Build-your-own Burger Recipe

Form Patties

Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently combine with your hands or a spoon until just mixed; do not overwork. Divide into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each) and form into patties roughly 3/4" thick and slightly wider than the buns. Make a shallow thumb indentation in the center of each patty to prevent doming as they cook.

Preheat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Brush the cooking surface with vegetable oil. Cook the patties 3-4 minutes per side for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). If adding cheese, place a cheese slice on each patty during the last 1 minute of cooking and cover the pan or close the grill lid to melt.

Slice the buns in half. Spread butter on the cut sides. Toast the buns buttered-side down in a skillet or on the grill over medium heat until golden, about 1-2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup. Mix until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning; set the burger spread aside.

Prepare toppings while patties cook: wash and dry lettuce leaves, slice the tomato into 1/4" rounds, peel and thinly slice the red onion. Arrange pickles and any optional add-ons (bacon, avocado, caramelized onions) for assembly.

If using bacon, cook until crisp in a skillet or oven and drain on paper towels. For caramelized onions, slice 1 large onion and cook slowly in 1 tbs butter and 1 tbs oil over low heat 20-25 minutes until deep golden, stirring occasionally.

Spread a generous tablespoon of the mayo-mustard-ketchup mixture on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, then the cooked patty (cheese side up if used), tomato slice, onion rings, and pickles. Add bacon or avocado if desired. Top with the bun crown. Serve immediately with fries or salad.