Here’s a quote that captures the essence of cooking and enjoying a good meal:
“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne
This quote reminds us that the best recipes, like our favorite burgers and fries, are made with passion and enjoyed with enthusiasm. What’s your favorite part about making or eating burgers and fries?

What’s Your Favorite Recipe? Burgers and Fries

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the classic combination of burgers and fries. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a hearty meal, this duo never disappoints. Here’s a recipe that brings together juicy, flavorful burgers and crispy, golden fries, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Burgers:

• 14 ounces ground chuck
• 4 thick slices of American cheese
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 2 medium sesame seed burger buns
• ½ cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 2 thick slices of tomato
• 2 tablespoons diced onion
• 1 tablespoon pickle slices
• 2 teaspoons mustard
• 2 teaspoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Fries:

• 2 medium russet potatoes
• 8 cups peanut oil for frying
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

For the Fries:

1. Prep the Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into ½-inch wide strips. Place them in a large bowl filled with warm water and soak for 20 minutes.
2. Heat the Oil: Pour the peanut oil into a Dutch oven and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
3. First Fry: Drain the potatoes well and dry thoroughly with paper towels. Add half of the dried potatoes to the hot oil and cook, stirring often, until they soften slightly, about 3 minutes. Remove the potatoes to a wire rack to drain. Repeat with the remaining potatoes.
4. Final Fry: Just before serving, return the fries to the hot oil and cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.

For the Burgers:

1. Form the Patties: Divide the ground chuck into 4 portions and flatten to form ¼-inch thick patties.
2. Cook the Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the burger patties to the hot skillet and cook undisturbed until a brown crust forms around the edges, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip, press down with a spatula to flatten, and cook for 2 more minutes. Flip again, press down once more, then top each patty with a slice of cheese; cook for 1 minute.
3. Assemble the Burgers: While the burgers cook, spread mustard and ketchup on the bottom halves of the buns. Drizzle hot sauce on the top halves of the buns, then spread mayonnaise over the top. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and onions. Place the cooked patties on the buns and serve immediately with the fries¹².

Tips for the Perfect Burger and Fries

• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Temperature Control: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for perfectly crispy fries.
• Customization: Feel free to customize your burger with your favorite toppings and sauces.

Enjoy your homemade burgers and fries with a cold drink and good company. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household!

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What’s your favorite way to enjoy burgers and fries? Let me know in the comments below!

¹: Allrecipes – Copycat Burger and Fries
²: Allrecipes – How to Make Copycat Five Guys Burger and Fries

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 8/24/2024
(1) Copycat Burger and Fries – Allrecipes. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/284117/copycat-burger-and-fries/.
(2) How to Make Copycat Five Guys Burger and Fries – Allrecipes. https://www.allrecipes.com/article/how-to-make-copycat-five-guys-burger-and-fries/.
(3) Sheet Pan Burgers and Fries – Meg’s Everyday Indulgence. https://www.megseverydayindulgence.com/2020/01/08/sheet-pan-burgers-and-fries/.
(4) Cheeseburger and fries recipe – BBC Food. https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/cheeseburger_and_fries_06202.