Schnippers Old Fashioned Recipe

Mix and form

In a medium bowl combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 tsp Worcestershire, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Handle as little as possible and gently mix with your hands or a fork until just combined. Divide into 2 equal portions and form into slightly wider-than-bun patties about 3/4 inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help prevent doming.

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbs vegetable oil and swirl to coat. When oil is shimmering, add the patties (work in one batch if needed) and cook for 3-4 minutes without moving to form a good sear. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes on the second side for medium (adjust 1-2 minutes for desired doneness). During the last 30-45 seconds of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on each patty and cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese. Remove patties to a plate and tent with foil to rest for 2 minutes.

Prepare vegetables

While patties rest, slice 2 medium roma tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Peel and thinly slice 1/4 medium white onion into rings. Rinse and dry 2 iceberg lettuce leaves and stack or tear to fit buns. Have 4 dill pickle slices ready.

Optional quick pickle onions

If you prefer milder onions, toss the thin onion slices with 1 tsp apple cider vinegar and a pinch (about 1/8 tsp) sugar and let sit for 5 minutes while you finish assembling (this brightens flavor and softens sharpness).

Make Schnippers-style spread

In a small bowl combine 4 tbs Schnippers-style spread (or substitute: 2 tbs mayonnaise, 1 tsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp sweet pickle relish, 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tsp sugar, and a pinch — about 1/8 tsp — salt). Whisk until smooth and taste; adjust salt or sweetness as desired. This yields about 4 tbs of spread (enough for 2 burgers).

Toast buns

Spread softened butter (about 1 tbs total) evenly on the cut sides of 2 buns. Heat a separate skillet or the same pan over medium heat and toast buttered bun cut sides for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp. Keep warm.

Assemble burgers

Spread about 2 tbs Schnippers-style spread on the bottom bun. Place 1 lettuce leaf, then the cheese-topped patty, 2 tomato slices, 2 pickle slices, and some onion rings (drained if quick-pickled) on each burger. Spread a light smear of remaining spread or mayonnaise on the top bun and close the burger. Serve immediately.