Black N Blue Burger Recipe

Mix and form

In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, kosher salt, 2 tsp fresh ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined—do not overwork. Divide the mixture into two equal portions and form each into a patty about 3/4" thick and slightly wider than the buns. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking.

Chill briefly

Place the patties on a plate, cover loosely, and chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.

Cook

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy griddle over medium-high heat until very hot (about 4–5 minutes). Add the tablespoon of softened butter and swirl to coat. Place the patties in the pan and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to form a crust. Flip once and cook another 3–4 minutes for medium (internal temperature ~160°F/71°C). During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle each patty with a pinch of smoked paprika (optional) and more cracked black pepper to enhance the 'Black N Blue' contrast. Remove patties to a plate and rest for 3 minutes.

Prepare spread

While patties chill or cook, make the blue cheese spread. In a small bowl, mash together 3 oz crumbled blue cheese and 2 oz softened cream cheese with a fork until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky. Stir in 1 tablespoon mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Season with 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust: add a pinch of salt only if needed (blue cheese can be salty).

Warm slightly

If you prefer a slightly creamier spread, microwave the mixture for 10–12 seconds and stir, or let it sit at room temperature while you finish the burgers so it becomes spreadable.

Prepare toppings

Toss the thinly sliced red onion with the 1 teaspoon olive oil and a pinch of salt to soften and take the edge off. If desired, quickly pan-sear the tomato slices in the same skillet for 20–30 seconds per side to warm and concentrate flavor.

Toast buns

Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns (about 1 tablespoon total) and toast them in the skillet over medium heat until golden, about 60–90 seconds, pressing lightly. Remove and keep warm.

Assemble

Spread a generous layer (about 1.5–2 tablespoons) of the blue cheese spread on the bottom half of each bun. Place the rested burger patty on top, add a tomato slice, a handful of baby arugula (about 1/2 cup per burger), and the dressed red onion. Add pickled jalapeños if using. Finish with the top bun.

Serve the Black N Blue Burger immediately while hot, with fries or a simple salad. Provide napkins—blue cheese can be rich and peppery. Leftover spread keeps covered in the fridge up to 3 days.