Altezza Burger Recipe

Name: Altezza Rooftop Bar Chicagos Altezza Burger Recipe
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tbs neutral oil (vegetable or canola); 2 each sesame burger buns; 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese slices; 0.5 each yellow onion; 6 slices dill pickle slices; 1 tbs butter (softened); 0.25 cups mayonnaise; 1 tbs ketchup; 0.5 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp sweet pickle relish; 0.25 tsp hot sauce (optional); 0.25 tsp smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp fresh lemon juice; 0.125 tsp salt; 2 cups kettle chips; 0.25 tsp chili powder (optional)

Inspired by Altezza Rooftop Bar Chicago

Time35m

Serves2

Onion, cheddar, pickles, sesame bun, kettle chips, special sauce

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Ingredients

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Burger Patties & Seasoning

1 lb ground beef (80/20)

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tbs neutral oil (vegetable or canola)

Buns & Toppings

2 each sesame burger buns

2 slices sharp cheddar cheese slices

1/2 each yellow onion

6 slices dill pickle slices

1 tbs butter (softened)

Special Sauce

1/4 cups Mayonnaise

1 tbs Ketchup

1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp sweet pickle relish

1/4 tsp hot sauce (optional)

1/4 tsp Smoked paprika

1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice

1/8 tsp Celtic sea salt

Crisp Side

2 cups kettle chips

1/4 tsp chili powder (optional)

Method

Special Sauce

Make sauce

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, hot sauce (if using), smoked paprika, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the burger to let flavors marry (at least 10 minutes).

Onion Preparation

Thinly slice the half yellow onion into rings. For a slightly milder flavor, place slices in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Reserve onion slices for topping.

Optional — caramelize: heat 1 tbs neutral oil in a skillet over medium-low, add sliced onion, a pinch of salt, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until deeply brown and sweet, 20–25 minutes. Use caramelized onions on the burger if desired.

Make Patties & Cook

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form into loose patties slightly larger than the buns (roughly 4.5 inches). Do not overwork the meat. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming.

Season both sides of each patty evenly with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking.

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Add 1 tbs neutral oil and swirl to coat. Place patties in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes without moving to develop a crust.

Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of cheddar on each. Cook another 3–4 minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). If pan is very hot and cheese needs faster melting, cover pan for 30–60 seconds.

Transfer cooked patties to a plate and rest for 2–3 minutes while you toast buns.

Toast Buns & Assemble

Heat a clean skillet over medium. Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the sesame buns. Place buns cut-side down in the skillet and toast until golden and crisp, about 1–2 minutes.

To assemble: spread about 1 tbs (adjust to taste) of the special sauce on the bottom bun. Place the cheeseburger patty on top of the sauce. Add 3 pickle slices and onion rings (or a spoonful of caramelized onion). Spoon another teaspoon of sauce on the top bun if desired, then close the burger.

Serve immediately with kettle chips on the side. Sprinkle chips with a light dusting of chili powder if using for a flavor kick.