The Delicious Secret Behind Minnesota’s Jucy Lucy Burgers
We’re grillin’ up a Juicy Lucy burger, spilling the sauce on rivalries, and teaching you how to make your own cheesy Jucy Lucy masterpiece! 🍔
Quick Summary
Experience the legendary Jucy Lucy burger, a Minnesota staple with a gooey, cheesy surprise.
Girl, I’m hangry! ⬇️ Jump to recipe
- Learn about the spelling debate and the origin mystery 📜
- Great rivalry: From local bars to presidential visits, the Jucy Lucy has quite the fanbase 🏆
- Make it at home: Get the scoop on DIY Jucy Lucys, including a vegan version 🌱
Juicy Lucy Burger – History of Minnesota’s Jucy Lucy
Minneapolis, Minnesota – I may be biased, but I truly feel that if you haven’t tried a Jucy Lucy you haven’t lived. Okay, okay – I understand I’m being a bit of a drama queen here! 😹
But seriously, you need to try this Minnesotan creation if you haven’t before! Let’s dig right in and find out why this cheeseburger has become a Midwestern icon! 🍔
Read more: Minnesota Munchies – Tater Tot Hotdish
Spelling Drama: Is it “Jucy” or “Juicy”?
Minnesota is known for its “hotdish,” “uff da,” and of course, its famous burger called the Jucy Lucy—or is it Juicy Lucy? 🤔
It’s a spelling battle that’s as sizzling as the burgers themselves. Matt’s Bar goes without the “i,” claiming historical accuracy. On the other hand, the 5-8 Club insists on spelling it “Juicy Lucy,” arguing that if it’s spelled right, it’s done right. ✅
The debate gets as heated as a grill but either way, your tastebuds win!
Read More: Minnesota Munchies – Lutefisk
A Burger Born in Rivalry
When it comes to the origins of this cheesy creation, it’s a bit like a mystery novel with ketchup and mustard as supporting characters. 🎬
Matt’s Bar credits its invention to the original owner, Matt Bristol, while the 5-8 Club remains mysteriously quiet about its origin story. 🤼♂️From presidential visits to national media coverage, the rivalry is as legendary as the burger itself!
The Inside Scoop: What Makes Each Stand Out
Curious about what sets the Jucy Lucys from Matt’s and the 5-8 Club apart? Matt’s goes classic, with a thicker patty and only American cheese. 🍔
Meanwhile, the 5-8 Club offers a variety of cheeses and a thinner patty, letting the cheese take the spotlight. 🧀
So whether you’re Team Matt’s or Team 5-8, you’re in for a flavor explosion! 💥
DIY Recipe and Instructions
Ready to make your own ooey-gooey Minnesota munchie? The best cheese to get is American. It melts perfectly, giving you that dreamy, creamy center.
- Other Options: Cheddar, pepperjack, or even blue cheese (hello, Blucy!) work too. We used vegan cheese. But remember, we want that cheese to be melted and creamy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Beef: 2 lbs, or plant-based alternative like Beyond Beef.
- Spices: Lawry’s salt seasoning or burger seasoning for extra zing!
- American Cheese: For the best gooey, molten core. Or plant-based alternative.
- Buns: Your favorite hamburger buns.
Instructions
- Mix: Combine spices with the ground beef.
- Form Patties: Make two thin patties that will become one burger. A larger one for the bottom, and smaller one for the top.
- Cheese Time: Add cheese to the bottom patty, then cover with the smaller patty. Pinch up the edges of the bottom patty to seal in the cheese.
- Cook: Go for medium instead of medium-high. Why? In order to melt the cheese fully, it will need to cook a little longer than normal. If the heat is too high it will burn the outside. With a medium heat, it perfectly melts the cheese without overcooking the meat.
- Time: About 5 minutes on medium heat, then flip for five more minutes or so. This may take a few more minutes depending on your stove and preference. (I cooked mine for 15 mins total).
- Rest: Let the burgers sit for a minute or two while you add your toppings. This is crucial so the cheese isn’t piping hot when you take your first bite!
- Serve: Add your fave toppings. I love onions, tomato, ketchup, mustard and maybe a bit of mayo. Include a side of french fries or tater tots, and you’re golden!
Read more: Minnesota Munchies: A Foodie’s Guide
There you have it! A Jucy Lucy burger that’s perfect for a fun meal at home. Remember, the secret is in the melty cheese and how you cook it. Enjoy making (and eating) your delicious creation! 🍔🧀👩🍳
Read more: Minnesota Munchies – Wild Rice and the Ojibwe
Beyond Matt’s and 5-8: The Jucy Lucy Universe
If you want to try one at a restaurant, there are plenty of spots around Minnesota serving up their unique takes on the Jucy Lucy.
From the “Blucy” at the Blue Door Pub to the top-rated version at The Nook in St. Paul, the options are endless! We recommend the Nook as a good place to start! 🌍
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Final Bite
The Jucy Lucy is more than just a burger. It’s a piece of Minnesotan history, a gastronomic legend, and let’s be real—a pretty awesome reason to engage in some good-natured debate. 🗣
So what are you waiting for? Your cheesy adventure awaits! 🧀🎉
🗣 Have you ever tried a Jucy Lucy? Does this sound delish to you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! ⬇️
