Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMussel & Burger BarClassic American Cheeseburger Recipe

Classic American Cheeseburger Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, bread and butter pickles; pommes frites

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Burger Ingredients

Toppings

Method

Burger Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Beef Patties

    In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each.

  2. 2

    Cook the Patties

    Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip them over. Place a slice of American cheese on each patty and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, or until desired doneness is achieved.

  3. 3

    Toast the Buns

    While the patties are cooking, cut the hamburger buns in half and toast them on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown.

Assemble the Burger

  1. 4

    Layer the Ingredients

    On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a leaf of lettuce. Top with the cooked beef patty with melted cheese, followed by slices of tomato, onion, and a generous amount of bread and butter pickles.

  2. 5

    Finish the Burger

    Place the top half of the bun on each assembled burger and press down gently to secure the toppings.

Pommes Frites Preparation

  1. 6

    Prepare the Potatoes

    Peel the potatoes and cut them into long strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Soak the strips in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.

  2. 7

    Fry the Potatoes

    In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Drain the potatoes and pat them dry. Fry the potatoes in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.

  3. 8

    Season the Frites

    Sprinkle the hot fries with salt to taste while they are still hot.

More from Mussel & Burger Bar