BA’s Double Ralph Lauren Burger

This weekend I kicked off summer with my annual rose wine party. The tradition is simple: I invite a fun group of friends over and ask everyone to bring a bottle of rose wine, I prepare a delicious meal and outdoor setting. The results typically conclude with much debauchery, a major chance of hangovers and a slight risk of regrets (none of note in 2015). Undoubtedly, always memorable events.

This year I prepared Bon Appetit’s June cover – Ralph Lauren’s Double Burger. As you can see in the photo, it’s pretty incredible. A heavy helping of homemade special sauce, a grilled slab of beef chuck and think cut bacon plus the summer’s best tomato. They were delicious and perfect for a picnic table dinner. And, soaked up plenty of rose.

Save this one for a perfect summer party.

BA’s Double Ralph Lauren Burger, Bon Appetit Magazine

½ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup ketchup (preferably Heinz
2 tablespoons sweet relish
1 tablespoon finely chopped cornichons
1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon hot sauce (preferably Tabasco)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 pounds ground beef chuck (20% fat)
Kosher salt
8 ounces cheddar , thinly sliced
8 sesame buns, toasted
16 slices bacon, cooked
Green leaf lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced red onion, and sliced pickles

Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, cornichons, onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce in a small bowl; season sauce with salt and pepper.

Prepare grill for medium-high heat. Divide beef into 8 portions (about 6 oz. each). Working with 1 portion at a time, cup your hands around the meat and begin to gently shape it into a round patty, being careful not to pack the meat too tightly. Lightly press down on patty to flatten, then press a slight indentation into the center with your thumb (this will prevent patties from bulging when cooked).

Generously season both sides of patties with salt and grill 5 minutes. Turn and top with cheese. Cover grill and cook until cheese is melted and patties are medium-rare, about 5 minutes more. Transfer to a platter and let rest 5 minutes.

Build burgers with buns, patties, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and special sauce.