Deluxe Hamburger Recipe

Make and shape patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Gently combine with your hands or a fork until just mixed—do not overwork. Divide into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Form each portion into a patty about 3/4" thick, making a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb (this helps prevent doming as they cook).

Cook patties

Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. When shimmering, add the patties leaving space between them. Cook undisturbed 3 minutes, flip, then cook 2–3 more minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). In the last 30–45 seconds of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty, cover the pan or tent with foil to melt the cheese. Remove patties to a plate and rest 2 minutes.

Prepare bacon

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a separate skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Prepare vegetables

Thinly slice the red onion into rings, slice the tomato into 1/4" rounds, and rinse and pat dry the lettuce leaves. If using avocado, slice just before assembling to avoid browning.

Make deluxe sauce

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, garlic powder and paprika. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust seasoning or add hot sauce if desired.

Toast buns

Butter the cut faces of the burger buns with the softened butter. Return the same skillet or griddle to medium heat and toast the buns, buttered side down, until golden and slightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes.

Assemble burgers

Spread about 1 tablespoon of the deluxe sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a lettuce leaf on each bottom bun, then a cheese-topped patty, 1 slice of bacon (folded if needed), 2–3 tomato slices, 2–3 onion rings, and 2 pickle slices. Spread a little sauce on the top bun and place it on the assembled burger. If using avocado, add 2–3 slices on top of the tomato before putting the top bun on.

Serve the DeLuxe Hamburgers immediately while hot with your choice of fries or a side salad. Provide extra napkins and additional condiments (ketchup, mustard, hot sauce) at the table.