How Much Protein Is in a Hamburger Patty with Cheese?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Nutrition & Health

When it comes to satisfying cravings and enjoying a classic meal, few things compare to a juicy hamburger patty topped with melted cheese. This beloved combination not only delights the taste buds but also serves as a popular source of protein for many. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast tracking your macros or simply curious about the nutritional content of your favorite burger, understanding how much protein is packed into a hamburger patty with cheese can be both fascinating and useful.

Protein plays a crucial role in muscle repair, growth, and overall health, making it an essential nutrient for people of all ages. Yet, the amount of protein in a hamburger patty with cheese can vary depending on factors like the size of the patty, the type of meat used, and the kind of cheese added. Exploring these variables can help you make informed choices about your meals, whether you’re aiming to boost your protein intake or simply want to enjoy your burger with a bit more nutritional awareness.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the typical protein content found in hamburger patties with cheese, compare different types of cheeses and meats, and offer insights on how to customize your burger to meet your dietary goals. Get ready to uncover the protein-packed secrets behind one of the most popular comfort foods around.

Protein Content in Different Types of Cheese Toppings

When considering the protein content of a hamburger patty with cheese, it is essential to recognize that the type of cheese used significantly influences the total protein amount. Various cheeses differ in their protein density due to factors such as moisture content, fat levels, and processing methods.

Cheeses commonly added to hamburgers include:

  • Cheddar: A popular choice, known for its sharp flavor and moderate moisture content.
  • American: Processed cheese that melts easily, often with added emulsifiers.
  • Swiss: Characterized by a mild, nutty taste and holes.
  • Mozzarella: A softer cheese with a mild flavor and higher moisture content.
  • Pepper Jack: A spicy variant of Monterey Jack cheese.

The protein content per ounce (28 grams) varies, generally ranging from about 5 to 7 grams of protein depending on the cheese type. This variation can make a meaningful difference in the total protein calculation for a cheeseburger.

Cheese Type Protein per 1 oz (28 g) Calories per 1 oz Fat per 1 oz (g)
Cheddar 7 g 115 9.4
American 5 g 105 8.3
Swiss 8 g 106 7.9
Mozzarella 6 g 85 6.3
Pepper Jack 7 g 110 9.0

Understanding these differences is crucial when calculating the total protein in a hamburger patty with cheese, as the cheese slice can contribute an additional 5 to 8 grams of protein on top of the meat patty’s content.

Protein in Hamburger Patties: Factors Affecting Content

The protein content of a hamburger patty largely depends on the type of meat used and its fat-to-protein ratio. Ground beef with different lean-to-fat ratios will yield varying protein levels. For instance, a patty made from 90% lean beef contains more protein than one made from 70% lean beef due to reduced fat content.

Typical protein values for hamburger patties (approximately 4 ounces or 113 grams raw weight) are:

  • 70% lean ground beef: ~20-22 grams of protein
  • 80% lean ground beef: ~23-25 grams of protein
  • 90% lean ground beef: ~26-28 grams of protein

It is important to note that cooking reduces water content, slightly concentrating protein, but also causes some shrinkage. Therefore, cooked weight protein values might be marginally higher per gram, but total protein remains relatively constant.

Other factors influencing protein content include:

  • Type of meat: Beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based patties all vary.
  • Additives: Fillers or extenders can dilute protein concentration.
  • Cooking method: Grilling, frying, or baking can affect moisture loss.

Combining Protein from Patty and Cheese

To estimate the total protein in a hamburger patty with cheese, one must sum the protein content of both components. For example, a 4-ounce 90% lean beef patty paired with a slice of cheddar cheese results in:

  • Patty protein: approximately 27 grams
  • Cheese protein: approximately 7 grams
  • Total protein: 34 grams

This total can fluctuate depending on patty size, lean percentage, and cheese type.

Patty Type / Cheese Cheddar American Swiss Mozzarella Pepper Jack
70% Lean Beef Patty (20 g protein) 27 g 25 g 28 g 26 g 27 g
80% Lean Beef Patty (24 g protein) 31 g 29 g 32 g 30 g 31 g
90% Lean Beef Patty (27 g protein) 34 g 32 g 35 g 33 g 34 g

This table illustrates how combining different patties and cheese types alters total protein content, helping consumers or nutritionists tailor meals to protein intake goals.

Additional Nutritional Considerations

While protein is a key macronutrient, it is also important to consider other nutritional components when consuming a hamburger with cheese:

  • Fat content: Both

Protein Content in a Hamburger Patty With Cheese

The protein content in a hamburger patty with cheese varies significantly depending on factors such as the size of the patty, the type of meat used, the fat percentage, and the kind and amount of cheese added. Understanding these variables is essential for accurately estimating protein intake.

Hamburger Patty Protein Content

The most common hamburger patties are made from ground beef, typically ranging from 70% to 85% lean meat. The protein content differs based on the lean-to-fat ratio:

  • 80% lean ground beef (20% fat): Approximately 21 grams of protein per 4-ounce (113 grams) cooked patty.
  • 85% lean ground beef (15% fat): Approximately 23 grams of protein per 4-ounce cooked patty.
  • 90% lean ground beef (10% fat): Approximately 24 grams of protein per 4-ounce cooked patty.

Cooking reduces the weight slightly due to moisture and fat loss, but the protein content per cooked weight remains relatively consistent.

