Double RL Ranch Burger

By stancec44

Ralph Lauren's signature burger. At his New York City restaurant, they use a mix of chuck, brisket, and short rib. If you have an awesome butcher, ask him or her to give you a blend, but you’ll get great results with chuck alone.

Ingredients

• Ralph’s Special Sauce
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Hellmann's or Best Foods)
• 1/3 cup ketchup (preferably Heinz)
• 2 tablespoons sweet relish
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped cornichons
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (preferably Tabasco)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Burgers
• 3 pounds ground beef chuck (20% fat)
• Kosher salt
• 8 ounces clothbound cheddar (such as Cabot), thinly sliced
• 8 sesame buns, toasted
• 16 slices bacon, cooked
• Green leaf lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced red onion, and sliced pickles (for serving)

Details

Servings 8
Adapted from bonappetit.com

Preparation

Step 1

Ralph’s Special Sauce
Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, cornichons, onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce in a small bowl; season sauce with salt and pepper.
Do Ahead: Sauce can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.


Burgers
Prepare grill for medium-high heat. Divide beef into 8 portions (about 6 oz. each). Working with 1 portion at a time, cup your hands around the meat and begin to gently shape it into a round patty, being careful not to pack the meat too tightly. Lightly press down on patty to flatten, then press a slight indentation into the center with your thumb (this will prevent patties from bulging when cooked).

Generously season both sides of patties with salt and grill 5 minutes. Turn and top with cheese. Cover grill and cook until cheese is melted and patties are medium-rare, about 5 minutes more. Transfer to a platter and let rest 5 minutes.
Build burgers with buns, patties, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and special sauce.