A&W Copycat Buddy Burger Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">450g lean ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 hamburger buns, preferably with sesame seeds</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 slices American cheese (or processed cheese slices)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 leaves iceberg lettuce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the special sauce:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g mayonnaise</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g ketchup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g sweet pickle relish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon white vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of garlic powder</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Cast iron skillet or griddle</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Spatula</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Meat thermometer</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a small bowl, prepare the special sauce by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, white vinegar, sugar, paprika, and a pinch of garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well-blended. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the burgers to allow flavors to meld together.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Place the ground beef in a large bowl and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently with your hands until just combined - overmixing will create tough patties. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 110g each) and form into thin patties slightly larger than your buns, as they'll shrink during cooking. Create a small dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent it from puffing up.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Heat your cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. A properly preheated surface is crucial for developing a flavorful crust on the patties while keeping the interior juicy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Place the patties on the hot cooking surface and cook for about 2-3 minutes until a brown crust forms on the bottom. Flip once and immediately place a slice of cheese on each patty. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature of 70°C). Don't press down on the patties while cooking as this will squeeze out the juices.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>While the patties are cooking, lightly butter the cut sides of your hamburger buns. In the last minute of cooking, place the buns butter-side down on a clear spot of the cooking surface and toast until golden brown, about 30-60 seconds.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>To assemble your burgers, spread a generous tablespoon of the special sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a lettuce leaf, followed by the cheese-topped patty. Sprinkle some diced onions on top of the melted cheese and finish with the top bun. For the authentic A&W experience, wrap each burger in parchment paper and let rest for a minute before serving – this creates a slight steam effect that softens the bun just like the original.</li></ol>