Jud Special Cheeseburger Recipe

Form patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands until just combined — do not overwork. Divide into two equal portions and shape each into a 4–5 inch patty about 3/4-inch thick, slightly dimple the center so the patty stays flat while cooking.

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and allow it to shimmer. Add the patties, presentation-side down first. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.

Flip the patties and immediately place 1 slice of sharp cheddar and 1/2 slice American cheese on each patty. Cook for another 3 minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). During the last minute, dot each patty with a little softened butter for added richness and to help melt the cheese.

While patties cook, cook the bacon in a separate skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Thinly slice the red onion into rings, slice the tomato into 1/4-inch rounds, and rinse and pat the lettuce leaves dry.

Arrange pickles, onion, tomato, lettuce and cooked bacon so they are ready to assemble immediately after the patties are done.

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika and salt. Whisk until smooth and taste; adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate until assembly.

Split the buns and butter the cut sides with the reserved butter. Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat and toast the buns cut-side down until golden, about 1–2 minutes.

Assemble the Jud Special Cheeseburger: Spread a generous tablespoon of the sauce on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf, then the hot cheeseburger patty. Top the patty with two bacon slices, 3 pickle slices, a couple of onion rings and a tomato slice. Spread a light smear of sauce on the top bun and close the burger.

Serve immediately with fries or a side of your choice.