Name: California Burger Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the patties: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend), 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper For the burger assembly: 4 hamburger buns, 4 slices cheddar cheese, 1 avocado, sliced, 1 medium tomato, sliced, 4 large lettuce leaves, 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced, 4 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Sink your teeth into the ultimate fresh-and-flavorful bite with this California Burger. This isn’t just any burger—it’s a celebration of West Coast goodness: juicy beef, creamy sliced avocado, bright tomato, tangy red onion, crisp lettuce, and a zesty mayo-lemon spread, all stacked between a perfectly toasted bun. Whether you’re grilling for a family weeknight or shaking up your burger game at the next cookout, prepare to fall in love with vibrant tastes and textures that truly define the California Burger.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The joy of a great California Burger starts with simple, quality ingredients. Each component shines on its own and plays a delicious part in the vibrant flavor, satisfying texture, and beautiful look of this beloved West Coast classic.

Ground beef (1 lb, 80/20 blend): That perfect fat ratio gives you burgers that are juicy and flavorful.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Just the right amount to season the patties and bring out the beef’s natural taste.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness of the meat.
Hamburger buns (4): Lightly toasting these makes them the perfect vehicle for all those bold flavors.
Cheddar cheese (4 slices): Melts over the patties, giving each bite a creamy, tangy finish.
Avocado (1, sliced): Signature California—cool, creamy, and loaded with color and healthy fats.
Medium tomato (1, sliced): Offers a bright, juicy burst to balance the savory notes.
Large lettuce leaves (4): A crisp, refreshing crunch that keeps things light and lively.
Red onion (1/4, thinly sliced): Adds just enough bite and pops of color.
Mayonnaise (4 tablespoons): Forms a creamy base for our zesty burger sauce.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Gives the mayo spread a bright, citrusy kick.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Brushed on the grill or skillet to help our patties sizzle and sear.

How to Make California Burger

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties

Start by gently mixing your ground beef with salt and pepper in a large bowl. Don’t overwork it! Shape the beef into four equal patties, pressing a small dimple in the center of each to ensure they cook evenly and stay nice and flat—a pro tip for never-ending proudly-made California Burgers.

Step 2: Grill or Pan Sear the Patties

Fire up your grill or heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then brush the surface with olive oil for that irresistible sear. Cook your patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until they’re as done as you like them. In the last minute, crown each patty with a slice of cheddar and cover briefly so the cheese melts into creamy perfection.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

While your burgers are finishing, split and toast the hamburger buns directly on your grill or in your pan until lightly golden. This extra step keeps everything crisp once those juicy patties hit the bread and takes your California Burger texture to wow-worthy heights.

Step 4: Mix the Creamy-Lemon Spread

Whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice in a small bowl to create a bright, tangy spread—this is what gives your California Burger its signature zing! It’s just two ingredients but delivers big flavors.

Step 5: Assemble Your California Burger

Now the real fun begins. Spread your mayo-lemon spread on the bottom bun, lay on a crisp lettuce leaf, add your cheesy beef patty piping hot from the grill, then pile on creamy avocado slices, juicy tomato, and tangy red onion. Cap it with the top bun and get ready for a bite of burger bliss.

How to Serve California Burger

Garnishes

A classic California Burger doesn’t need much, but a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the avocado or a scattering of microgreens for a fresh finish never hurts. If you’re feeling fancy, try a little cracked black pepper on top or an extra squeeze of lemon to lift those flavors even more.

Side Dishes

Serve your California Burger with sweet potato fries, classic kettle chips, or a fresh summer salad. The burger’s creamy textures and crisp veggies pair beautifully with a side of grilled corn on the cob or tangy coleslaw. And for true California vibes, don’t skip a frosty iced tea or a citrusy craft soda.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform burger night into a build-your-own bar with all the toppings laid out for guests to customize their California Burger. Or serve sliders for a party-ready twist. For a gluten-free crowd, skip the bun and nestle the burger in a crisp lettuce wrap—just as delicious and so fun to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra patties or fully assembled burgers, cool them completely before wrapping in foil or storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store sliced veggies separately to keep them at their freshest.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked patties individually (without the toppings) wrapped in plastic and placed in freezer bags. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months—just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick California Burger fix any day.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated or thawed patties over medium heat in a skillet, adding a fresh slice of cheese if you like. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot (about 8–10 minutes). Add fresh toppings and assemble your California Burger just before serving for restaurant-style results at home.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even Swiss work wonderfully on a California Burger. Pick your favorite, or mix and match for extra fun.

What’s the best way to ripen an avocado quickly?

Place your avocado in a paper bag with a banana or apple; the ethylene gas helps it ripen in just a day or two. A ripe avocado gives slightly when gently pressed.

Can I make these burgers vegetarian?

Definitely—swap in a plant-based patty for the beef, and keep all the iconic toppings the same. Your California Burger will still be loaded with creamy avocado and vivid veggie flavor.

Is it okay to make the mayo spread ahead of time?

Yes, you can stir up the mayo and lemon juice a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. This lets the flavors meld and keeps last-minute assembly extra easy.

How do I keep burgers from falling apart on the grill?

Handle the patties gently and don’t over-mix the beef. Pressing a slight dimple in the center and letting them cook undisturbed ensure a sturdy, juicy California Burger every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to brighten up burger night, go ahead and make this California Burger. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few minutes at the grill, you’ll create a burger that tastes like sunshine and good vibes. Invite friends or treat yourself—you’re just one bite away from a California-inspired classic!

California Burger Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This California Burger recipe is a delicious twist on a classic cheeseburger, featuring juicy beef patties topped with creamy avocado, cheddar cheese, and fresh veggies. Perfect for summer grilling!

Ingredients

For the patties:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend), 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the burger assembly:

4 hamburger buns, 4 slices cheddar cheese, 1 avocado, sliced, 1 medium tomato, sliced, 4 large lettuce leaves, 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced, 4 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Prepare the patties: Mix ground beef with salt and pepper, form into 4 patties, and cook until desired doneness.
Assemble the burgers: Toast buns, spread mayo mixture, add lettuce, patty with cheese, avocado, tomato, and onion. Serve hot.