Divide the ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form each portion into a patty roughly 4–4½ inches in diameter and about 3/4 inch thick. Avoid overworking the meat. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce puffing while cooking.

season

Season both sides of each patty evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking.

cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat until very hot (about 3–4 minutes). Place the patties in the dry skillet (do not overcrowd). Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side without pressing. Flip once and cook 2–3 minutes more for medium (adjust time ±1 minute for desired doneness).

melt cheese

About 1 minute before the patties are done, place 2 oz (approx. 2 slices total) of white cheddar on each patty and cover the pan with a lid to melt for 30–60 seconds until cheese is melted and glossy.

toast buns

While patties rest 3–4 minutes, spread butter on cut sides of brioche buns. Toast cut sides in a separate skillet or in the oven under a broiler until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.

assemble

Spread about 1½ tablespoons of sriracha mayo on the bottom bun. Place lettuce (2 leaves per burger), tomato slice, the cheeseburger patty, and a few rings of red onion. Top with the other bun half. Serve immediately with fries.

Sriracha Mayo

Combine mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and homogenous. Taste and adjust spiciness by adding more sriracha if desired. Refrigerate until ready to use. Makes roughly 1/3 cup — about 1½ tablespoons per burger.

Fries

prep potatoes

Cut scrubbed russet potatoes into 1/4–3/8 inch sticks. Rinse under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch. Pat dry thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towels.

optional toss

For crisper fries, toss the dried potato sticks with 1 tsp cornstarch until lightly coated.

fry

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F if using a thermometer). Add potatoes in a single layer (work in batches to avoid crowding). Fry, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp, about 6–8 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined tray.

season & serve

Immediately season fries with kosher salt while hot. Serve alongside burgers.