Hand Cut Classic Recipe
served a la carte, lettuce wrap available
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Ingredients
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Burger Patties & Seasoning
Buns & Toppings
Condiments
Method
Burger Patties & Seasoning
- 1
Form patties
Divide the ground chuck into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form each portion into a loose ball, then flatten by hand into a patty roughly 4.5–5 inches in diameter and about 3/4 inch thick. Do not overwork the meat — keep the center slightly thicker than the edges so it cooks evenly.
- 2
Season
Just before cooking, season both sides of each patty generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- 3
Cook patties
Heat a heavy skillet or flat top griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and swirl to coat. Place patties on the hot surface and press down slightly with a spatula for maximum contact (this is the classic 'hand cut' smash-style contact). Cook about 3 minutes without moving to develop a deep brown crust. Flip once and immediately place a slice of American cheese on each patty. Cook another 2–3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and cheese is melted.
Buns & Toppings
- 4
- 5
Prepare toppings
Wash and dry lettuce leaves if using the lettuce-wrap option. Slice tomato into 1/4" rounds, thinly slice red onion, and have pickle slices ready. Assemble toppings on a plate for quick build.
Condiments & Assembly
- 6
Mix optional house sauce
If using the house special sauce, mix mayonnaise, ketchup and a teaspoon of pickle relish (or use the provided optional sauce). Adjust to taste.
- 7
Assemble (bun)
Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun, a small amount of mustard on the top bun (or house sauce as preferred). Place the cheese-topped patty on the bottom bun, top with pickle slices, a tomato slice, onion rings, and shredded or folded iceberg lettuce. Finish with the top bun.
- 8
Assemble (lettuce wrap)
For the lettuce-wrap option, skip the bun. Place a large lettuce leaf on a plate, spread mayonnaise or house sauce on the leaf, set the cheese-topped patty in the center, and top with tomato, onion, and pickles. Fold the lettuce around the patty and serve immediately.
- 9
Serve
Serve the Hand Cut Classic a la carte (no side required). Provide ketchup and extra condiments on the side if desired.