The Wunsche Burger Recipe

Form and season patties

Divide the 1 lb house-ground brisket & chuck blend into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each) for roughly 4 sliders/smaller burgers or into 2 portions if you want larger 8 oz patties. Gently form each portion into a loosely packed round patty about 3/4"–1" thick, making a shallow indentation in the center with your thumb to reduce puffing during cooking. Season both sides generously with kosher salt (about 1/4 tsp per side) and freshly ground black pepper.

Cook patties

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron griddle over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and swirl to coat. Place patties on the hot surface without crowding. For medium doneness cook about 3-4 minutes per side (longer for thicker patties or more well-done). If adding cheese, place a slice of cheese on each patty in the last 30–60 seconds of cooking and cover the pan briefly to melt.

Prepare buns

Split brioche buns and butter the cut sides with the unsalted butter. Toast buns cut-side down in a clean skillet or on the griddle over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Set toasted buns aside, toasted sides up.

Slice produce

Slice the tomato into 1/4" rounds. Thinly slice the red onion into rings. If using whole dill pickles, slice them into rounds about 1/8" thick. Keep the lettuce leaves whole and dry.

Assemble burger

Spread about 1 tablespoon of the house sauce (or your preferred condiment) on the bottom bun. Place one lettuce leaf, then a cooked patty, followed by tomato slice, red onion rings, and 2–3 dill pickle slices. Add any optional add-ons (see below). Top with the toasted top bun and serve immediately.

Extra patty

If adding an extra patty, cook an additional formed patty exactly as directed above and stack it on top of the first patty before adding tomato and onion.

Cheese

Add a slice of cheese to the patty in the last 30–60 seconds of cooking and cover the pan to melt.

Fried egg

Heat 1 teaspoon oil or butter in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Crack an egg into the pan and cook until the whites are set but yolk still runny, about 2–3 minutes for sunny-side up. For over-easy, flip and cook 10–20 seconds more. Place the fried egg on the patty just before topping with the bun.

Smoked bacon

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels and stack 1–2 strips on the burger as desired.

Avocado

Peel and thinly slice the avocado. Layer 3–4 slices on the burger or mash slightly with a pinch of salt and spread on the bun.

Whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp ketchup, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp sweet pickle relish and 1/4 tsp hot sauce (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning. Spread ~1 tablespoon on the bottom bun of each burger.