Double Cheeseburger * Recipe

Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz each). Gently form each portion into thin patties about 3.5–4 inches (9–10 cm) across and roughly 1/4 inch thick. Do not overwork the meat; press a slight dimple in the center of each patty so they cook evenly.

Lightly season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Brush or toss the patties with the tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to distribute flavor.

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot (about 3–5 minutes). Add the neutral oil and spread to coat the surface.

Working in batches if necessary, place 2 patties per burger on the hot surface. Cook undisturbed for 1.5–2 minutes until the bottoms are deeply browned. Use a spatula to press each patty down slightly to increase contact with the pan (this helps form a good sear).

Flip the patties and immediately top each patty with a slice of American cheese. Cook for an additional 1–1.5 minutes until cheese is melted and patties are cooked through (about medium). Remove cooked patties to a warm plate and tent with foil while you cook remaining patties.

Make Burger Sauce

While patties cook, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, hot sauce (if using), salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.

Lightly butter the cut sides of the burger buns with the softened butter.

Toast the buttered buns, cut-side down, on a separate skillet or on the griddle over medium heat until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

Assemble each burger: spread about 1.5 tablespoons of the prepared sauce on the bottom bun. Place two warm cheese-topped patties on top of the sauce (stack patties so cheese layers are visible).

Top the patties with shredded lettuce (about 1/4 cup), 2–3 pickle chips, 2–3 thin tomato slices, and a few rings of red onion (about 1 tablespoon). Spread a thin layer (about 1 teaspoon) of sauce on the top bun and place it on the burger.

Serve immediately with fries or your preferred side.