Moontower Burger Recipe

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and hot sauce (if using). Whisk until smooth and homogenous. Taste and adjust seasoning; set aside in refrigerator while you cook other components.

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or use a skillet. Arrange bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with foil or in a cold skillet. For oven: bake 12–16 minutes until crisped to your preference. For skillet: cook over medium heat 8–12 minutes, turning, until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.

While bacon cooks, wash lettuce and dry. Slice tomato into two 1/4-inch thick slices. Lay out pickles and measure crispy fried onions.

Form the patty: gently shape the 1/2 lb ground beef into a patty about 3/4–1 inch thick and slightly larger than the bun (it will shrink when cooking). Do not overwork the meat. Make a shallow dimple in the center of the patty with your thumb to help it keep shape.

Season both sides of the patty evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking.

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking.

Place the patty in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 3.5–4 minutes to develop a good crust. Flip and immediately top with the cheddar slices. Cook another 3–4 minutes for medium (internal temp ~150°F/66°C). Adjust time for desired doneness. If needed, cover for the last minute to help cheese melt.

Remove the patty to a resting plate and tent loosely with foil for 3 minutes while you prepare the bun.

Butter both cut sides of the brioche bun with the softened unsalted butter. Toast: place buttered sides down in a clean skillet over medium heat and toast until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Alternatively, toast under a broiler for 30–60 seconds—watch carefully to avoid burning.

Assemble the Moontower Burger

Spread about 1.5 tablespoons of the house sauce evenly on the bottom bun. Place the lettuce leaf on the sauced bottom bun, then the tomato slices and pickles. Add the rested cheeseburger patty on top. Layer the crispy bacon strips over the melted cheddar, then sprinkle the crispy fried onions generously over the bacon. Spread a thin layer (~1 tablespoon) of house sauce on the top bun and place it sauce-side down to finish.

Serve immediately with your choice of sides. Cut in half if desired.