Name: Chris' Famous Hotdogs TWO HAMBURGER COMBO Recipe
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce (optional); 2 slices cheddar cheese slices; 2 each hamburger buns; 1 tbs unsalted butter, softened (for toasting buns); 2 each lettuce leaves; 4 slices tomato, sliced; 4 rings red onion, thinly sliced; 4 slices pickles; 2 tbs ketchup; 1 tbs mustard; 2 tbs mayonnaise; 2 each russet potatoes; 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying) or olive oil (for oven fries); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika (optional); 24 fl oz carbonated fountain soda (cola, lemon-lime, etc.); 24 fl oz or brewed iced tea, chilled; 2 cups ice; 2 each lemon wedges (optional, for tea)

Method

Hamburgers (makes 2)

Form and season patties

Divide the ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz / 225 g each). Gently form each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than the bun. Do not overwork the meat. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. If using, brush or mix 1/2 tbs Worcestershire sauce into each patty or sprinkle lightly on both sides.

Preheat and cook

Heat a cast-iron skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat until very hot (about 4–5 minutes). If using a skillet, add a thin film of oil and heat until shimmering. Place patties on the hot surface. Cook without moving for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes for medium (adjust time for rarer or more well-done). During the last 1 minute of cooking, place one slice of cheddar on each patty and cover the pan or close the grill to melt the cheese.

Toast buns and assemble

Meanwhile, spread softened butter on the cut sides of the hamburger buns. Toast cut-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat or on the grill for 1–2 minutes until golden. On each bottom bun place 1 lettuce leaf, 2 tomato slices, one cheeseburger patty, 2 pickle slices, and 2 onion rings. Spread 1 tbs ketchup and 1/2 tbs mustard across the top bun or spread mayonnaise on each top bun. Close burgers and keep warm.

Fries (or Chips) - serves 2

Prepare potatoes

Wash and scrub potatoes. For fries: cut potatoes into sticks about 1/3–1/2 inch thick. Soak cut potatoes in cold water for 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat completely dry on paper towels. For chips: slice potatoes thinly (using a mandoline if available), rinse briefly, and dry.

Cook fries (two methods)

Deep-fry method: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 325°F (160°C). Fry potatoes in batches for 3–4 minutes until pale and tender but not browned. Remove and drain. Increase oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry again until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes. Drain on paper towels, season with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika. Oven-bake method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss dried potato sticks with 1–2 tbs oil (from the 1 cup) until lightly coated. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake 20–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Season with salt, pepper and paprika immediately after baking.

Serve

Keep fries warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) if needed. Portion fries into two servings alongside the burgers.

Fountain Drink or Iced Tea - 2 servings

If serving fountain soda: Fill two tall glasses with 1 cup (about 8 fl oz) of ice each, pour 12 fl oz soda into each glass (or 24 fl oz divided between two), and serve with straws. If serving iced tea: Fill two glasses with ice, divide 24 fl oz chilled brewed tea between them, and garnish each with a lemon wedge if desired.

Two Hamburger Combo Recipe