"happy Hour" Burger* Recipe
**Double Patties, Double Cheese, Grilled Onions and Special Sauce on a Toasted Brioche Bun
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Ingredients
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Patties
Grilled Onions
Special Sauce
Buns & Cheese
Method
Special Sauce
- 1
Make the sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle relish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust salt or acidity. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes so flavors marry (can be made up to 24 hours ahead).
Grilled Onions
- 2
Prepare the onions
Peel the yellow onions and slice them into 1/4-inch (about 6 mm) rings or half-rings. Separate the slices so they cook evenly.
- 3
Cook the onions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and butter. When the butter foams, add the sliced onions, sprinkle brown sugar and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Stir to coat, then spread onions in an even layer. Cook, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until softened and deeply golden (about 12–15 minutes). If they start to stick, lower the heat and add a splash of water. Once caramelized to your liking, remove from heat and keep warm.
Patties
- 4
Portion and shape
Divide the 1000 g ground beef into 8 equal portions (~125 g each). Gently form each portion into a loose patty about 3/4-inch thick. Do not overwork the meat. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook flat.
- 5
Season
Just before cooking, season both sides of each patty with kosher salt (a light sprinkle) and freshly ground black pepper. Salting too early will draw moisture out of the meat.
- 6
Cook the patties
Heat a large heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tbs neutral oil and swirl to coat. Cook the patties in batches without crowding: cook 3–4 minutes on the first side until a brown crust forms, flip and cook 2–3 more minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). During the last 30–45 seconds of cooking each patty, place one slice of American cheese on top so it melts. Transfer cooked patties to a plate and let rest for 1–2 minutes. Repeat until all patties are cooked. You should have 8 cheesy patties (2 per burger).
Buns & Cheese
- 7
Toast the buns
While the final patties are cooking, split the brioche buns. Spread about 1/2 tbs butter on the cut side of each bun half (total 2 tbs). In a clean skillet over medium heat (or on a griddle), place buns cut-side down and toast until golden and lightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assembly
- 8
Stack and finish
Assemble each burger: spread about 1.5 tbs (adjust to taste) of the special sauce on the bottom bun. Place one cheesy patty, then a second cheesy patty on top. Add a generous spoonful of grilled onions over the stacked patties. Spread more special sauce on the top bun if desired, then close the burger.
- 9
Serve
Serve immediately while patties and cheese are hot. Provide extra special sauce on the side if desired.
