The Crustburger Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 2 teaspoons softened butter
• 1 potato hamburger bun
• 2 ounces 70% lean ground beef
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 very thin slice onion
• 1 slice American cheese, such as Kraft Deluxe American cheese slices
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Crystal hot sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon fish sauce

Directions

Step 1: Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread butter over the top of the bun and the bottom of the bottom bun, then place in the skillet. Press down firmly with a spatula to completely flatten the buns. Cook until toasted on both sides, then set aside.

Step 2: Increase the heat under the skillet to medium-high. Place the ground beef in a mounded ball into the hot skillet and press firmly with a spatula. Gently work the spatula in a circular motion to form a very thin patty with jagged edges. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Place the slice of onion on top of the patty and cook until the onion is browned around the edges. Top with the slice of cheese and cook until the cheese is fully melted.

Step 4: Carefully scrape the burger from the skillet and place it on top of the bun top. Invert the other bun so that the inside of the bun is now facing out. Place the burger back into the skillet and cook for about 1 minute on each side.

Step 5: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, and fish sauce. Serve the sauce alongside the burger.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	56g Fat	58g Carbs	47g Protein
929	56g	58g	47g

Nutrition Breakdown

• Calories: 929
• Total Fat: 56g (72% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 24g (120% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 167mg (56% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 2248mg (98% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 58g (21% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (16% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 47g (95% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 3mg (3% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 1358mg (104% Daily Value)
• Iron: 6mg (31% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 1018mg (22% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Crustburger: History, Regional Variations, and Fascinating Facts

The Crustburger is a modern take on the classic American hamburger, developed by chef Sean Brock of Joyland Restaurants. Unlike traditional burgers, the Crustburger is defined by its extremely thin patty, crisped edges, and a unique potato bun that is flattened and toasted in a skillet. This innovative approach emerged in the early 2000s in the southern United States, where chefs were experimenting with nostalgic comfort foods, transforming them into gourmet experiences. The focus was on creating a burger with contrasting textures: the crunch of the golden bun paired with the tender, juicy meat and melting cheese. Over time, the Crustburger became a cult favorite among food enthusiasts who appreciate both simplicity and flavor sophistication.

Regional Features

The Crustburger carries distinct southern influences, especially from Tennessee and Kentucky, where skillet-toasted buns and thin, hand-pressed patties are a local tradition. Unlike burgers that rely on thick, juicy patties, the Crustburger emphasizes technique over volume. The addition of a potato-based bun sets it apart from typical wheat buns, giving it a slightly sweeter flavor and a dense texture that crisps beautifully when pan-fried. Regional variations often include local hot sauces or pickled vegetables, enhancing the savory-sweet balance that defines southern fast-casual cuisine.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While the Crustburger shares similarities with smash burgers, its preparation is more precise. Smash burgers flatten the patty once in the skillet, while the Crustburger requires the meat to be pressed and shaped with a circular motion to create jagged edges that caramelize evenly. The inversion of the potato bunplacing the inside outadds an extra layer of crispiness and distinguishes it from conventional cheeseburgers. Moreover, the use of a specialized sauce blending mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, and fish sauce introduces a subtle umami punch rarely found in classic burgers.

Serving Occasions

Crustburgers are typically served in boutique diners, southern-themed restaurants, and gourmet burger joints. Due to their artisanal nature, they are rarely found in fast-food chains. They are ideal as a casual lunch or dinner item, often accompanied by hand-cut fries or a side salad. In some modern eateries, the Crustburger is presented as a chefs special, emphasizing the culinary skill required to achieve its signature crusty texture and perfectly melted cheese.

Interesting Facts

• The Crustburgers potato bun is inspired by early 20th-century southern cooking, where potato-based breads were common due to their moisture-retaining properties.
• The jagged edges of the patty caramelize faster than smooth-edged burgers, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
• Sean Brock, the creator, is known for reimagining traditional southern recipes, and the Crustburger reflects his philosophy of elevating simple comfort foods.
• Though it appears minimalistic, the combination of buttered, inverted buns, thin patty, cheese, and sauce creates a layered taste profile that has made it popular on social media food communities.

Overall, the Crustburger is not just a burger; it is a culinary experience that combines southern tradition, creative technique, and modern flavor innovation, making it a unique and memorable dish for any burger enthusiast.

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