Deluxe Burger Recipe

Make sauce

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate while you prepare the burger so flavors meld.

Prepare produce

Wash and dry the romaine leaf. Slice a 1/2" thick tomato slice, cut 3 even rings from the red onion, and have 3 pickle slices ready. Keep them chilled until assembly.

Toast bun

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread softened butter on the cut faces of the bun. Toast cut-side down in the skillet until golden and lightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Cook bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon slices until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve a little bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor if desired.

Form and season patty

Gently form the 1/3-lb ground chuck into a loose patty about 3½–4 inches wide and roughly 3/4" thick. Do not overwork the meat. Make a shallow thumb dent in the center to help it cook flat. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking.

Cook patty

Heat a griddle or heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbs neutral oil (or reserved bacon fat). When the skillet is very hot and shimmering, place the patty in the pan. Cook undisturbed for 3–3.5 minutes to develop a crust. Flip and cook another 2.5–3 minutes for medium (adjust 1–2 minutes for rarer/weller). During the last 30–45 seconds of cooking, lay the slice of cheddar on the patty and cover the skillet with a lid or foil to melt the cheese.

Rest patty

Transfer the cooked patty to a plate and let it rest for 2 minutes. This keeps juices in the meat.

Assemble burger

Spread about 1–1½ tbs of the prepared burger sauce evenly on the bottom bun. Place the romaine leaf on the sauce, then set the rested cheeseburger patty on the lettuce. Lay the crisp bacon slices across the patty. Add the tomato slice, red onion rings, and pickle slices. Spread a little sauce (about 1 tsp) on the top bun and place it on top.

Serve

Serve the deluxe burger immediately while hot with optional fries or a side salad. Provide extra sauce on the side if desired.