Hotdog & Hamburger Combo Recipe

Prep

Lightly butter the inside of the hotdog bun with 1 tsp butter. Set bun aside.

Cook hotdog

Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add 1 tsp neutral oil. When oil shimmers, add the beef frankfurter. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned and heated through, about 6–8 minutes depending on thickness. Alternatively, steam or grill the frankfurter for 4–6 minutes.

Assemble

Place the cooked frankfurter in the toasted bun. Top with 1 tbs yellow mustard, 1 tbs ketchup, 1 tbsp diced onion, and 1 tsp sweet pickle relish. Serve immediately.

Form & season patty

Shape 4 oz of ground beef into a patty about 3/4" thick, making a slight depression in the center to reduce doming. Season both sides with about 1/2 tsp of the salt and a pinch of the black pepper (reserve remaining salt for fries).

Cook patty

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tsp neutral oil. When hot, add the patty and cook without moving for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes for medium, or longer to desired doneness.

Add cheese & toast bun

If using cheese, place the cheddar slice on the hot patty during the last 30–60 seconds and cover the pan briefly to melt. While cheese melts, split and toast the hamburger bun face-down in the skillet until lightly browned, about 30 seconds.

Assemble burger

Spread 1 tsp mayonnaise and 1 tsp ketchup on the bun halves. Place the lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add the cooked patty (cheese side up if used), top with tomato slice and sliced pickles, then crown with the top bun. Serve hot.

Oven-baked fries

If using frozen fries and oven method: preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread fries on a baking sheet in a single layer, toss with 1 tsp vegetable oil, and bake 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crisp. Season with 1/4 tsp salt immediately after baking.

Fryer or skillet fries

If deep-frying: heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry fries 3–4 minutes until golden; drain on paper towels and season with 1/4 tsp salt. If using potato chips as an alternative, serve 3 oz bag unopened or open and pour into a small serving dish.

Fill a 12 oz cup with 1/2 cup ice. Pour 12 oz of fountain soft drink or prepared iced tea over ice. Stir briefly and serve with the meal.