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Classic American Cheeseburger Recipe – Easy Juicy Burgers with Special Sauce

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This Classic American Cheeseburger features juicy beef patties, melted cheddar cheese, and a tangy special sauce, all stacked on a toasted brioche bun. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing comfort food perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 chuck)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 brioche hamburger buns
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 4 kosher dill pickle slices
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tsp pickle brine
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Special Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, pickle brine, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until smooth, taste and adjust seasoning, then refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Prep the Veggies: Slice tomato and red onion thinly. Shred lettuce. Pat tomato slices dry with paper towels.
  3. Toast the Buns: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Spread butter on the cut sides of each brioche bun. Toast buns butter-side down for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Set aside.
  4. Form the Patties: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently shape into balls. Season each with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  5. Cook the Patties: Heat skillet or grill pan over medium-high until just smoking. Place beef balls on pan and press down with spatula to flatten to about 1/2-inch thickness. Sear for 2-3 minutes until edges are crisp.
  6. Flip & Add Cheese: Flip each patty and top with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and burger is cooked through (internal temp 160°F for well done, 150°F for medium).
  7. Assemble the Burgers: Spread about 1 tbsp special sauce on the bottom bun. Layer with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle slices, and the hot cheeseburger patty. Add another dollop of sauce on top, then cap with the toasted top bun.
  8. Serve Immediately: Serve burgers hot, with fries or chips if desired.

Notes

For best results, use cold beef and avoid overworking the meat. Toast buns well to prevent sogginess. The special sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days. For gluten-free or vegetarian options, substitute buns or patties as needed. Cover the pan for the last minute to help cheese melt. Let burgers rest for 1 minute before assembling.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger, classic burger, American burger, juicy burger, special sauce, family dinner, easy burger recipe, cookout, grilling, skillet burger

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/classic-american-cheeseburger-recipe-easy-juicy-burgers-with-special-sauce/