Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Big Jud's›Man V. Food Burger Recipe

Man V. Food Burger Recipe

Inspired by Big Jud's
Time50m
Serves2

2 ONE POUND PATTIES, 10 PIECES OF BACON, 2 LAYERS OF PEPPERJACK CHEESE, 2 LAYERS OF BLUE CHEESE CRUMBLES AND SWISS CHEESE, MAYO, TOMATO, LETTUCE

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Ingredients

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Burger Patties & Seasoning

Bacon

Cheeses

Buns & Spreads

Produce & Toppings

Method

Burger Patties & Seasoning

  1. 1

    Form patties

    Divide the ground beef into two equal 1-pound portions. Gently shape each portion into a flat, even patty about 1-inch thick and slightly wider than the buns (they will shrink while cooking). Do not overwork the meat; press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty to promote even cooking.

  2. 2

    Season

    Liberally season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking.

  3. 3

    Preheat cooking surface

    Preheat a heavy skillet, cast-iron griddle, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. If using a skillet or griddle, add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and spread to coat the surface.

  4. 4

    Cook patties

    Place the patties on the hot surface. For 1-pound, 1-inch-thick patties, sear about 4-6 minutes per side for medium (internal temp 140-145°F / 60-63°C). Flip once. Adjust time for desired doneness (longer for medium-well/well). Avoid pressing down on the patties.

  5. 5

    Cheese layering on patties

    About 1-2 minutes before the patties are done, place 2 slices of pepper jack cheese on each patty (one layer). After the cheese begins to melt, spoon half of the blue cheese crumbles across each patty, then add 2 slices of Swiss on top of the blue cheese (this creates the 2 layers of pepper jack and the combined blue/swiss layer). If necessary, cover the pan briefly or tent with foil to help the cheeses melt without overcooking the meat.

Bacon

  1. 6

    Cook bacon

    While the patties cook, cook the 10 slices of thick-cut bacon in a separate skillet over medium heat or on a sheet pan in a 400°F (205°C) oven until crisp but still pliable, about 10-15 minutes depending on thickness. Turn as needed for even cooking.

  2. 7

    Drain bacon

    Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) if assembling later.

Buns & Assembly

  1. 8

    Toast buns

    Lightly butter the cut sides of the buns (optional) and toast them face-down on the griddle or in a skillet until golden and crisp, about 1-2 minutes. Keep warm.

  2. 9

    Spread mayo

    Spread about 2 tablespoons mayonnaise on the inside of each bottom bun (total 4 tbs). Spread a light layer on the top buns if desired.

  3. 10

    Assemble burgers

    Place one cheesy patty on each bottom bun. On top of each patty, arrange 5 slices of bacon (overlap slightly). Add the tomato slices (2 slices per burger) and 2 leaves of lettuce per burger. Finish with the top bun.

  4. 11

    Optional finish

    If you like additional blue cheese on top, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon extra blue cheese crumbles per burger before placing the top bun. Serve immediately.

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