Sep 11 2026
RestaurantsBrownie's Watering HoleHickory Burger Recipe

Hickory Burger Recipe

Time20m
Serves1

6oz burger patty topped with bbq sauce, bacon and melted Swiss cheese served on a toasted bun

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Ingredients

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Burger

Method

Burger

  1. 1

    Form patties

    Divide ground beef into a single 6-ounce (about 0.375 lb) portion and gently form into a 3/4-inch thick patty roughly the diameter of the bun. Make a shallow dimple in the center with your thumb to prevent doming during cooking.

  2. 2

    Season

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

  3. 3

    Cook patty

    Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tsp vegetable oil and swirl. Place the patty in the pan and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2 to 3 minutes on the second side for medium (adjust time for desired doneness).

Toppings

  1. 4

    Cook bacon

    While the patty cooks, in a separate skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips 3 to 5 minutes per side until crisp to your liking. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and keep warm.

  2. 5

    Apply BBQ and melt cheese

    With the patty on its final side and about 30–45 seconds remaining, brush about 2 tbsp hickory barbecue sauce over the top surface. Immediately top the sauced patty with the Swiss cheese slice, then cover the pan with a lid (or tent with foil) for 30–45 seconds to melt the cheese.

  3. 6

    Prepare optional toppings

    If using, arrange pickle slices and thinly sliced onion so they are ready to assemble while the bun toasts.

Bun & Finish

  1. 7

    Toast bun

    Butter the cut sides of the bun with 1 tsp softened butter. Place buttered sides down in a clean skillet over medium heat or on the griddle and toast until golden, about 1 to 1.5 minutes.

  2. 8

    Assemble

    Place the toasted bottom bun on a plate. Set the sauced, cheese-melted patty on the bun. Drape the 2 bacon strips across the cheese. Add pickles and onions if using. Spoon a little extra BBQ sauce on the top bun if desired, then place the top bun and serve immediately.

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