Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRehab Burger TherapyMac Gnarly Burger Recipe

Mac Gnarly Burger Recipe

Time40m
Serves4

Shred the waves with this double deckered creation. Two Relapse Burgers, topped with Cheddar Cheese, Lettuce, Onions, Tomatoes, Pickles and 1000 Island.

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Ingredients

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Relapse Burgers (make 2 patties per burger, total 4 patties)

Optional Seasoning & Finish

Method

Relapse Burgers (patties)

  1. 1

    Prepare beef mixture

    Place the 2 lbs of ground beef into a mixing bowl. Add 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp garlic powder (optional). Gently fold ingredients into the meat until just combined — do not overwork, keep mixture loose for a juicy burger.

  2. 2

    Form patties

    Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 8 oz / 225 g each). Lightly shape each portion into a round patty about 3/4" thick and slightly wider than the buns (they will shrink while cooking). Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook flat.

  3. 3

    Cook patties

    Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 2 tsp vegetable oil. When oil is shimmering and the surface is hot, place patties on the griddle leaving space between them. Cook undisturbed 3–4 minutes until a dark crust forms. Flip and cook 2 minutes, then place a slice of cheddar onto each patty and cook another 1–2 minutes until cheese melts and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for medium-well. Remove patties to a warm plate and let rest 3 minutes.

Buns & Toppings

  1. 4

    Toast buns

    Spread softened butter on cut sides of 4 buns. Place buns butter-side down in a clean skillet over medium heat or on the griddle and toast until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

  2. 5

    Prepare produce

    While patties cook, thinly slice the tomato and onion. Rinse and dry lettuce. Have dill pickle chips ready.

  3. 6

    Sauce

    Stir the 1000 Island dressing to ensure it's evenly combined. Spoon a generous amount (about 1.5 tbs) onto the bottom bun of each burger.

Assemble Mac Gnarly Burger

  1. 7

    Build each double-decker burger as follows: bottom bun with 1000 Island, place 1 cheddar-topped patty, add a few pickle chips (4 per layer), add a small handful of shredded lettuce and a few onion rings. Add the second cheddar-topped patty on top of that layer, then add a tomato slice, more lettuce and onion as desired, extra pickles if you like, and finish with a generous spread of 1000 Island on the top bun. Cap the burger and press gently to set.

  2. 8

    Insert a skewer through the center to stabilize if needed. Serve immediately with fries or chips and extra 1000 Island on the side.

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