Aug 21 2026
Restaurants›Winchester Bar & Grill›Cheeseburger & Fries Recipe

Cheeseburger & Fries Recipe

Inspired by Winchester Bar & Grill
Time35m
Serves2

Our favorite cheeseburger, 6 oz of never frozen griddled beef, smashed for deliciousness, topped with classic American cheese and served on a brioche bun with lettuce, pickle, and onion. Served with crinkle-cut fries.

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Ingredients

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Burger

Fries

Optional / Condiments

Method

Burger

  1. 1

    Prepare beef portions

    Divide ground beef into two 6 oz loosely packed balls. Do not overwork the meat; handle minimally to keep texture tender. Season each ball on one face with about 1/4 tsp kosher salt and a light grind of black pepper.

  2. 2

    Preheat griddle or heavy skillet

    Heat a cast-iron skillet or flat top griddle over medium-high until very hot, about 4–6 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and swirl to coat.

  3. 3

    Sear and smash patties

    Place beef balls, seasoned side down, on the hot surface. Using a heavy spatula or a burger press (line with parchment or aluminum foil if desired), press each ball down firmly to about 1/4 inch thickness. Hold pressure for 10–12 seconds to create a good contact sear. Leave patties undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until deeply browned around edges.

  4. 4

    Flip and season

    Flip patties once using a thin spatula. Immediately season the now-exposed top faces with the remaining salt (about 1/4 tsp total divided) and remaining black pepper. Cook the second side 45–60 seconds.

  5. 5

    Add cheese and melt

    Place one slice of American cheese on each patty. Cover pan with a lid or a bowl for 20–30 seconds to help cheese melt and finish cooking. Cheeseburgers should reach medium doneness quickly because they are thin.

  6. 6

    Toast buns

    While cheese melts, butter the cut sides of brioche buns. Toast cut sides on a separate skillet or the griddle, buttered-side down, for 30–45 seconds until golden and fragrant.

  7. 7

    Assemble burgers

    Place bottom bun on plate, add a lettuce leaf, then the cheeseburger patty. Top with 3–4 dill pickle slices and a few rings of red onion. Spread condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo) on the top bun as desired, then place on burger. Serve immediately.

Fries

  1. 8

    Fry method (deep-fry)

    Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). In batches, fry the frozen crinkle-cut fries for 3–4 minutes until golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fries to a paper towel–lined tray. Immediately sprinkle with fine sea salt and toss gently to distribute.

  2. 9

    Oven method (if not frying)

    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1–2 tbs oil and toss to coat. Bake 18–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden. Season with fine sea salt immediately after baking.

  3. 10

    Serve fries

    Portion fries alongside the assembled cheeseburgers. Offer ketchup, mustard, and mayo on the side for dipping.

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