4th Street Burger Recipe

Make the sauce

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, garlic powder and onion powder. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate until assembly.

Slice tomato into 4 even slices, separate and wash lettuce leaves, slice pickles if not pre-sliced. Set aside.

Thinly slice the yellow onion. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low, add butter and once melted add the onions with a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply golden and sweet, about 20–25 minutes. If they begin to scorch, lower heat and add a splash of water. Keep warm.

In a separate skillet over medium heat, cook bacon strips until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and keep warm. Optionally reserve 1 tsp of bacon fat to brush on buns.

Divide ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently form into loose patties about 3½ inches in diameter and ¾ inch thick. Do not overwork meat; press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming.

Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Brush or toss lightly with Worcestershire sauce.

Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon neutral oil, spreading to coat. When oil is shimmering, place patties on the hot surface, leaving space between them. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to develop a browned crust.

Flip patties and immediately top each with a slice of cheese. Cook another 2–3 minutes for medium doneness (adjust time for preferred doneness). Remove patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest for 2–3 minutes.

While patties rest, split buns and toast cut sides on the griddle or a pan until golden, about 1–2 minutes. If you reserved bacon fat, brush a thin layer on bun cut sides before toasting for extra flavor.

Assemble each burger: spread about 1 tablespoon of sauce on the bottom bun, place lettuce leaf, then the cheeseburger patty, 1 slice of tomato, 2 slices of pickles, 1 strip of bacon (or fold for two strips), and a spoonful of caramelized onions. Spread a little sauce on the top bun and close. Repeat for remaining burgers.

Serve immediately with fries or chips. Offer extra sauce on the side.