The Quintessential American Classic Cheeseburger

How to Make It

• 1

  Prepare the Patty: Gently mix 200 grams of fresh ground beef with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. Divide into two equal patties of approximately 100 grams each and gently press down on the center with your thumb to prevent bulging during cooking. This should take 5 minutes; avoid overworking the meat.

• 2

  Sear the Patties: Heat a heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Place each patty in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until beautifully browned on the exterior and cooked to your desired doneness (for medium-rare). Do not flip the patties too often while cooking; allow each side to form a nice crust.

• 3

  Add Cheese: In the last minute of cooking, place 1 slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty and cover the skillet with a lid to melt. Let it sit on low heat for 30 seconds for the cheese to melt slowly.

• 4

  Toast the Buns: Meanwhile, slice the brioche buns in half and toast the cut sides in the same skillet or a separate one for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Toasted interiors keep the exterior soft, balancing the flavors.

• 5

  Assemble: Spread your special sauce (a mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard works well) on the bottom half of the toasted bun. Layer with lettuce leaves, tomato slices, onion rings, and pickles. Place the cheeseburger patty on top of the vegetables and cover with the top half of the bun. Serve hot immediately; flavors meld best when warm.