Classic American Restaurant-Style Cheeseburger

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Classic American Restaurant-Style Cheeseburger

Perfected Recipe & Professional Kitchen Insights

Classic American Restaurant-Style Cheeseburger
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Calories
630 kcal per serving

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this authentic, restaurant-style smash burger recipe. Featuring a juicy, crusty 80/20 ground chuck patty, perfectly melted American cheese, and crisp fresh toppings on a toasted brioche bun, this burger recreates the diner experience right in your kitchen. The 'smash' technique ensures a caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.

⚠️ ALLERGEN INFORMATION

Dairy (Cheese, Butter, Bun)Gluten (Bun)Egg (Mayonnaise, Bun)Soy (Bun, Mayonnaise - check labels)

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) Ground Chuck (80% lean / 20% fat)
  • 4 Brioche Burger Buns
  • 4 slices Deli-Style American Cheese
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted (for buns)
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 tsp Coarse Black Pepper
  • 4 leaves Iceberg or Green Leaf Lettuce
  • 4 slices Ripe Tomato
  • 1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced
  • 12 Dill Pickle Chips
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup
  • 1 tsp Sweet Pickle Relish
  • 1/2 tsp White Vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp Sugar

✨ Chef's Secrets

  • Secret: Keep the beef cold until the moment it hits the hot pan; this prevents the fat from rendering too early and ensures a juicy burger.
  • Secret: Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat for searing.
  • Secret: Use 'deli' American cheese rather than pre-wrapped singles for superior melting and texture.
  • Secret: For the authentic 'smash' crust, use a stainless steel spatula with a straight edge to scrape the fond (crust) off the pan when flipping.

🔥 Recommended Gear for Success

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 12-inch

Essential for maintaining the high, even heat required to get the signature dark crust on a restaurant-style smash burger.

Cuisinart Cast Iron Burger Press

Allows you to apply even pressure to smash the burger patty flat quickly without it falling apart, creating a uniform shape and cook.

Mercer Culinary Hell's Handle Heavy Duty Turner

A stiff, heavy-duty metal spatula is critical for scraping the caramelized crust off the pan when flipping the burger.

👨‍🍳 Preparation Directions

  1. Make the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, and sugar. Refrigerate until assembly.
  2. Prep the Meat: Divide the cold ground beef into 4 equal portions (4 oz each). Gently form them into loose round balls. Do not pack them tight; keep the meat cold until cooking.
  3. Toast the Buns: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush the cut sides of the buns with melted butter. Toast cut-side down for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  4. Heat the Pan: Increase heat to medium-high/high. The skillet needs to be very hot to create a crust.
  5. Smash the Burgers: Place the beef balls onto the hot skillet, leaving space between them. immediately smash them flat using a heavy spatula or burger press until they are about 1/2 inch thick. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
  6. Cook: Sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a deep, dark brown crust forms on the bottom.
  7. Flip and Cheese: Scrape firmly under the patties to ensure the crust stays attached to the meat, then flip. Immediately place a slice of American cheese on each patty.
  8. Finish: Cook for 1 more minute. To ensure safety, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Cover the pan with a lid or melting dome for the last 30 seconds to steam the cheese if necessary.
  9. Assemble: Spread special sauce on the bottom bun. Layer lettuce, tomato, the cheesy patty, pickles, and red onion. Top with the bun crown and serve immediately.

🔄 Smart Substitutions

  • Meat: Ground turkey or Impossible/Beyond Beef for a vegetarian option.
  • Bun: Potato buns or sesame seed buns can replace brioche; use lettuce wraps for low-carb/gluten-free.
  • Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, or Pepper Jack can be used, though they melt differently than American cheese.
  • Sauce: Thousand Island dressing is a quick alternative to the homemade special sauce.

🌡️ Storage & Reheating

Burgers are best enjoyed fresh. Leftover cooked patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture.

📈 Restaurant Profit Analysis (US Market)

Est. Cost
$2.85 per serving
Menu Price
$12.00
Margin
76%
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