RestaurantsGrand Tavern TroyBuild Your Own Gt Burger Recipe

Build Your Own Gt Burger Recipe

Inspired by Grand Tavern Troy
Time40m
Serves4

for $12, Top it with any of the following for 75¢ each: Swiss, American, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, Crumbled Bleu Cheese, Jalapeño, Avocado, Smokehouse BBQ, Grilled Mushrooms, Grilled Onions, Grilled Bell Peppers. Add bacon for $2

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Ingredients

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Burger Patties & Buns

Standard Toppings (each optional; listed quantities are per 4 burgers)

For Serving

Method

Burger Patties & Buns

1

Form the patties

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently form each portion into a round patty about 3/4-inch thick, handling the meat as little as possible. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.

2

Season

Season both sides of each patty with the measured salt, black pepper, and garlic powder just before cooking.

3

Toast the buns

Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Split the buns and toast cut-side down in the skillet until golden, 1–2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

4

Cook the patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat until hot. Add a light oil sheen if using a skillet. Place patties on the surface and cook without moving: 3–4 minutes per side for medium (adjust ±1–2 minutes for doneness preference). During the last 1–2 minutes of cooking, top patties with chosen cheese slices to melt, cover the pan briefly with a lid or tent with foil to help the cheese melt.

Bacon (optional)

5

If adding bacon (8 slices for 4 burgers), lay bacon in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy, 8–12 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Alternatively bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes on a foil-lined sheet for more even crisping.

Grilled Vegetables (optional)

6

Toss sliced mushrooms, onion rings, and bell pepper with 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat a separate skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetables in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized, 6–8 minutes. Keep warm until assembly.

Toppings & Assembly

7

Prepare fresh toppings: wash lettuce, slice tomato, slice avocado (if using), and lay out pickles. Warm the smokehouse BBQ sauce slightly if desired.

8

Assemble each burger: place a toasted bun bottom on a plate, add lettuce and tomato if using, set a cooked patty on top. Add chosen toppings per burger — e.g., 1–2 slices of cheese, crumbled bleu cheese (about 1 Tbsp per burger if used), sliced jalapeño, grilled mushrooms/onions/peppers, avocado slices (about 1/4 avocado per burger), and a drizzle of smokehouse BBQ sauce. Add bacon (2 slices) if desired. Finish with condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo) to taste and top with the bun.

9

Serve immediately with fries or a side of choice.