Fully Loaded Burger Recipe

Mix and shape patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands until just combined — do not overwork. Divide into 4 even portions (about 4 oz each) and shape into slightly wider-than-bun patties about 3/4" thick, pressing a shallow dimple in the center of each to prevent doming.

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. When shimmering, add patties without crowding. Cook 3-4 minutes on the first side until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). Place a slice of cheddar on each patty in the last minute of cooking and cover with a lid or tent with foil to melt the cheese. Remove patties and let rest for 2 minutes.

Toast buns

While patties cook (or after), spread softened butter on cut sides of the buns. Toast buttered sides in a skillet or on the griddle over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 1-2 minutes. Keep toasted buns warm.

Cook bacon

Place bacon strips in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. If preferred, bake bacon on a sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.

Prepare vegetables

While bacon cooks, thinly slice the red onion into rings and slice the tomato into 1/4" rounds. Rinse and pat dry lettuce leaves. Arrange pickles on a small plate. These components are ready to assemble.

Make burger sauce

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, and hot sauce (if using). Stir until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste. This yields enough sauce to spread on 4 buns.

Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of the prepared burger sauce on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the sauce to act as a moisture barrier, then set the cheeseburger patty on top. Add two bacon strips, a couple of tomato slices, a few rings of red onion, and two pickle slices. Spread a little sauce on the top bun and close the burger. Repeat for remaining burgers.

Serve immediately while hot with fries or a side salad. Provide extra condiments on the side as desired.