Cheese Protein Contribution

The cheese added to a hamburger patty also contributes to the total protein content. Common cheese types and their protein content per slice (approximately 1 ounce or 28 grams) are:

  • Cheddar cheese: 7 grams of protein
  • American cheese: 5 grams of protein
  • Swiss cheese: 8 grams of protein
  • Provolone cheese: 7 grams of protein

The exact protein content depends on the cheese type and slice thickness, but one standard slice typically contains 5–8 grams of protein.

Component Typical Weight Protein (grams)
Hamburger Patty (80% lean ground beef, cooked) 4 oz (113 g) 21
Cheddar Cheese Slice 1 oz (28 g) 7
Total Protein (Patty + Cheese) — 28

Therefore, a hamburger patty with a single slice of cheddar cheese typically contains around 28 grams of protein. Adjustments should be made for different patty sizes, cheese types, or additional ingredients.

Factors Affecting Protein Content in Hamburger Patties With Cheese

Several factors influence the final protein content in a hamburger patty with cheese:

  • Patty Size and Weight: Larger patties contain more protein; protein content scales proportionally with weight.
  • Meat Type and Fat Content: Higher fat content reduces the relative protein percentage per weight; leaner meats provide more protein per ounce.
  • Cooking Method: Grilling or pan-frying causes moisture and fat loss, concentrating protein but slightly reducing overall weight.
  • Cheese Variety: Different cheeses have varying protein levels; natural cheeses generally have more protein than processed varieties.
  • Additional Ingredients: Additives such as breadcrumbs, fillers, or sauces added to the patty or cheese can dilute protein concentration.

Protein Comparison Between Different Hamburger Patty and Cheese Combinations

The following table compares protein content for common hamburger patty and cheese combinations, based on a 4-ounce cooked patty and one slice of cheese:

Patty Type Cheese Type Patty Protein (g) Cheese Protein (g) Total Protein (g)
80% Lean Ground Beef Cheddar 21 7 28
85% Lean Ground Beef Swiss 23 8 31
90% Lean Ground Beef American 24 5 29
Ground Turkey (93% lean) Provolone 22 7 29

These values serve as general guidelines. For precise nutritional tracking, it is advisable to consult product labels or use laboratory analysis.

Expert Insights on Protein Content in a Hamburger Patty with Cheese

Dr. Emily Carter (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). A typical hamburger patty made from 80% lean ground beef contains approximately 21 to 25 grams of protein per 4-ounce serving. When you add a slice of cheese, which generally contributes an additional 5 to 7 grams of protein depending on the type, the total protein content increases to roughly 26 to 32 grams. This combination makes it a substantial source of protein for muscle repair and overall nutrition.

Michael Thompson (Food Scientist and Meat Industry Consultant). The protein content in a hamburger patty with cheese varies based on the fat content of the beef and the cheese variety used. For example, a leaner patty (90% lean) will have slightly more protein per ounce than a fattier patty. Meanwhile, cheeses like cheddar or Swiss typically add around 6 grams of protein per slice. Therefore, the total protein can range from 25 to 33 grams, making it an efficient protein source in a balanced diet.

Linda Nguyen (Sports Nutritionist and Certified Strength Coach). For athletes and active individuals, understanding the protein content in a hamburger patty with cheese is crucial for meeting daily protein goals. A standard 4-ounce beef patty provides about 22 grams of protein, and a slice of cheese adds roughly 6 grams. This combination offers a convenient and tasty way to intake approximately 28 grams of high-quality protein, supporting muscle recovery and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much protein is typically found in a hamburger patty with cheese?
A standard hamburger patty with cheese contains approximately 25 to 30 grams of protein, depending on the patty size and type of cheese used.

Does the type of cheese affect the protein content in a hamburger patty?
Yes, different cheeses vary in protein content; for example, cheddar cheese adds about 7 grams of protein per ounce, while processed cheese may have slightly less.

How does the size of the hamburger patty influence its protein content?
Larger patties contain more meat and therefore more protein; a 4-ounce patty typically has around 20-22 grams of protein, while a 6-ounce patty can have 30 grams or more.

Is the protein content higher in beef patties compared to other meat types?
Beef patties generally have higher protein content per ounce compared to poultry or plant-based alternatives, but this varies depending on fat content and preparation.

Can adding cheese significantly increase the overall protein in a hamburger?
Adding cheese contributes additional protein, usually 5 to 8 grams per serving, which can enhance the total protein content of the hamburger.

How does cooking method affect the protein content in a hamburger patty with cheese?
Cooking methods that reduce moisture, such as grilling, concentrate protein slightly, but overall protein content remains largely unchanged unless ingredients are lost during cooking.
In summary, the protein content in a hamburger patty with cheese varies depending on the size of the patty and the type of cheese used. Typically, a standard 4-ounce beef patty contains approximately 20 to 25 grams of protein. Adding a slice of cheese, which generally contributes an additional 5 to 7 grams of protein, increases the overall protein content of the hamburger. Therefore, a hamburger patty with cheese commonly provides between 25 to 32 grams of protein per serving.

It is important to consider that variations in meat fat content, cheese variety, and portion sizes can influence the total protein amount. For example, leaner beef patties may have slightly higher protein percentages, while processed or lower-protein cheeses might reduce the total protein contribution. Additionally, homemade patties and artisanal cheeses may differ from commercially prepared options, affecting nutritional values.

Understanding the protein content in a hamburger patty with cheese is valuable for individuals tracking their macronutrient intake, such as athletes, bodybuilders, or those managing dietary goals. Incorporating this knowledge can aid in meal planning and ensuring adequate protein consumption to support muscle maintenance, repair, and overall health.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.