Name: H&J’s Cafes Cheese Burger Recipe
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tbs neutral oil (vegetable or canola); 4 slice American cheese slices; 0.25 cup mayonnaise; 2 tsp ketchup; 1 tsp yellow mustard; 1 tbs finely diced dill pickle (or relish); 1 tsp finely grated white onion; 0.5 tsp apple cider vinegar; 0.25 tsp garlic powder; 0.25 tsp paprika; 0.125 tsp salt; 0.0625 tsp black pepper; 2 item soft hamburger buns (potato or sesame); 1 tbs unsalted butter (softened) or oil for toasting

Method

Burger Patties

Form patties

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into 2 equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form each portion into a loose patty about 3.5–4 inches in diameter and roughly 3/4 inch thick. Do not overwork the meat — handle it just enough to shape. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce puffing during cooking.

Season

Season both sides of each patty with the kosher salt (1 tsp total divided) and freshly ground black pepper (1/2 tsp total divided) just before cooking.

Cook patties

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot (about 2–3 minutes). Add 1 tbs neutral oil and swirl to coat. Place the patties in the pan leaving space between them. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2 minutes on the second side for medium (adjust 1–2 minutes for desired doneness).

Melt cheese

After flipping and cooking the second side for about 1 minute, place 2 slices of American cheese on each patty (or 1 slice if you prefer less). Cover the pan with a lid for 30–45 seconds to fully melt the cheese. Remove patties from pan and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

House-made Sauce

While patties cook, combine the house-made sauce ingredients in a small bowl: 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tsp ketchup, 1 tsp yellow mustard, 1 tbs finely diced dill pickle or relish, 1 tsp finely grated white onion, 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp paprika, 1/8 tsp salt and a pinch (1/16 tsp) black pepper. Stir until smooth and taste — adjust salt or acidity with a tiny pinch more vinegar or salt if needed. Refrigerate briefly if not using immediately so flavors meld.

Buns & Finish

Toast buns: Split the 2 buns and spread about 1 tbs softened butter (or brush a little oil) on cut sides. Place cut sides down in the same skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until golden and lightly crisp. Alternatively, toast under a broiler for 30–60 seconds, watching closely.

Assemble cheeseburgers: Spread about 1–1 1/2 tbs house-made sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place the hot cheese-topped patty on top of the sauce. Add no other toppings (menu specifies cheese only). Place the bun top and press gently. Serve immediately.