Deluxe Burger Recipe

Form and season patties

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Lightly form each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than the buns. Avoid overworking the meat. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help prevent puffing while cooking. Season both sides of each patty evenly with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. If using, brush or mix 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce into the patties before forming.

Cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot (about 3–4 minutes). Add a light brush of oil to the pan if needed. Place the patties on the hot surface and cook without moving until a brown crust forms, about 3–4 minutes. Flip the patties and immediately place 1 slice of American cheese on each patty. Cook an additional 3–4 minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). Remove patties to a plate and tent with foil to rest briefly.

Prepare bacon

Cook 4 slices of bacon until crisp. For stovetop: place bacon in a cold skillet, turn heat to medium, and cook, turning occasionally, until crisp (about 8–10 minutes). For oven: arrange on a rack over a sheet pan and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–16 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Toast buns

Split the 2 brioche buns and brush cut sides lightly with butter or oil. Toast cut sides on the hot skillet or under a broiler until golden, about 30–60 seconds in the skillet or 1–2 minutes under broiler. Keep toasted buns warm.

Assemble lettuce & tomato

Wash and pat dry the lettuce leaves. Slice the tomato into 4 even slices. Lay 1 lettuce leaf and 2 tomato slices aside for each burger; season tomato lightly with a pinch of salt if desired.

Mix or portion condiments: spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on the bottom bun of each burger, and 1 tablespoon ketchup on the top bun. Add 1/2 tsp yellow mustard to the ketchup if desired. Adjust amounts to taste.

Cook fries

If using frozen fries: bake or fry according to package directions. For oven-baked: preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss fries with 2 tbsp oil and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet; bake 18–25 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. If using fresh cut potatoes: rinse and dry thoroughly, toss with 2 tbsp oil, bake at 425°F for 30–35 minutes or fry at 350°F (175°C) until golden (4–6 minutes), then drain on paper towels. Immediately season with 1/2 tsp fine sea salt.

Assemble each Deluxe Burger: spread mayonnaise on the bottom toasted bun, place the lettuce leaf, then the cheese-topped beef patty, top with 2 slices of tomato, 2 slices of cooked bacon, pickles and red onion rings if using. Spread ketchup (and mustard) on the top bun and close. Serve each burger with the fries on the side while hot.