Trucker Hat Recipe

Form Patties

Divide the ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form each portion into a loose patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the buns. Do not overwork the meat — handle briefly so patties stay tender.

Season

Season both sides of the patties evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika just before cooking.

Cook Patties

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot (about 2–3 minutes). Add a light coat of neutral oil if your pan is not well seasoned. Place patties in the pan and cook 3–4 minutes without moving to develop a crust. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes more for medium, or longer to your desired doneness.

Melt Cheese & Rest

During the last 60 seconds of cooking, place two cheddar slices on each patty and cover the pan briefly to melt. Remove patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil; rest 3–5 minutes.

Bacon, Onion & Pickles

If you haven't already, cook bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels and keep warm. Have thinly sliced red onion and dill pickle slices ready to assemble.

Make sauce by combining mayonnaise, yellow mustard, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Toast Buns

Butter the cut sides of the buns with the unsalted butter. Toast buttered sides in a skillet over medium heat or under a broiler until golden and slightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes.

Assemble

Spread a generous tablespoon of the sauce on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf, then the cheeseburger patty. Add two strips of crisp bacon, two pickle slices, and a few rings of red onion. Spread sauce on the top bun and place on the burger.

Serve

Serve the Trucker Hat burger immediately while hot, with extra sauce and pickles on the side if desired.