Pickle Crustburger Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

This simple yet delicious burger recipe will become your go-to for a quick and satisfying meal. Packed with flavor, it's easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 2 teaspoons ketchup
• 2 teaspoons pickle juice
• 1/2 tablespoon softened butter
• 1 potato hamburger bun
• 1/4 pound ground beef
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 refrigerated pickle slices, such as Grillos
• 1 slice American cheese

Directions

1. In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and pickle juice until well blended. Set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spread butter on the outside of both top and bottom bun halves. Place the buns, buttered sides down, into the skillet and press to flatten. Toast for about 1 minute, then flip the buns and toast the other side for about 30 seconds, continuing to press them flat. Once toasted, remove the buns and set aside with the cut sides facing down.
3. Spread the desired amount of sauce over the cut sides of both buns.
4. Divide the ground beef into two portions and roll them into balls. Place them in the hot skillet. Using two spatulas, press the balls down to form very thin patties. Season with salt and pepper. Cook undisturbed until a golden-brown crust forms and small holes appear around the edges, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Carefully lift one patty from the skillet using a spatula. Place three pickle slices in the skillet and flip the burger patty on top of the pickles. Place a slice of cheese on top of the patty, then flip the second patty on top of the cheese.
6. Scrape the entire burger stack from the skillet and place it on the bottom half of the bun. Top with the other half of the bun, with the cut side facing up, and return the whole burger to the skillet.
7. Press down gently on the burger and cook each side for about 15 seconds to melt the cheese and warm the burger through.
8. Remove from the skillet and serve immediately, enjoying your perfectly toasted, cheesy burger!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	797
Total Fat	44g (56% DV)
Saturated Fat	16g (79% DV)
Cholesterol	138mg (46% DV)
Sodium	1835mg (80% DV)
Total Carbohydrates	53g (19% DV)
Dietary Fiber	5g (17% DV)
Total Sugars	13g
Protein	45g (91% DV)
Vitamin C	2mg (2% DV)
Calcium	497mg (38% DV)
Iron	6mg (35% DV)
Potassium	978mg (21% DV)

The Story Behind the Pickle Crustburger

The Pickle Crustburger is a modern twist on the classic American smashburger, combining nostalgic flavors with inventive presentation. While the exact origin is difficult to trace, its popularity began in the early 2010s when home cooks and food bloggers started experimenting with tangy pickles pressed into the burger crust to enhance flavor and texture. The addition of pickle juice to the sauce gives the burger a uniquely bright and savory tang that distinguishes it from traditional cheeseburgers.

Regional Characteristics

Though the Pickle Crustburger is broadly American, its roots are closely associated with the Midwest and Southern states, where pickles and smashed beef patties have long been staples of casual dining. In these regions, it is common to find variations that incorporate regional cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or pepper jack, and local pickling styles. The burgers buttery, pan-toasted bun also reflects the Southern tradition of rich, flavorful breading that enhances the overall mouthfeel.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Unlike a traditional cheeseburger or even the standard smashburger, the Pickle Crustburger incorporates pickles directly into the cooking process, not just as a topping. The patties are pressed onto pickle slices in the skillet, which creates a distinct pickle crust and infuses the meat with a subtle acidity. This method also differs from a Big Mac-style layered burger, which focuses more on multiple sauces and textures rather than the interaction between pickles and the patty itself.

Where Youll Typically Find It

The Pickle Crustburger is most commonly served in gourmet burger joints, food trucks, and home kitchens. It has made appearances at regional food festivals celebrating American comfort food and innovative fast-casual menus. While it has not yet reached the scale of nationwide fast-food chains, its cult following continues to grow thanks to social media and recipe-sharing communities.

Interesting Facts

• The concept of cooking the burger directly on pickle slices helps retain moisture and adds a unique tang to each bite.
• The burger sauce, which combines mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and pickle juice, is sometimes referred to as a secret weapon for its ability to complement both the beef and the pickles.
• Despite its contemporary creation, the Pickle Crustburger pays homage to the smashburger technique popularized in mid-20th century diners, emphasizing a crispy crust with juicy interior.
• Some home chefs experiment with different types of pickles, such as bread-and-butter or spicy dill, creating subtle variations in flavor and texture.
• Its visually striking appearancethin, stacked patties with cheese and pickles peeking throughis as Instagram-friendly as it is delicious.

FAQ about Pickle Crustburger Recipe

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