Serves: 4
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10–12 minutes

Ingredients

For the burgers

  • 800 g ground beef, ideally 80% lean / 20% fat
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 8 slices American or cheddar cheese
  • 4 brioche or sesame burger buns
  • 1 tbsp butter, for toasting

Toppings

  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • Dill pickle slices
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1 large tomato, sliced

Burger sauce

  • 4 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp pickle relish
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

Method

  1. Make the sauce: Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  2. Shape the patties: Divide the beef into 8 equal portions and gently form thin patties slightly wider than your buns.
  3. Season: Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder just before cooking.
  4. Cook the beef: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook the patties until well browned and cooked through. Ground beef should reach 71°C / 160°F internally.
  5. Melt the cheese: Place one cheese slice over each patty during the final minute of cooking. Let it melt completely.
  6. Toast the buns: Lightly butter the cut sides of the buns and toast until golden brown.
  7. Build: Spread burger sauce over the bottom bun. Add lettuce, tomato, the first cheeseburger patty, pickles and onion, followed by the second cheeseburger patty. Add extra sauce and finish with the toasted top bun.

Tip: For a classic diner-style double cheeseburger, make the patties relatively thin. This gives you more browned, caramelized surface while the double layer keeps the burger rich and juicy.