Recipe: Memorial Day Cheeseburgers

Khalil offers a fresh and flavorful take on an American classic.

By Khalil Hymore

I am always up for a hamburger--always! My favorite burger? Hands down--In and Out. In and Out burger (a California burger joint chain) is my benchmark for what a good burger should be. It's hard to describe why an In and Out burger is so good. They are quite average looking actually--similar to your local diner burger, but they taste out of this world. For Memorial Day, I knew I wanted to create a burger, but I knew well enough to try and recreate the perfection that is In and Out. So, instead I created a burger that is flavorful and fresh, but also classic.

Makes 4 servings

For the burgers:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup minced yellow onion
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 slices cheddar cheese

To serve:

• 4 whole wheat sesame seed buns
• lettuce leaves
• tomato slices
• sliced red onion
• pickles
• ketchup
• mustard (I prefer good old fashioned yellow mustard)

In a large bowl combine the ground beef, onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt and pepper. Divide into four equal pieces and form into patties. Chill burgers and prep the remaining garnishes.

Heat the grill (or a grill pan over medium-high heat) and and oil the grates. Lay the burger patties onto the grill and cook until desired doneness, 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium rare. Place the cheese slices on the burgers 1 to 2 minutes before removing from the grill.

I like to serve burgers on whole wheat buns, with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard, but feel free to use your favorite toppings and condiments.