Garlic Cheddar Burger (Printable Version)

Tender beef, loads of garlic, cheddar and Parmesan, all stacked with crunchy veggies and sauces on a soft, toasty bun.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the burgers

01 - 450 grams ground beef
02 - 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
03 - 50 grams Parmesan cheese, finely grated
04 - 15 milliliters Worcestershire sauce
05 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
06 - 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ For assembly

07 - 4 hamburger buns
08 - 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
09 - Romaine or butter lettuce leaves
10 - Ripe tomato, sliced
11 - Mayonnaise
12 - Ketchup

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef with minced garlic, grated Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until just blended to maintain tenderness.
02 - Divide mixture into four equal portions. Shape each into a compact patty approximately 1.5 centimeters thick, pressing a shallow indent into the center.
03 - Heat a grill or heavy skillet over medium-high until hot. Lightly oil the surface if necessary.
04 - Place patties onto the hot surface; cook for about 5 minutes per side until juices appear on the top, flipping once and adjusting timing for preferred doneness.
05 - With one minute left in cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar. Cover grill or pan loosely to encourage melting until the cheese is glossy and begins to ooze.
06 - Arrange lettuce leaves and tomato slices on the cut sides of the bottom buns.
07 - Place hot patties with melted cheese on prepared buns. Spread mayonnaise and ketchup as preferred, cap with the top buns, and gently press to secure.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Choose freshly ground beef with at least 20% fat for optimal juiciness and aroma.
02 - Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid dense or tough patties.
03 - A shallow thumb indent in each patty prevents doming and ensures even cooking.
04 - Resting the patties for two to three minutes after cooking helps retain internal moisture.
05 - Substitute different cheese types or experiment with additional toppings such as pickles, grilled onions, or spicy sauces to tailor flavor.
06 - For lighter options, use lean meats, whole-grain buns, or plant-based patties and dairy-free cheeses.
07 - Serve with crisp potato fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh green salad.