Classic Cheeseburger with Spicy Pickles 🍔

 Classic Cheeseburger with Spicy Pickles 🍔🍖

Ingredients

For the Burgers:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 fat ratio for juicy burgers)🥓
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper🧂
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese🧈
• 4 brioche buns, toasted🥯
• 4 lettuce leaves🥖
• 4 tomato slices🍅
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 🧄

For Spicy Pickles:

• 1 cup cucumber slices🥒
• 1/2 cup white vinegar🥃
• 1/4 cup water🧊
• 1 tablespoon sugar🧂
• 1 teaspoon salt🧂
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes🥢
• 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced🥡

Optional Toppings:

• Ketchup🍼
• Mustard🧉
• Mayonnaise🍾

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Spicy Pickles

1. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, chili flakes, and garlic. Bring to a boil.
2. Pour the hot brine over cucumber slices in a heatproof jar or bowl. Let it cool to room🥒 temperature.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.🥘

Step 2: Prepare the Burger Patties

1. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape them into patties about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.🥚

Step 3: Cook the Burgers

• Stovetop: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on one side. Flip and place a slice of cheese on each patty. Cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the cheese melts and the burger reaches your desired doneness.
• Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, adding cheese after flipping.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheeseburgers

1. Spread ketchup, mustard, or mayo on the bottom half of each toasted bun (optional).
2. Place a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice on the bun.🍋
3. Add the cooked cheeseburger patty.
4. Top with red onion slices and a generous portion of spicy pickles.🥒
5. Close the burger with the top bun.🥯

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately with fries, chips, or a fresh side salad. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness with a tangy, spicy pickle kick!🍔