Da Legend Of Buzz’s Recipe

Make and shape patties

Place the ground beef into a large bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands or a fork until just combined — do not overwork the meat. Divide mixture into two equal portions and gently shape into 3/4-inch thick patties about the diameter of your buns. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.

Let patties rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the sauce and toppings. This firms them up for an even sear.

Cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot (about 4–5 minutes). Lightly oil the surface if needed. Place patties on the skillet and cook without moving 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip once and top each patty with a slice of cheddar. Cook another 2–3 minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). Remove patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest for 3–4 minutes.

While patties rest, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, hot sauce and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more vinegar for tang, more relish for sweetness, or more hot sauce for heat. Chill until ready to assemble.

Prep vegetables: thinly slice the red onion into rings, slice the tomato into 1/4-inch slices, and wash and pat dry the lettuce leaves.

Toast buns: Spread softened butter on cut sides of each bun. Return the hot skillet to medium heat and place buns cut-side down for 30–60 seconds until golden and slightly crisp. Remove from heat.

Assemble the burger: Spread about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the special sauce on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the sauce to act as a moisture barrier. Put the cheese-topped patty on the lettuce, add 2–3 pickle slices, a couple of tomato slices and a few red onion rings. Add a little extra sauce to the top bun if desired, then close the burger. Repeat for the second burger.

Serve immediately with fries or potato chips and extra hot sauce on the side.