If you love cheeseburgers and dumplings, why not combine the best of both worlds? These cheeseburger dumplings bring together juicy, flavorful beef, gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy burger sauce—all wrapped up in a perfectly pan-fried dumpling. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s perfect for parties, appetizers, or just an indulgent snack. Try using my homemade dumpling wrappers to make this recipe even more delicious!
As spring brings brighter days and lighter bites, cheeseburger dumplings are the ultimate fusion snack to enjoy at gatherings, picnics, or casual meals. Combining the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger with the delicate crispiness of pan-fried dumplings, they’re easy to make and even easier to eat. Perfect for an outdoor feast or a fun weekend cooking project!
This recipe is part of my dumpling series and is made even better with my Homemade Dumpling Wrappers! If you like these unique and fun dumplings with a fusion twist then you will love my Butter Chicken Dumplings! For some more traditional but delicious dumplings try my Homemade Soup Dumplings or my Chilli Oil Wontons. If you like cheeseburger themed recipes, try my Cheeseburger Spring rolls or my Cheeseburger meatball bowls.
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Ingredients for Cheeseburger Dumplings
Beef Mince – The heart of any cheeseburger, beef mince provides rich, juicy flavor. I like using a slightly fattier mince to ensure the filling stays moist and flavorful.
Dumpling Wrappers – These delicate wrappers hold everything together and crisp up beautifully when pan-fried. They provide that perfect bite of chewiness and crunch. I like to use my homemade dumpling wrappers.
Egg – A binding agent that keeps the filling cohesive while adding a touch of richness.
Ketchup & Mustard – These classic burger condiments enhance the flavor of the beef with sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes. I love using a high-quality ketchup for its natural sweetness and a sharp mustard for balance.
Onion – Finely chopped onions add moisture and a bit of crunch. Cooking them slightly before adding to the filling can bring out their natural sweetness.
Bacon – What’s a cheeseburger without bacon? Crispy, smoky bacon adds an extra layer of texture and depth to these cheeseburger dumplings.
Cheddar Cheese – Melty, sharp cheddar is essential for that gooey, cheesy pull inside the dumpling. I prefer a mature cheddar for maximum flavor.
Burger Sauce – A must-have topping, adding creamy, tangy goodness to each bite.
Crispy Onions – A final crunchy topping that mimics the crispy edges of a well-seared burger patty.
Cajun Seasoning – This brings a smoky, slightly spicy kick that complements the beef beautifully.
Gherkins (Pickles) – The acidity of chopped gherkins cuts through the richness and gives that classic burger zing.
Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine beef mince, ketchup, mustard, chopped gherkins, egg, salt, Cajun seasoning, and finely chopped onion. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Step 2: Place a square of cheddar cheese onto a dumpling wrapper, then add a tablespoon of the beef mixture on top. Fold the dumpling by sealing the edges tightly, ensuring no air pockets remain (see below for how to wrap the dumplings). While assembling the dumplings, cook the bacon in a frying pan until crispy. Alternatively, bake it in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes. Once crisp, chop it into small pieces.
- Step 3: Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Arrange the cheeseburger dumplings in the pan and pour in about ⅔ cup of water. Cover with a lid and steam for about 5 minutes, until the water evaporates. Remove the lid and let the dumplings cook for another 2–3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown and crispy.
- Step 4: Transfer the dumplings to a plate and top with crispy bacon bits, burger sauce, crispy onions, and a sprinkle of fresh chives for a perfect finish.
How to Wrap the Dumplings
- Step 1: Place a dumpling wrapper in your palm and add a small square of cheese followed by a tablespoon of the beef mixture in the center. Avoid overfilling to prevent tearing. Lightly wet the outer edge with water to help seal.
- Step 2: Using your thumb and index finger, pinch one point on the wrapper’s edge, then fold and pleat the dough in a circular motion, working your way around the filling while keeping the center slightly open.
- Step 3: As you complete the pleats, gently twist the top to fully seal the dumpling. Press lightly to ensure a secure closure, locking in all the juicy flavors.
- Step 4: Place the cheeseburger dumpling on a lightly floured surface and gently press the bottom to create a flat base. This helps it sit upright while cooking and ensures even crisping.
Hint: Don't overfill the cheeseburger dumplings! Too much filling can make the dumplings hard to seal and prone to bursting during cooking. A tablespoon is the perfect amount! Using my Homemade Dumpling Wrappers will help create a pliable wrapper that is easy to work with.
