttery exterior encasing the savory flavors of ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. Unlike the Beef Wellington, which is a sophisticated and labor-intensive dish, the Cheeseburger Wellington offers a fun, approachable version thats quicker to prepare and perfect for casual dinners or special occasions.

Where Its Served

Cheeseburger Wellington can be found in various trendy restaurants, particularly those specializing in modern American cuisine. It is often featured as a playful take on classic comfort food, making it a popular choice in upscale pubs and bistros. Its also a great dish for home cooks looking to impress guests at dinner parties or special gatherings. Its ease of preparation and visual appeal make it a showstopper for any occasion, from family dinners to celebrations like birthdays or holidays.

Fun Facts

One of the reasons for the dish's popularity is its ability to combine two favorite foodscheeseburgers and puff pastryinto one unique creation.
Many chefs recommend using a mix of cheeses to add depth to the flavor. Sharp cheddar is commonly used, but varieties like gouda, mozzarella, or pepperjack can offer exciting twists.
The Cheeseburger Wellington is surprisingly adaptable. Some versions include additional toppings like sauted onions, pickles, or even a fried egg, which can be placed inside the pastry for extra richness.
Unlike traditional Beef Wellington, which requires a precise cooking time to achieve the perfect medium-rare beef, the Cheeseburger Wellington allows for more flexibility with the doneness of the meat, as ground beef cooks quickly and can be customized to your preference.

Whether youre looking for a creative way to elevate your weeknight dinner or want to impress your guests at your next dinner party, the Cheeseburger Wellington is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. With its flaky pastry and indulgent fillings, it's a crowd-pleaser that brings the classic cheeseburger into a new, exciting realm.

FAQ about Cheeseburger Wellington Recipe

Store leftover Cheeseburger Wellington in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain its crispy pastry.

Yes, you can freeze the assembled Cheeseburger Wellington before baking. After assembling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, remove it from the freezer, let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours, then bake as directed.

Absolutely! You can use a variety of cheeses based on your preference. Some good options include Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack. Just be sure the cheese melts well and complements the other ingredients.

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Keep in mind that poultry may have a milder flavor, so you may want to adjust the seasoning or add ingredients like sautéed onions or garlic to enhance the flavor.

This dish pairs well with a simple salad, crispy French fries, or even coleslaw. You could also serve it with pickles or a tangy dipping sauce to complement the flavors.

The Cheeseburger Wellington is done when the pastry is golden brown and crisp. For the beef patty, an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) ensures a medium-rare result. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Yes, feel free to experiment with different toppings! Common additions include sautéed onions, mushrooms, lettuce, or even pickles. Just be sure not to overfill it to maintain the integrity of the pastry.

If you don't have puff pastry, you can use a different type of pastry like pie crust or phyllo dough, though the texture will differ. Puff pastry gives the dish its signature flaky texture, but these alternatives will still yield a delicious result.

To add more heat, you can incorporate chopped jalapeños or hot sauce into the beef patty mixture. You could also add a spicy cheese, such as pepper jack, for an extra kick.

Yes, you can prepare Cheeseburger Wellington in advance by assembling it and refrigerating it until you're ready to bake. Make sure to chill it for at least 20 minutes before baking to ensure it holds together during cooking.

Comments

fruitdog

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I made this last night for dinner, it was so fun to make and looked gorgeous! I made two of these, one beef and bacon, the other a meat alternative, both worked out really well. I seasoned up the meat how we like it, and for fun, added pickles. I think next time I'll add sauteed onions and use slices of cheese because the shredded left a little empty cavity on the top of the burger after the cheese melted. I have only worked with puff pastry a few times, definitely remove it from the pan while cooling. By the time we were done with dinner, the remainders were nicely darkened on the bottoms. Thank you, Chef for another great dinner!

JPayne

07/26/2023 12:51:48 PM

This turned out perfect! Hubby was impressed. He loves grilled onions on his cheeseburgers, so I added caramelized onions with extra bacon. I sliced cheddar and pepperjack like Chef John recommended in the video. A dinner winner!

Kara

12/22/2022 03:53:03 AM

Made this with ground bison instead of beef and sliced emmental cheese instead of cheddar to make it more of a treat; it came out beautifully! Definitely more work than I want to put in for a regular weeknight or even weekend meal, but much less than a true beef wellington. Great for special occasions!

KeenDove4287

02/21/2025 11:51:19 PM

This is a delicious, super easy recipe! To stay with the cheeseburger theme, I caramelized onions and stuffed them inside the hamburger before cooking the patty. Added some dill pickles under the cheese and garnshed with lettuce, tomato and chips on the side. A total cheeseburger winner dinner!

StrongCow9915

12/12/2022 03:42:38 AM

Delicious! Made one with bacon and one without. I think the cheese might have fused with the puff pastry? I tasted it but couldn't see it anywhere. Thanks for the easy-to-follow recipe and video!

Don Osborne

02/07/2025 09:41:41 PM

Made this with ground lamb instead of hamburger. Thought the lamb might make it a little different. It did not disappoint. Family loved it.

Charles Scott

02/08/2025 01:34:17 PM

Made it and disappeared instantly.

weemoses

02/05/2025 01:45:29 PM

I used Mozzarella cheese.

Clarence Ciatti

09/20/2023 09:40:03 PM

Pretty simple with a wow factor. And tastes good with not a lot of work.

audio version

Cook Time: 25 minutes