Classic Double Cheeseburger with Special Sauce

Classic Double Cheeseburger with Special Sauce

Ingredients:

For the Burger Patties:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (preferably 80% lean, 20% fat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices of American cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)

For the Special Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For Assembly:

• 4 sesame seed hamburger buns, toasted
• Iceberg lettuce, shredded
• Dill pickle slices
• Optional: sliced tomatoes and onions

Instructions:

Making the Special Sauce:

1. Mix the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix until well combined.
2. Chill the sauce: Cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

Preparing the Burger Patties:

1. Form the patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty, being careful not to overwork the meat. Press the patties to be slightly wider than the buns, as they will shrink when cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the patties: Heat a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add a little butter to the pan, and once melted, add the patties. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side, until a good sear forms.
3. Flip and add cheese: Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of American cheese on each one. Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil to help the cheese melt. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the patties are cooked to your desired doneness.

Assembling the Burgers:

1. Toast the buns: While the patties are cooking, toast the hamburger buns in the same skillet or in a toaster until golden brown.
2. Assemble the burger: Spread a generous amount of the special sauce on the bottom bun. Add a layer of shredded lettuce on top of the sauce.
3. Stack the patties: Place one cheeseburger patty on the lettuce, followed by the second cheeseburger patty. Add dill pickle slices on top of the second patty.
4. Finish it off: Spread more special sauce on the top bun and place it on top of the burger.
5. Serve immediately: Enjoy your classic double cheeseburger while it’s hot and juicy!

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can caramelize onions in the skillet before cooking the patties and add them to your burger.
• If you prefer, you can grill the patties instead of cooking them on the stove.
• Customize your burger with additional toppings like crispy bacon, jalapeños, or avocado slices.

This burger is a perfect combination of juicy beef, melty cheese, and tangy special sauce, making it an irresistible classic!