Philibuster Burger Recipe

Render bacon

Place the bacon in a cold skillet and set over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fat renders and bacon is crisp, about 8–10 minutes. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet; chop the crisped bacon into small pieces.

Cook onions

Add the sliced onion to the reserved bacon fat over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and beginning to caramelize, about 12–15 minutes. If onions brown too quickly, lower the heat.

Finish jam

Stir the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chopped bacon, thyme, and black pepper into the onions. Cook another 2–3 minutes until slightly jammy and glossy. If you want a sweeter glaze, sprinkle the optional 1/2 tsp granulated sugar and stir until dissolved. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Form patties

Divide the ground chuck into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form each portion into a loose patty about 3/4-inch thick, making a shallow dimple in the center with your thumb to prevent doming. Do not overwork the meat.

Season

Sprinkle each side of the patties evenly with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Brush or rub 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce over both sides of the patties for extra savory depth.

Cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Place patties on the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes without moving to develop a crust. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Top each patty with 1 slice each of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda, then cover the skillet or tent with foil and cook another 1–2 minutes until cheese melts and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well-done or your preferred doneness.

Make sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and optional hot sauce until smooth. Taste and adjust salt or heat to preference. Set aside.

Toast buns

Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the brioche buns. Toast cut-side down in a clean skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Keep warm.

Prepare toppings

Lay out the toasted buns, spread a thin layer of the prepared sauce on the bottom bun, top with arugula, place the hot cheeseburger patty on top, add 3 pickle slices and 1–2 tbsp of the bacon-onion jam on the patty. Add pickled jalapeños if using, then crown with the top bun.

If serving immediately, press slightly to set and serve the Philibuster Burger hot with extra bacon-onion jam on the side. For plating, cut in half and serve with fries or a simple salad.