Bobby Flay's The Perfect Burger (aka The Crunch Burger)

I saw this on the Today Show a couple of weeks ago and decided to give it a try.  This is seriously "The Perfect Burger" as far as I'm concerned!  Juicy, sloppy, cheesy goodness!!  I may never cook hamburgers any other way ever again!  I put a little yellow mustard and catsup on my buttered and lightly toasted bottom bun, some Chipotle Sweet Relish, Dill Pickle chips, 2 thin slices of Beefsteak Tomato, Romaine Lettuce and Lay's Lightly Salted Potato Chips on the burger with a little Mayonnaise on the top bun.  Perfect Burger!  - Cathy, May 28, 2106

The Perfect Burger (aka The Crunch Burger)

Bobby Flay

 May. 16, 2016 at 8:15 AM

Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

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SERVINGS:  4

 Burger season is right around the corner! Avoid common mistakes and make this recipe from burger aficionado Bobby Flay.

Ingredients

• • 1½ pounds ground chuck (80/20)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Canola oil
  • Thin slices of white American cheese
  • Thin slices of white cheddar cheese
  • Sliced beef steak tomatoes
  • Sliced dill pickles
  • Sliced red onion
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Martin's seeded soft burger buns
  • Lay's potato chips
  • 6-inch wooden skewers
  • Dijon mustard
  • Horseradish mustard
  • Ketchup

Preparation

1. Form the meat into 4 equal-sized patties (6-ounces each) no more than ¾-inch thick.  TIP 1 - 80/20 ground chuck is Bobby's preferred choice for burgers because of the relatively high fat content, guaranteeing a juicy burger.

2. Using your thumb, make a deep depression in the center of each burger to keep the burger from puffing up and bulging in the center. 

3. Season the outside of the burger liberally with salt and pepper.  Do not season the meat mixture itself or add herbs or onions or garlic to it.  That is meatloaf.  We are making burgers.

4. Heat a cast iron pan or griddle over high heat until it begins to slightly smoke.  Add a few teaspoons of canola oil and put the burgers in the pan or on griddle and do not touch until a crust has formed on the bottom, this will take at least 3 minutes. Once a crust has formed, use a metal spatula and flip over and continue cooking until a crust has formed on the bottom and cooked to desired doneness (MEDIUM) another 4 minutes. DO NOT PRESS ON THE BURGER.

5. Place 2 slices of cheese on each burger add a few splashes of water and immediately cover the pan tightly and cook until cheese is completely melted, about 30 seconds.

6. A soft bun with sesame seeds is the way to go. Lightly toast the bun (if desired) and place the burger on the bottom of the bun. Add desired toppings and a few potato chips. Place top of bun on top and place a skewer through the burger.