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Ingredients
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Beef Patties
Toppings & Cheese
Special Sauce
Buns & Finishes
Optional Sides (for serving)
Method
Beef Patties
Prepare and form patties
Place ground chuck in a large bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula just until combined — do not overwork the meat. Divide mixture into two equal portions and form into slightly wider-than-bun patties about 3/4" thick with a small dimple pressed into the center of each to prevent doming during cooking.
Cook patties
Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot (about 3–5 minutes). Add a light swipe of neutral oil if pan is dry. Place patties in the pan, leave undisturbed and cook 3–4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip once and cook another 2 minutes for medium-rare, 3–4 minutes for medium. During the last 60–90 seconds of cooking, place 1 slice of cheddar and 1 slice of smoked gouda on each patty, cover the pan with a lid or tent with foil to melt the cheese.
Toppings & Cheese
Thinly slice red onion into rings or half-moons (about 1/4 cup per burger). Slice tomato into 4 even slices. Wash and pat dry butter lettuce leaves. Have pickle slices ready.
Special Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a touch more vinegar or relish for brightness or a pinch more salt if needed. Refrigerate until ready to assemble (can be made 1–2 days ahead).
Buns & Finishes
Slice brioche buns in half. Melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Brush cut sides of buns with melted butter and toast in skillet until golden, about 1–2 minutes per side. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on buttered cut side before toasting so they adhere.
Assemble the Cadillac Grille: Spread about 1.5 tbs of special sauce on the bottom bun. Add a lettuce leaf, place the double-cheese-topped beef patty, add two strips of bacon (or crumble to fit), top with tomato slice, red onion, and 4 pickle slices. Spread a little sauce on the top bun and close. Press gently to compact slightly.
Serve immediately with optional thick-cut fries and pickle spears.