Old Style Diner Burgers

I've been thinking about experimenting with burger recipes for a while now. I decided that I would begin with old-school and try a recipe for burgers the way we had them at 1970's diners. This recipe for old style diner burgers was simple, but so yummy!   

Old Style Diner Burgers
Makes 6-8 patties

Ingredients:

 
2 1/2 pounds ground beef
Fresh ground sea salt to taste
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
6-8 slices cheddar cheese

Toppings:

12-16 slices bread, (Use less bread if you double up the burgers.)
Mayonnaise
Tomatoes
Onions
Relish
Lettuce
Ketchup
Mustard

Directions:

1. Lay out two sheets of plastic wrap.
2. Divide your ground beef into 6-8 even mounds

3. Shape each mound of beef into a good, tight ball with your hands.
4. Place ball onto sheet of plastic wrap and lay the second sheet on top.
5. Roll ball flat with rolling pin, about 1/3 inch, into a thin patty. Roll from all directions to make into a patty.
6. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
7. Repeat with remaining balls.
8. Heat griddle over medium-high heat.

9. Flip patty into hot pan.
10. Do this with as many patties as fit onto griddle. 

11. Cook patties for about 3-4 minutes. Pressing down with spatula.
12. Reduce heat slightly, flip over and top with cheese.
13. Cook another 3-4 minutes, until cheese starts to melt.
14. Remove from pan and repeat with remaining patties. (Keep warm in 200 degree oven if needed)

15. Toast your bread.  I used wheat bread. You can use hamburger buns but these are thinner patties, so they may get lost in the breading.
16. Smear bread with mayonnaise.
17. Place patty on bread. Add toppings.

Tip: Great with a side of your favourite cut of fries.