How much protein is in a double cheese?

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to McDonald's, a Double Cheeseburger contains 25 grams of protein. Knowing how much protein is in a double cheese can help you understand its contribution to your daily nutritional intake, although the exact amount can vary significantly based on the preparation method and ingredients.

Quick Summary

A double cheeseburger's protein primarily comes from its two beef patties, with additional protein from the two cheese slices. The total can vary between fast-food and homemade versions due to differences in ingredients and patty size.

Key Points

Fast-Food Protein: A typical fast-food double cheeseburger contains approximately 25 grams of protein, mostly from the two beef patties.
Primary Source: The beef patties provide the majority of the protein, which is high-quality and complete.
Cheese Contribution: The cheese adds a smaller, but notable amount of protein, with the type of cheese impacting the total.
Homemade Advantage: A homemade double cheeseburger allows for the use of leaner ground beef and higher-protein cheeses, which can significantly increase the total protein count compared to fast-food versions.
Customization: Ingredient choices like lean beef, specific cheese types (e.g., Swiss or cheddar), and bun selection can alter the overall nutritional profile.
Balanced Intake: While a double cheeseburger is a decent protein source, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet due to its high fat and sodium content.

Understanding the Protein in a Double Cheeseburger

While often viewed as a less healthy option, a double cheeseburger does offer a substantial amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. The protein in this popular fast-food item comes mainly from two sources: the beef patties and the cheese slices. The specific amount can change depending on the restaurant or if it's a homemade version, which often uses higher-quality ingredients and larger portions.

The Main Source: Beef Patties

For most double cheeseburgers, the lion's share of the protein is supplied by the beef patties. For instance, a standard fast-food version features two small, all-beef patties. Beef is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for the body. The specific protein content per patty varies based on the size and fat percentage of the meat. A larger, leaner homemade patty will naturally yield more protein than a smaller, fattier one from a fast-food chain.

The Secondary Source: Cheese Slices

The two slices of processed American cheese, typical for a fast-food double cheeseburger, provide a smaller but notable amount of protein. Processed American cheese offers approximately 4.5 grams of protein per slice. While the beef patties are the primary protein contributor, the cheese adds to the overall total, alongside calcium and other nutrients. The type of cheese can significantly alter the protein count. For example, using a sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese on a homemade burger would boost the protein content, as these aged cheeses contain more protein per ounce than processed cheese.

Comparing Homemade vs. Fast-Food Double Cheeseburgers

The protein content can differ widely between a commercially-prepared double cheeseburger and one made at home. Fast-food establishments aim for consistency and cost-efficiency, often using standardized patty sizes and processed cheese. A homemade version allows for customization, such as using lean ground beef for larger patties and higher-protein cheese, which can drastically increase the total protein. A homemade double cheeseburger made with a third-pound of lean beef and two slices of real cheddar could easily have 50-60 grams of protein, a far cry from the fast-food standard.

Making a Smarter Double Cheeseburger

If you are aiming to maximize protein intake while managing other macros, creating a homemade double cheeseburger provides excellent control. Opting for leaner ground beef, such as 90/10 or 93/7, is a simple way to increase protein per gram while reducing saturated fat. The choice of cheese is also critical. Aged cheeses like Parmesan and Swiss contain some of the highest protein concentrations per ounce. Even small changes to ingredients can make a big difference in the nutritional profile. For example, serving it on a whole wheat bun or skipping the bun altogether for a lettuce wrap can also impact the carbohydrate and fiber counts.

A Simple Recipe for a High-Protein Double Cheeseburger

Ingredients: 1 lb 90% lean ground beef, 4 slices high-protein cheese (e.g., Swiss), whole wheat buns, your favorite vegetables and condiments.
Instructions:
1. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and form into thin patties.
2. Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
3. Cook patties in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. During the final minute, place a slice of cheese on two of the patties.
4. Assemble by stacking two patties and cheese slices onto a whole wheat bun. Add your preferred toppings.

Conclusion: The Protein is in the Beef, but Varies Widely

In summary, the protein in a double cheeseburger comes predominantly from the two beef patties, with the cheese slices providing a secondary contribution. A standard fast-food version offers a respectable amount of protein, typically around 25 grams. However, creating a homemade version with leaner beef and higher-protein cheeses can significantly increase this number. While a double cheeseburger can serve as a potent protein source, it is important to balance its intake with consideration for its high fat, sodium, and caloric content. Understanding the different sources and how they can be modified empowers consumers to make informed dietary choices.

Double Cheeseburger Protein Comparison


Item	Protein (g)	Additional Notes
Fast-Food Double Cheese	~24-25 g	Contains two small beef patties and two slices of processed American cheese.
Homemade Lean Beef	~55-65 g	Two 1/4 lb (113g) patties of 90/10 lean ground beef and two slices of Swiss cheese.
Fast-Food Single Patty	~12-15 g	One small patty with cheese. Example: McDonald's plain hamburger.
Homemade Veggie Patty	~10-20 g	Varies greatly depending on the recipe and ingredients (e.g., black bean, tofu, or lentil-based).

Allrecipes offers a recipe for a homemade double cheeseburger, highlighting the customization options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard McDonald's Double Cheeseburger contains about 25 grams of protein. This figure can vary slightly based on country and local menu variations.

While the cheese does contribute, the beef patties are the primary source of protein in a double cheeseburger. The two slices of processed cheese contribute several grams of protein, but the patties supply the bulk of it.

Yes, a double cheeseburger can be considered a good source of protein, especially for a single meal, providing a quick and substantial dose. However, it's also high in fat, calories, and sodium, so it should be balanced within a healthy diet.

To increase the protein in a homemade double cheeseburger, use leaner ground beef (e.g., 90/10 or higher) and choose cheeses with higher protein content, such as Swiss or sharp cheddar, instead of processed slices.

A homemade version typically has more protein, often 50-65 grams, primarily because it's easier to use larger patties made from leaner meat. Fast-food burgers are standardized, often with smaller, higher-fat patties.

Generally, yes. Aged, natural cheeses like Parmesan, Swiss, or cheddar have a higher protein concentration by weight than processed American cheese slices. This is due to their lower moisture content.

Besides protein, a double cheeseburger is also high in fat and sodium. It provides some calcium from the cheese, and trace minerals like iron from the beef. However, it often lacks fiber and other key vitamins found in a more balanced meal.