Substitutions
Beef Mince – beef mince can be swapped for chicken or turkey mince for a leaner alternative that still holds plenty of flavor, especially when seasoned well.
Dumpling Wrappers – dumpling wrappers can be replaced with wonton wrappers for a similar texture or puff pastry if you prefer a crispy, flaky variation that can be baked instead of fried.
Cheddar Cheese – cheddar gives these dumplings their gooey, sharp flavor, but you can use mozzarella for extra stretch or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Bacon – If you prefer a non-pork option, try turkey bacon for a leaner substitute or smoked tofu for a vegetarian-friendly alternative with a rich, umami depth.
Burger Sauce – if you don’t have any burger sauce, a quick mix of mayonnaise, hot sauce, and a splash of pickle juice makes a fantastic homemade alternative.
Gherkins (Pickles) – pickles provide that tangy contrast to the richness, but if you want more heat, swap them for jalapeños, or for extra sweetness, use a spoonful of relish.
Cajun Seasoning – If you don’t have any cajun seasoning, a mix of smoked paprika and garlic powder creates a similar warm, savory flavor.
Variations
Spicy Jalapeño Cheeseburger Dumplings – Add chopped jalapeños to the filling and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Drizzle with sriracha mayo for extra heat.
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dumplings – Replace ketchup and mustard with smoky BBQ sauce. Use smoked gouda for a rich, deep flavor.
Vegetarian Cheeseburger Dumplings – Swap beef for finely chopped mushrooms and lentils, and use smoked tofu instead of bacon. The result is just as flavorful and hearty!
Equipment
Storage
Refrigeration: Store leftover cheeseburger dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a pan over medium heat to restore crispiness or in the air fryer for a quick refresh.
Freezing: To freeze uncooked cheeseburger dumplings, place them on a tray in a single layer and freeze for 1–2 hours until firm. Then, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the steaming time.
Reheating Frozen Cheeseburger Dumplings: No need to thaw—just steam-fry as usual, adding a bit more water and cooking time. If already cooked, reheat in a pan or oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes until warmed through..
Top Tip
After steaming, let the cheeseburger dumplings cook uncovered for a few minutes to develop that signature golden-brown crunch.
FAQ
Dumplings are small dough pockets filled with various ingredients, from meats and cheeses to vegetables and sweets. They can be steamed, boiled, fried, or baked, offering a satisfying bite with soft, chewy, or crispy textures depending on the cooking method.
Dense dumplings may result from overmixing the dough, not enough leavening (if using a risen dough), or overcrowding during cooking. Ensure gentle mixing, use the right dough consistency, and give them space to expand while steaming or frying.
Dumplings can be filled with minced meats, seafood, cheese, or vegetables. Traditional fillings vary by cuisine—pork and cabbage in Chinese dumplings, potatoes and cheese in pierogi, or spiced lentils in Indian momos. The possibilities are endless!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with these cheeseburger dumplings:
Recipe
Beef Cheeseburger Dumplings with Bacon
Equipment
- Large pan with lid
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 250 g beef mince
- 20 dumpling wrappers 250g
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 small onion 50g or half large onion
- 2 bacon rashers
- 5 cheddar cheese slices/ quartered into cubes
- 2 tablespoon burger sauce
- 2 teaspoon crispy onions
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 50 g chopped gherkins or sliced pickles
- Salt and pepper
- 5 g chives chopped
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine beef mince, ketchup, mustard, chopped gherkins, egg, salt, Cajun seasoning, and finely chopped onion. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.250 g beef mince, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, 1 small onion, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, 50 g chopped gherkins or sliced pickles, Salt and pepper
- Place a square of cheddar cheese onto a dumpling wrapper, then add a tablespoon of the beef mixture on top. Fold the dumpling using your thumb and index finger, pinch one point on the wrapper’s edge, then fold and pleat the dough in a circular motion, working your way around the filling while keeping the center slightly open then twist and seal tightly. While assembling the dumplings, cook the bacon in a frying pan until crispy. Alternatively, bake it in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes. Once crisp, chop it into small pieces.20 dumpling wrappers, 5 cheddar cheese slices/ quartered into cubes, 2 bacon rashers
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Arrange the dumplings in the pan and pour in about ⅔ cup of water. Cover with a lid and steam for about 5 minutes, until the water evaporates. Remove the lid and let the dumplings cook for another 2–3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the dumplings to a plate and top with crispy bacon bits, burger sauce, crispy onions, and a sprinkle of fresh chives for a perfect finish.2 tablespoon burger sauce, 2 teaspoon crispy onions, 5 g chives
