Ingredients :
- To make the burgers:
- 8 slices bacon halved
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 4 hamburger buns split
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices American cheese
- For serving:
- mayonnaise
- lettuce leaves
- tomato slices
- onions sliced
- dill pickle chips
Directions :
- In a large cold skillet, arrange bacon in a single layer (don't let it overlap too much). Increase heat medium and cook, flipping the pieces often to promote even browning, until they reach your desired doneness (8 to 15 minutes).
- Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Wipe out the skillet and return to medium heat. Spread butter on each cut side of the buns and toast until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes, working in batches if necessary.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Form beef into 4 balls, about 4 ounces each. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place burger balls onto the hot griddle or skillet several inches apart (working in batches if needed). Using a grill press or spatula, press patties down, making burgers as thin and flat as possible. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Flip burger patties, scraping from the pan to keep the layer that has formed on the patty. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top each patty with a slice of cheese and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Spread mayonnaise on each half of a toasted bun. Transfer patties to the bottom half of each bun. Top with 4 pieces of bacon, and your preferred toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles. Top with the top half of the bun and serve.
