Duke's Jr Cheeseburger Recipe

Portion and shape

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 ounces or 225 g each). Gently form each portion into a loose ball, handling the meat minimally to avoid compacting.

Form patties

Flatten each ball into a patty about 3.5–4 inches (9–10 cm) in diameter and roughly 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick at the center. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce doming during cooking.

Season

Pat both sides of each patty dry with a paper towel, then season both sides evenly with kosher salt (1 tsp total divided) and freshly ground black pepper (about 1/2 tsp total).

Preheat skillet

Heat a large heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot (about 3–4 minutes). Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface.

Cook patties

Place the patties in the hot skillet with space between them. Cook undisturbed 3 minutes to develop a crust. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes for medium-well (adjust 1–2 minutes less for medium or more for well-done).

Add cheese

With about 1 minute left of cooking, lower heat to medium, place 1 halved American cheese slice (fold if needed) on each patty, cover the skillet briefly (or use a lid) to melt the cheese for 30–60 seconds.

Toast buns

While patties finish, warm a separate skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly butter the cut sides of the 2 buns (optional butter: 1 tsp total) and toast cut-side down 30–60 seconds until golden. Alternatively, toast on the same griddle after patties are removed for flavor.

Condiment spread

Mix or combine Duke's mayonnaise (2 tbs) and yellow mustard (1 tsp) briefly, or apply separately. Spread about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise mixture on each bun bottom and a thin layer on each top bun if desired.

Assemble sandwiches

Place one cheese-topped patty on each bottom bun. Top each patty with 3 pickle chips, a few tablespoons (about 1/4 cup) shredded iceberg lettuce, 1 slice red onion (or two thin slices), and optional tomato slice. Cap with the top bun.

Serve

Press gently to compact slightly, then serve immediately while hot. Offer extra pickles, ketchup, or fries on the side as desired.

If using tomato, place 1 slice on top of the lettuce for each sandwich. If you prefer a buttered flavor and didn't toast earlier, melt 1 tsp butter in a skillet and press buns cut-side down briefly until golden.