Crafted Burgers Recipe

1. Mix and portion

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Gently mix with your hands or a spoon until just combined — avoid overworking to keep patties tender. Divide the mixture into 10 equal portions (about 4 oz / 115 g each).

2. Form patties

Lightly shape each portion into a round patty about 3.5–4 inches across and roughly 3/4 inch thick, making a shallow dimple in the center of each with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking.

3. Preheat and cook

Heat a large cast‑iron skillet or flat griddle over medium‑high heat. Add the vegetable oil and spread to coat. When the oil is shimmering and the surface is very hot, add patties in a single layer without crowding (cook in batches if necessary). Cook 3–4 minutes on the first side without pressing. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes on the second side for medium; during the last 60 seconds top each patty with a cheddar slice and cover the pan (or tent with foil) to melt the cheese. Transfer cooked patties to a warm tray and lightly season exposed sides with a pinch of salt.

4. While patties rest, make the sauce. In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle relish, smoked paprika, garlic powder, hot sauce (if using), 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until ready to assemble. Taste and adjust seasoning or hot sauce level to preference.

5. Prep produce and toast buns

Separate lettuce leaves, slice tomatoes 1/4 inch thick, and separate onion into thin rings. Halve buns and spread softened butter on cut sides. Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat and toast buttered cut sides until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Keep buns warm.

6. Assemble burgers

Spread about 1 tablespoon of signature sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the sauce, then a cheese‑topped patty. Add two pickle slices, a tomato slice, and a few rings of red onion. Spread about 1/2 tablespoon sauce on the top bun and close the burger. Repeat for all 10 burgers.

7. Serve

Serve burgers immediately while hot with extra sauce on the side. If preparing ahead, keep patties warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) and toast buns just before assembly to preserve texture.