Brunch Burger* Recipe

Form and season patty

Divide the 1/2 lb ground beef into one patty (do not overwork). Form into a round patty about 3/4 inch thick with a slight indentation in the center. Season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.

Cook bacon

In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook 2 bacon strips until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and keep warm. Reserve 1 tsp bacon fat in skillet if desired for extra flavor; discard excess.

Cook the burger

Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot (about 3 minutes). Add 1 tsp butter to the bun later; for the patty, add the patty to the dry or lightly oiled pan. Cook to desired doneness: for medium-rare ~3 minutes per side, medium ~4 minutes per side, medium-well ~5 minutes per side. Do not press down on the patty. Place 2 slices of cheddar on the patty during the last minute of cooking and cover pan briefly to melt.

Toast the bun

While cheese melts, spread 1 tsp softened butter on cut sides of 1 burger bun. Toast buttered sides on a skillet or griddle until golden, about 1–2 minutes.

Assemble

Place bottom bun on plate, add lettuce leaf, burger with melted cheddar, bacon strips, tomato slices, red onion rings, and condiments to taste. Top with bun crown and serve immediately with chosen side.

Prepare potatoes (if using fresh)

If using fresh potatoes, grate one medium potato and rinse under cold water to remove starch. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Mix grated potato with 1 tbsp flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper and 1/2 beaten egg to bind.

Cook hash browns

Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shredded or prepared potato in an even layer and press gently. Cook undisturbed until golden brown on the bottom, about 4–5 minutes. Flip in sections and cook the other side an additional 3–4 minutes until crisp and cooked through. Adjust heat if browning too quickly. Drain on paper towels and season with a pinch of salt.

Prepare fries

If using fresh potatoes, cut into even sticks and soak in cold water for 20–30 minutes to remove starch. Pat completely dry. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) if roasting, or heat oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.

Cook fries

For oven roasting: toss potato sticks with 1 tbsp oil, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp paprika, spread in a single layer on a baking sheet, roast 20–30 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. For frying: fry in batches in 350°F oil about 3–5 minutes until golden, drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt and paprika.