Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Pickle Barrel›Classic Burger Recipe

Classic Burger Recipe

Inspired by Pickle Barrel
Time45m
Serves2

Two angus beef patties, topped with our kicker secret sauce, lettuce and tomato. Served with seasoned fries.

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Ingredients

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Burgers

Method

Kicker Secret Sauce

  1. 1

    Make sauce

    In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika and hot sauce (if using). Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust salt or hot sauce to preference. Refrigerate while preparing the rest (at least 10 minutes to meld).

Seasoned Fries

  1. 2

    Prep and cook fries

    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) if using frozen or fresh oven fries. Toss fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, 2 tsp kosher salt and black pepper on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Spread evenly and bake for 18–25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and crisp. If deep-frying, fry according to package or 325°F then 375°F method and toss with seasoning after draining.

  2. 3

    Finish seasoning

    Right after fries come out, sprinkle the remaining 1 tsp kosher salt evenly and toss lightly. Keep warm until serving.

Burgers

  1. 4

    Form patties

    Divide the 1 lb ground Angus into two equal portions (approx 8 oz each). Gently form each portion into a 3/4-inch-thick patty slightly wider than the bun. Do not overwork the meat. Make a slight dimple in the center of each patty to reduce doming while cooking.

  2. 5

    Season patties

    Generously season both sides of each patty with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (total 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper used).

  3. 6

    Cook patties

    Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat with 1 tbs vegetable oil until shimmering. Add the patties and cook undisturbed 3 to 4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 3 minutes more for medium; during the last 30–45 seconds place a slice of American cheese on each patty and cover the pan or press a lid to melt cheese quickly.

  4. 7

    Toast buns & assemble

    While patties rest 1–2 minutes, split the buns and toast cut sides in the hot pan for 30–45 seconds until golden. Spread about 1 tbs of kicker secret sauce on the bottom of each bun. Place a lettuce leaf on each bottom bun, add a slice of tomato (about 1/4-inch thick), then place one cheese-topped patty on each. Add a second patty on top, more sauce if desired, then crown with top bun.

  5. 8

    Plate

    Serve each assembled burger immediately with a portion of seasoned fries (about half the fries per plate). Provide extra kicker sauce on the side if desired.

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