AI-generated image, for illustration only.
Classic Beef Burger
with Melted Cheddar, Special Sauce & Herby Fries
Our first burger — a properly seasoned, hand-shaped patty, melted cheddar, a quick special sauce that's better than anything from a squeeze bottle, and oven fries with real herbs through them.
Ingredients (for 2)
Pantry basics not counted above: olive oil for cooking, and a pinch of salt for the fries.
Method
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Bake the herby fries
Preheat the oven to 200°C fan-forced (220°C standard). Cut the potato into fries, toss on a lined tray with oil, salt and the dried herbs, and spread out in a single layer. Bake until golden, 25–30 minutes.
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Make the special sauce
Stir the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and a splash of pickle juice (if you've got it) together in a small bowl.
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Shape the patties
Combine the mince with a good pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl — don't overwork it, just bring it together. Shape into patties a little wider than your buns; they shrink as they cook.
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Cook the patties
Heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat and cook the patties 3–4 minutes a side for a proper sear. In the last minute, top each patty with a slice of cheddar and cover the pan briefly so it melts.
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Toast the buns and build
Toast the cut sides of the buns in the same hot pan for a minute. Spread the special sauce on both halves, then layer lettuce, the cheesy patty, tomato and red onion.
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Serve
Serve the burgers with the herby fries alongside.