Kids Burger Recipe
A small, juicy beef patty topped with melted cheese, served on a soft bun. Comes with fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickles on the side, so little ones can build their burger just the way they like it.
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Ingredients
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Burger Patties & Seasoning
Buns & Cheese
Build & Garnish (served on side)
Method
Burger Patties & Seasoning
- 1
Portion and shape
Divide the ground beef into a 4-ounce (0.25 lb) portion. Gently shape into a patty about 3.5 inches (9 cm) wide and 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center with your thumb to help the patty cook evenly and stay flat.
- 2
Season
Season both sides of the patty with 1/4 tsp salt and a pinch (about 1/8 tsp) freshly ground black pepper. Press seasoning lightly so it adheres.
- 3
Cook
Heat a skillet or nonstick pan over medium-high heat until hot (about 1-2 minutes). Add 1/2 tsp neutral oil and swirl to coat. Place the patty in the pan and cook undisturbed for 2.5–3 minutes, until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook the second side 2 minutes for a juicy medium doneness appropriate for children (cook longer if preferred).
- 4
Add cheese
Reduce heat to low. Immediately place the cheese slice on the patty, cover the pan with a lid for 30–45 seconds until the cheese melts. If using a large slice, fold or trim it so it fits the bun.
Buns & Cheese
- 5
- 6
Assemble base
Place the toasted bottom bun on a plate, set the cheeseburger patty on top, then tent with the top bun to keep warm. Serve lettuce, tomato slice, and pickle chips on the side so kids can build their burger.
Build & Garnish (served on side)
- 7
Prepare garnishes
Trim the lettuce to a child-friendly size (half leaf if large). Ensure the tomato is a single 1/4-inch round and the pickle chips are halved if very large. Arrange them on a small side plate.
- 8