Sandwiches & Burgers Recipe

Prepare patties

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently shape each portion into a patty roughly 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than the bun. Do not overwork the meat. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce doming.

Season

Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking.

Toast buns

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Split the burger buns and spread softened butter on cut sides. Place buns cut-side down on the hot skillet and toast until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

Cook patties

Increase heat to medium-high. Add the patties to the hot skillet (work in batches if necessary) and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes for medium (internal temp ~140–145°F / 60–63°C). Place one slice of American cheese on each patty in the last 1 minute of cooking and cover the skillet briefly to melt the cheese.

Build burgers

On the bottom bun add a tablespoon of mayonnaise, a lettuce leaf, a tomato slice and the cheeseburger patty. Top with two pickle slices and some thinly sliced red onion. Spread mustard on the top bun and place on the burger. Serve immediately with ketchup on the side.

If making the grilled chicken option, flatten each chicken breast to an even 1/2-inch thickness (use a meat mallet or rolling pin inside a plastic bag). In a bowl combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder and lemon juice. Rub the marinade over both sides of the chicken and let sit 10–15 minutes (or refrigerate up to 2 hours).

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high and oil the grates. Grill chicken 4–6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. Rest chicken 5 minutes, then place on toasted bun, add lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise or preferred sauce, and serve.

Toast the multigrain bread or buns lightly. Spread 2 tablespoons hummus on one slice of bread. Layer cucumber slices, avocado slices (seasoned with a pinch of salt), sprouts and additional hummus if desired. Top with the other slice and cut in half to serve.

Prepare fries according to package instructions or fry fresh potatoes and season with salt. Heat pickles and hot sauce for serving. Plate sandwiches with fries and pickle slices. Provide ketchup, mustard and extra mayo on the side for passing.