Applebee's O-M-Cheese Burger Copycat Recipe (Burger Review)
🧀 This burger lives up to its name—it's absolutely loaded with cheese! Applebee's O-M-Cheese Burger stacks multiple cheese layers (American, cheddar, and a creamy cheese sauce) onto a juicy beef patty with all the classic toppings. Every bite delivers that gooey, melty cheese pull you crave, and the cheese sauce seeps into the bun for maximum indulgence. At $11.99, it's positioned as a premium option, and if you're the type who always orders extra cheese, this burger was made for you.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- Ground beef (80/20 blend) 1 lb
- Brioche burger buns 2 piece
- Sliced American cheese 4 slice
- Sliced cheddar cheese 4 slice
- Lettuce (leaf) 2 leaf
- Sliced tomato 4 slice
- Red onion (thinly sliced) 4 ring
- Dill pickle chips 6 piece
Seasonings/Sauce
- Kosher salt 1 tsp
- Fresh cracked black pepper 1 tsp
- Garlic powder 0.5 tsp
- Unsalted butter 2 tbsp
- All-purpose flour 2 tsp
- Whole milk 0.5 cup
- Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) 0.5 cup
- American cheese (cubed) 0.25 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
42 g
17%
Protein
49 g
20%
Fat
62 g
63%
Cooking steps
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1. Shape and season the beef: Divide the ground beef into two 8 oz patties. Press gently for a classic burger shape and season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This ensures bold, restaurant-level seasoning.
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2. Grill the patties: Heat a grill or grill pan to high (450–500°F). Sear patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness, achieving deep grill marks for that Applebee's char. Optional: finish in a 350°F oven for 3-5 more minutes for even cooking.
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3. Build the cheese layers: In the last minute of grilling, lay two slices of American cheese and two slices of cheddar on each patty. Close the grill lid (or cover pan) to fully melt the cheese and get that signature gooey, melty pull.
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4. Make the creamy cheese sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened. Lower heat, stir in shredded cheddar and American cheese cubes. Continue stirring until smooth and creamy—this is the essential sauce that soaks into the bun.
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5. Toast and assemble: Brush buns with a little butter and toast cut-sides on the grill for 1–2 minutes until golden. To assemble, add lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle to the bottom bun. Top with the burger, drizzle with an ample portion of warm cheese sauce, then cap with the top bun. Serve immediately for maximum oozy cheese impact, just like Applebee's.
Personalized Q&A
Q. Does this actually taste like Applebee's O-M-Cheese Burger?
Yes! The combination of American and cheddar cheese slices, plus a homemade creamy cheese sauce poured onto the juicy grilled beef patty, delivers the same oozy and layered cheese experience Applebee's is known for. The grill-seared flavor, seasoning, and cheese pull replicate the original with classic toppings.
Q. Do I need special equipment for this burger?
No special restaurant grill is needed! A home grill or a grill pan works well for getting those signature grill marks. If you don't have a grill, you can sear the patties in a cast iron skillet and finish them in the oven to cook through evenly, just like Applebee's does.
Q. Can I make this burger with other proteins or customize the toppings?
Absolutely. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef patties and use your favorite cheese blend. Adjust seasonings for more spice, or add crispy bacon or jalapeños for extra kick. The toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles) are fully customizable to your taste.
Q. How many calories and macros are in one homemade O-M-Cheese Burger?
One serving (345g) of this copycat burger contains approximately 970 calories, 42g carbs (17% of calories), 49g protein (20%), and 62g fat (63%). This aligns closely with the rich and satisfying nutrition profile of Applebee's original burger.
Q. How much cheaper is this copycat burger compared to Applebee's?
Making two burgers at home costs about half of what you'd spend at Applebee's—roughly $6 per burger using quality ingredients, compared to $11.99 in the restaurant, with the added bonus of extra cheese sauce and choice of toppings.
