The Goldies Burger Recipe

Make and shape patties

Place ground chuck in a large bowl. Add Worcestershire sauce, finely minced onion, salt, and pepper. Gently combine with your hands or a fork — do not overwork the meat. Divide into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each) and form into slightly wider-than-bun patties about 3/4-inch thick. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce doming during cooking.

Cook patties

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Once shimmering and just beginning to smoke slightly, place patties on the hot surface. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and immediately top each patty with a slice of cheddar. Cook another 2-3 minutes for medium doneness (internal temp ~ 140-145°F / 60-63°C), or adjust time for desired doneness. Remove patties to a warm plate and tent with foil to rest for 3-5 minutes while you prepare buns and toppings.

While patties rest, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, chopped dill pickle, hot sauce, smoked paprika, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust: add more honey for sweetness, more lemon for brightness, or more hot sauce for heat. Keep refrigerated until assembly.

Prepare buns

Spread softened butter evenly on cut sides of brioche buns. Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and toast buttered sides, cut-side down, until golden and crisp, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Season tomato

Lay tomato slices on a plate and sprinkle with coarse kosher salt (about 1/8 tsp) to draw out sweetness and enhance flavor. Set aside.

Assemble the Goldies Burger: On the bottom bun spread about 1 tablespoon of Goldie Sauce. Layer 2 butter lettuce leaves, then place the rested cheddar-topped patty. Add 2 dill pickle slices, a few rings of red onion (about 1-2 tablespoons), and a tomato slice. Spoon another 1 tablespoon of Goldie Sauce onto the top bun and cap the burger. Repeat for remaining burgers.

Serve immediately while hot with your preferred side (fries, salad or chips). Extra Goldie Sauce can be refrigerated up to 3 days.