Watermelon Burgers With Cheese: A Summer Grilling Sensation

I remember the first time I saw someone grilling watermelon. I was at a small food festival in Charleston, South Carolina, and the aroma of char and sweetness was intoxicating. At first, I was skeptical – grilling watermelon? But one bite of that caramelized, smoky goodness, and I was hooked. It was a revelation, a culinary adventure that transformed the humble watermelon into something truly special. I’ve been experimenting with grilled watermelon ever since, and this watermelon burger recipe, adapted from a Mark Bittman classic, is one of my absolute favorite ways to showcase its unique flavor and texture.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: 4-6 burgers
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (Can be made Vegan with vegan cheese and buns)

Ingredients

• 1 small watermelon
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon onion, minced
• Salt and black pepper
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated or sliced (Monterey Jack or Gruyere also work well)
• Burger buns, toast, or hard rolls
• Usual burger fixings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, condiments, etc.)

Equipment Needed

• Grill (charcoal or gas)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Small bowl
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Fork

Instructions

1. Prepare your grill. Heat a charcoal or gas grill to moderately high heat and position the rack about 4 inches from the flame. This ensures quick cooking and good caramelization without burning the watermelon.

2. Prepare the watermelon. Cut the watermelon lengthwise into halves or quarters, depending on its size. From each length, cut 1 1/2-inch-thick slices. The thickness is important – too thin, and the watermelon will fall apart on the grill; too thick, and it won’t caramelize properly.

3. Remove the rind. Carefully remove the rind from each slice using a sharp knife. Try to keep the watermelon slices intact.

4. Remove seeds (optional). If there are black seeds, use a fork to remove as many of them as you can without damaging the flesh too much. Some seeds are fine, but too many can be distracting.

5. Prepare the marinade. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with the minced onion. Season generously with salt and black pepper. This simple marinade adds flavor and helps the watermelon caramelize beautifully.

6. Marinate the watermelon. Brush or rub the olive oil mixture all over the watermelon slices, ensuring they are evenly coated.

7. Grill the watermelon. Grill or broil the watermelon slices for about 5 minutes on each side. The goal is to achieve a lightly caramelized and slightly dried-out texture. Watch carefully to prevent burning. The edges should be slightly charred and the watermelon should be tender, but not mushy.

8. Add the cheese. Sprinkle each slice with mozzarella cheese (or your cheese of choice).

9. Melt the cheese. Cover the grill and cook just until the cheese melts, about a minute. Keep a close eye on it, as the cheese can melt quickly and burn if left unattended. If you’re using a gas grill, you can turn off one burner to create a cooler zone and prevent overcooking.

10. Assemble and serve. Serve immediately on burger buns, toast, or hard rolls with your favorite burger fixings. Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise all complement the sweet and savory flavors of the grilled watermelon and cheese.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Choosing the Right Watermelon: Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size, indicating it’s juicy and ripe. Avoid watermelons with soft spots or bruises.
• Grill Temperature: Maintaining a moderately high heat is crucial for proper caramelization. If the grill is too hot, the watermelon will burn before it cooks through. If it’s too cool, it will become soggy.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked watermelon becomes mushy and loses its texture. Aim for a slightly caramelized exterior and a tender interior.
• Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture for a hint of spice.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack adds a mild, melty flavor, while Gruyere provides a nutty, slightly tangy taste. Feta cheese also works well, adding a salty and creamy element.
• Vegan Option: For a vegan variation, use vegan mozzarella cheese and ensure your burger buns and fixings are also vegan.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the watermelon burgers immediately after grilling, while the watermelon is warm and the cheese is melted and gooey. These burgers are best enjoyed fresh, as the watermelon can become soggy if stored for too long.

If you have leftovers, store the grilled watermelon slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. Be aware that the texture will change slightly, and the watermelon will be softer than when freshly grilled.

I do not recommend freezing the grilled watermelon, as it will become extremely mushy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	380 kcal	19%
Total Fat	18g	28%
Saturated Fat	7g	35%
Cholesterol	30mg	10%
Sodium	250mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate	45g	15%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	35g	–
Protein	10g	20%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Watermelon Burgers: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the olive oil mixture for a spicy kick.
• Mediterranean Watermelon Burgers: Top the grilled watermelon with feta cheese, olives, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
• Sweet and Savory Watermelon Burgers: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the grilled watermelon before adding the cheese for a sweet and savory combination.
• Gluten-Free Watermelon Burgers: Serve the grilled watermelon on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
• Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Burgers: Replace the mozzarella cheese with grilled halloumi for a salty and squeaky texture.
• Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: A drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving elevates the flavor profile with a tangy sweetness.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?
A: Yes, you can use other neutral-flavored oils like grapeseed or avocado oil. These oils have a high smoke point, making them suitable for grilling.

Q: Can I grill the watermelon indoors using a grill pan?
A: Absolutely! A grill pan is a great alternative if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Just make sure the pan is hot before adding the watermelon slices.

Q: How do I prevent the watermelon from sticking to the grill?
A: Make sure the grill is clean and well-oiled before placing the watermelon slices on it. You can also use a grill mat to prevent sticking.

Q: Can I prepare the watermelon ahead of time?
A: You can cut and marinate the watermelon slices ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. However, it’s best to grill them just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Q: What kind of toppings go well with watermelon burgers?
A: The possibilities are endless! Consider toppings like lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, avocado, and various sauces like sriracha mayo, barbecue sauce, or a simple vinaigrette.

Final Thoughts

These Watermelon Burgers with Cheese are a surprisingly delicious and refreshing twist on the classic burger. The combination of sweet, smoky watermelon, savory cheese, and your favorite burger fixings is a flavor explosion that’s perfect for summer barbecues and gatherings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, toppings, and seasonings to create your own unique version. I encourage you to step outside your culinary comfort zone and give this recipe a try. You might just discover your new favorite summer dish! And please, let me know in the comments how yours turned out! I’d love to hear about your creative variations and serving suggestions!