Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsStillwaterHangover Burger Recipe

Hangover Burger Recipe

Inspired by Stillwater
Time50m
Serves2

Two Brandt Beef Patties cooked Medium topped with Caramelized Onions, Pecan Smoked Bacon

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Ingredients

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Beef Patties

Method

Beef Patties

  1. 1

    Form patties

    Divide the 1 lb ground beef into two even portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form each portion into a loose patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than your bun. Do not overwork the meat. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook flat.

  2. 2

    Season

    Just before cooking, season both sides of each patty with kosher salt (about 1/2 tsp per side total) and freshly ground black pepper.

  3. 3

    Cook to medium

    Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and swirl to coat. When the oil shimmers, add the patties, leaving space between them. Cook without moving 3 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook another 3 minutes for medium (internal temperature about 140-145°F / 60-63°C). In the last 30 seconds of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover the pan to melt. Transfer patties to a plate and loosely tent with foil to rest 3–5 minutes.

Caramelized Onions

  1. 4

    Cook onions low and slow

    While patties rest (or start earlier), heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon olive oil. When butter melts, add thinly sliced onions and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt over the onions to draw out moisture.

  2. 5

    Caramelize

    Cook the onions, stirring or scraping every 3–5 minutes so they brown evenly. After about 20–30 minutes they will be deeply golden and sweet; if desired, add 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar at the 10–15 minute mark to help them brown. If onions are sticking excessively, add 1–2 tablespoons water and scrape the fond from the pan. When fully caramelized, stir in 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar to brighten the flavor. Keep warm until assembly.

Pecan Smoked Bacon & Toppings

  1. 6

    Cook bacon

    Place pecan-smoked bacon slices in a cold skillet, then set over medium heat. Cook, turning occasionally, until bacon is crisp and browned, about 8–10 minutes depending on thickness. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.

  2. 7

    Toast buns

    Butter the cut sides of the buns with about 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in total. In a clean skillet over medium heat, toast the buns, buttered-side down, until golden and lightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.

  3. 8

    Assemble burger

    Spread mayonnaise (if using) on the bottom bun. Place lettuce leaf (if using) on the bottom bun, then set one cheese-topped beef patty. Top the patty with a generous portion of caramelized onions (about 1/4 cup), three slices of pecan-smoked bacon folded or stacked, and dill pickle slices. Add the second cheese-topped patty on top, then top bun. Press gently to compact, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately.

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