Applebee's O-M-Cheese-adilla Burger: A Cheesy Experiment Gone Awry

Applebee's has long been a go-to destination for burger enthusiasts, offering a diverse selection that ranges from classic hamburgers to inventive creations like the Whisky Bacon Burger. In a bold move to expand their menu, the chain introduced the O-M-Cheese-adilla Burger on August 31, 2026, merging flavors from their popular Quesadilla Burger and the famed O-M-Cheeseburger. But does this new offering hit the mark or fall into the trap of excess?

My journey began promptly on the launch day, eager to taste this cheesy concoction. Eschewing the usual fries, I opted to pair the burger with a Diet Coke and the cheese-laden tortilla chips that accompany it, diving headfirst into the Tex-Mex theme. As I took my first bite, I was immediately struck by its messy nature—similar to indulging in a sloppy Joe or saucy ribs. The burger's design featured two crispy tortillas filled with cheddar cheese serving as buns, encasing a beef patty, Mexi-Ranch sauce, smoked bacon, lettuce, pico de gallo, and pepper Jack cheese. With four different cheese sources, it promised an indulgent experience.

However, the reality was a chaotic blend of flavors that often drowned out the burger's potential. The quesadillas quickly became soggy, marinating in a mild queso sauce that left the tortilla chips limp before I could enjoy them. The overwhelming cheesiness made it difficult to appreciate the subtler flavors of the Mexi-Ranch and bacon. Instead, I found myself wading through a sea of cheese and beef, with only fleeting hints of the original Quesadilla Burger's vibrant taste.

While the concept of combining these two popular dishes sounds appealing on paper, the execution felt like a culinary overreach. The balance that made both the Quesadilla Burger and O-M-Cheeseburger successful was lost in this fusion. Instead of enhancing the flavors, the new burger's ingredients clashed, making it difficult to savor each component. In my estimation, the O-M-Cheese-adilla Burger falls short of both its predecessors, likely landing near the bottom of my Applebee's burger rankings.

Offered only as a dine-in option, the O-M-Cheese-adilla Burger is part of a limited-time feature alongside other new items like O-M-Cheese Chicken Nachos and seasonal beverages. While it is included in Applebee's 2-for-$25 deal, pricing may vary by location. Although the nutritional information has not yet been released, one can only imagine the calorie count is hefty, likely surpassing the 1,500 calories of its cheeseburger counterpart.

Source: www.tastingtable.com