Moonrakers Burger* Recipe

Mix and Form Patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Gently mix with your hands or a fork until combined—do not overwork. Divide into two equal portions and form into 3/4-inch-thick patties slightly wider than the buns. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.

Rest Patties

Cover the patties and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare other components; this helps them hold shape when cooking.

Cook Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips and cook, turning occasionally, until crisp, about 7–9 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 1 teaspoon bacon fat in the pan if desired for extra flavor; discard excess.

Prepare Vegetables

Thinly slice the red onion and tomato. Separate and wash lettuce leaves. Set out dill pickle slices. Keep the slices and leaves ready for assembly.

Melt Cheese

When patties are nearly done (see cooking step), top each cooked patty with a slice of sharp cheddar. Cover the skillet or place patties under a brief broiler/with a lid for 30–60 seconds to melt the cheese.

Make Burger Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, hot sauce (if using), and lemon juice until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning; set aside at room temperature.

Toast Buns

Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the brioche buns. Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil to the skillet and toast the buttered cut sides until golden and crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

Cook Patties

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or reserved bacon fat and place the patties in the pan (do not overcrowd). Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to develop a crust. Flip and cook 3–4 more minutes for medium (adjust time +/- 1–2 minutes for desired doneness). In the last minute, add cheese to each patty and cover briefly to melt.

Assemble Burgers

Spread about 1 tablespoon of the prepared sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf, then the cheese-topped patty, 2 bacon strips, 2–3 tomato slices, a few red onion slices, and 4 dill pickle slices. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the top bun and close the burger.

Serve

Serve the Moonrakers Burger immediately while hot. Optionally serve with fries or a side salad.