Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Lockbox›Lockbox Cheeseburger Recipe

Lockbox Cheeseburger Recipe

Inspired by Lockbox
Time35m
Serves4

lettuce, onion, american, pickles, special sauce

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Ingredients

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Burger Patties & Seasoning

Buns & Cheese

Vegetables & Pickles

Special Sauce

Method

Special Sauce

  1. 1

    In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and fully combined. Taste and adjust salt or vinegar as needed. Refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the burger to allow flavors to meld (at least 10 minutes).

Burger Patties & Cooking

  1. 2

    Form Patties

    Divide the ground chuck into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently form each portion into a patty about 3.5 inches in diameter and roughly 3/4-inch thick. Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming during cooking. Do not overwork the meat.

  2. 3

    Season

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

  3. 4

    Cook Patties

    Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, spreading to coat. When hot and shimmering, place the patties on the surface, leaving space between them. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until a good crust forms. Flip and cook 2 to 3 minutes more for medium (adjust time +/- for desired doneness).

  4. 5

    Add Cheese

    About 30-45 seconds before the patties are done, place one slice of American cheese on each patty. Cover the skillet briefly with a lid or a piece of foil to help the cheese melt, about 30-45 seconds.

Buns & Assembly

  1. 6

    Prep Vegetables

    While patties are cooking, thinly slice the red onion into rings and separate/clean the lettuce leaves. Pat pickles dry if they are very wet.

  2. 7

    Toast Buns

    Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the buns. Toast them cut-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat or on the griddle for 30–60 seconds until golden and slightly crisp. Remove from heat.

  3. 8

    Assemble Burgers

    Place the bottom bun on a plate. Spread about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the special sauce on the bottom bun. Top with a lettuce leaf, then place the cheeseburger patty (cheese side up) on the lettuce. Add 2 pickle slices and a few red onion rings. Spread about 1 tablespoon of special sauce on the top bun and place it on the burger. Repeat for remaining burgers.

  4. 9

    Serve immediately while hot. Offer extra special sauce and pickle slices on the side.

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