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Classic Blue Diner Burger with House Sauce inspired by The Blue Diner
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Inspired by The Blue Diner

Classic Blue Diner Burger with House Sauce

Main Course
This hearty burger features a juicy beef patty topped with melted cheddar and crispy bacon. The combination of fresh vegetables and special house sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This diner classic represents American comfort food at its finest.
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Inactive Time 10 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs Ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 slices Cheddar cheese (Sharp cheddar preferred)
  • 8 slices Bacon
  • 4 whole Brioche buns
  • 2 tbsp Butter (Softened)
  • 4 leaves Romaine lettuce (Washed and dried)
  • 1 large Tomato (Sliced)
  • 1/2 medium Red onion (Thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Dill pickle relish
  • 2 large Russet potatoes (For fries)

Tools You'll Need

  • Cast-iron skillet or grill pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spatula
  • Small bowl for sauce

Chef's Tip

For juicier burgers, make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb before cooking. This prevents the patties from puffing up in the middle and helps them cook evenly.

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Do not overmix.
  2. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties about 3/4-inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
  3. While patties chill, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
  4. Prepare house sauce by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and relish in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  5. Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  6. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on first side. Flip and cook for 3-4 minutes more for medium doneness.
  7. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
  8. Meanwhile, butter the cut sides of brioche buns and toast on a separate pan until golden brown.
  9. To assemble burgers, spread house sauce on both top and bottom buns. Layer bottom bun with lettuce, tomato, burger patty with melted cheese, bacon, red onion, and top bun.
  10. Serve immediately with fries on the side.

Plating

Place the assembled burger on a plate with a side of golden fries. Serve with small ramekins of ketchup and extra house sauce for dipping. Garnish the plate with a pickle spear and a sprinkle of paprika on the fries for color.

Storage & Reheating

Burger patties can be formed and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. Cooked burgers are best enjoyed immediately. If storing leftovers, disassemble the burger and store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

About This Recipe

A classic American diner burger with all the traditional fixings. Diners across the country have perfected this hearty comfort food over decades. This version pays homage to the traditional preparation while incorporating a special house sauce that adds tanginess and depth of flavor to complement the richness of the burger.

How did it turn out?

We'd love to hear about your experience making this recipe!