New! Bbq Cookout Classic Burger Recipe

Form and season patty

Gently shape the 6 oz ground beef into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly larger than the bun (it will shrink while cooking). Make a shallow dimple in the center with your thumb to reduce doming. Season both sides immediately with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Preheat pan or grill

Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill to medium-high heat (around 375–400°F / 190–205°C). If using a skillet, add a light brush of neutral oil and let it smoke slightly before adding the patty.

Cook the patty

Place the patty on the hot surface. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes more for medium (internal temp ~160°F / 71°C for ground beef). In the last 60 seconds of cooking, brush about 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce onto the cooked side, then place the white cheddar slice and American cheese slice on top of the patty and cover loosely with a lid or foil to melt the cheese and set the sauce.

Toast the bun and assemble

While the patty finishes, spread 1 teaspoon softened butter on the cut sides of the brioche bun. Place the bun cut-side down in a hot skillet or on the grill for 45–60 seconds until golden and lightly crisp. On the bottom bun, layer (optional) leaf lettuce and tomato slice if using. Place the cheesed, BBQ-coated patty on the bottom bun, add 3 pickle slices on top of the cheese, then place two onion rings on the pickles. Cap with the top bun.

If using prepared frozen onion rings, bake or fry according to package directions until golden and crisp. For a quick oven method: preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), place rings on a single layer on a baking sheet, bake 8–12 minutes turning once until crisp. If frying: heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry 2–3 minutes until golden, drain on paper towels. Keep warm until assembly.

Cook wavy-cut fries according to package instructions. Oven method: preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), toss fries with 1 tablespoon oil and spread on a baking sheet; bake 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Fry method: heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry in batches until crisp, about 3–4 minutes. Immediately season with 1/4 teaspoon salt after cooking.

Place the assembled burger on a plate and serve with the hot wavy-cut fries on the side. Optionally garnish with an extra pickle spear. Serve immediately.