Nothing beats the timeless appeal of a perfectly made classic burger. Juicy, flavorful, and satisfying, The Ultimate Classic Burger Recipe is your go-to guide for creating a burger masterpiece that rivals your favorite restaurant’s offering. Whether it’s for a family barbecue, a casual dinner, or a weekend indulgence, this recipe ensures you’ll have the ultimate burger experience at home.
Why Choose The Ultimate Classic Burger Recipe?
This recipe is designed to deliver a balance of flavors and textures, highlighting premium-quality ingredients and expert techniques. Unlike trendy or over-the-top creations, a classic burger focuses on simple yet powerful elements: a well-seasoned beef patty, fresh vegetables, and perfectly toasted buns. The Ultimate Classic Burger Recipe embodies this culinary simplicity while elevating it to perfection.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 4 people and provides a well-rounded meal.
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Additional Essentials:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or potato rolls)
- 4 slices of cheddar or American cheese
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Dill pickles, sliced (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Patties
The foundation of The Ultimate Classic Burger Recipe is the patty. Start by dividing the ground beef into four equal portions, about 4 ounces each. Gently shape the portions into patties that are slightly larger than the buns, as they will shrink while cooking. Avoid overworking the meat to ensure tender patties.
Season both sides of each patty with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired. Let them rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
2. Toasting the Buns
Cut the buns in half and lightly butter each side. Toast them on a hot skillet or grill until golden brown. This step adds a pleasant crunch and prevents the buns from getting soggy.
3. Making the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle relish to create a tangy, creamy burger sauce. Set it aside for assembly.
4. Cooking the Patties
Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes on each side for medium doneness, or adjust the timing based on your preference. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.
5. Assembling the Burgers
Spread a generous amount of sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer with lettuce, a cheese-topped patty, a slice of tomato, onion rings, and pickles. Top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Tips for Perfecting The Ultimate Classic Burger Recipe
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh ground beef with a good fat ratio to ensure juicy patties.
- Avoid Pressing the Patties: Resist the urge to press the patties while cooking, as it forces out the juices.
- Experiment with Add-Ons: While this recipe is all about the classic approach, feel free to customize with bacon, avocado, or sautéed mushrooms for variety.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
