Classic Burger Recipe
1/4# burger with onion, tomato, lettuce, ketchup, mustard, mayo, & a pickle spear. Choice of cheese: gouda, swiss, cheddar, or bleu. Choice of fries or salad.
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Ingredients
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Burger Patties & Seasoning
Buns & Toppings
Cheese (optional — choose one)
Side (choose one)
Method
Burger Patties & Seasoning
- 1
Form the patty: Lightly handle the ground beef and shape into a 1/4 lb patty about 3.5–4 inches wide and roughly 3/4 inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center with your thumb to reduce doming during cooking.
- 2
Season: Sprinkle both sides of the patty evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking.
- 3
- 4
Flip and finish: Flip the patty and cook another 3 minutes for medium (adjust time ±1 minute for doneness preference). If adding a slice of cheddar, gouda, or swiss, place it on the patty 1 minute before finishing so it melts. If using bleu crumbles, sprinkle them on immediately after removing from heat so residual heat softens them.
- 5
Rest: Transfer the cooked patty to a plate and let rest 1–2 minutes while you toast the bun and assemble.
Buns & Toppings
- 6
- 7
Prepare vegetables: Wash the lettuce leaf and pat dry. Slice tomato into two 1/4-inch slices and separate 2 thin rings or slices of red onion. Keep slices cold until assembly.
- 8
Spread condiments: On the bottom bun, spread 1 tbs ketchup and 1 tsp mustard. Spread 1 tsp mayonnaise on the top bun (or apply to bottom if preferred).
- 9
Assemble burger: Place the lettuce leaf on the bottom bun over the condiments. Put the rested patty (cheese-side up if used) on top of the lettuce. Add tomato slices, then onion slices. Top with the top bun spread with mayo.
- 10
Serve with the pickle spear tucked alongside the burger on the plate.
Side (Fries or Salad)
- 11
If serving fries (frozen or fresh-cut)
Cook fries according to package instructions or deep-fry at 350°F (175°C) until golden and crisp, about 3–6 minutes for frozen and 4–7 minutes for fresh-cut depending on thickness. Season with salt immediately after cooking and serve hot beside the burger.
- 12
If serving side salad
Toss 1 cup mixed greens with 1 tbs dressing of choice in a bowl. Place salad on the plate next to the burger and serve chilled.