Some foods are just better in the warmer weather. Burgers are one of them, along with their cousin, the hotdog. I only make burgers on a grill, both because I prefer the flavor and because I don’t like the smell in my house of indoor grilling.

Being the product of the 80’s, I grew up on Big Macs. This sauce is inspired by that sauce and compliments the juicy burgers perfectly!

Tips:

• Don’t skimp on the fat content in your ground beef. 80-85% lean is about as lean as you should get on a burger, otherwise you will be making a dry burger.

• Mixing Italian sausage into the beef mixture would be a delicious addition. Sausage is already seasoned, so you will get a deliciously flavorful burger.

• Check out the link to our Quick Bread-and-Butter Pickles to top this burgers.

Burgers with Special Sauce

Serves 4

PREP 10 minutes

COOK 7 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2- 2 lbs. mixed ground sirloin and chuck

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

4 slices of cheddar cheese (2 ounces) or any cheese you prefer

Pickles

4 buns- brioche, potato, or make your own

Sauce (makes a cup)

½ cup mayonaise

¼ cup ketchup

2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish

2 teaspoons granulated sugar

2 teaspoons white vinegar

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make the sauce and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients. Serve immediately, or refrigerate, covered, for up to 1 week.

2. Preheat a grill pan or your grill over moderately high heat. Shape the meat into four 5-inch patties and season generously with salt and pepper.

3. Grill burgers until lightly charred, about 3 minutes. Flip the burgers and top with the cheddar.

4. Cook for about 3 minutes longer for medium-rare meat.

5. Let the burger rest 5 minutes before serving.

6. Top with homemade pickles and slather special sauce on your bun.