The Big Double Cheeseburger & Secret Sauce Recipe
Introduction
The big double cheeseburger with secret sauce is a juicy, flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Featuring two perfectly pressed patties, melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and a tangy homemade sauce, this burger promises satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 sesame-topped burger buns
- 300g steak mince
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil
- Small wedge of iceberg lettuce, finely shredded
- 2 slices of mild cheddar or burger cheese
- 1 gherkin, sliced lengthways
- Oven fries, to serve
- 100g mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp American mustard
- Large pinch garlic granules
- Large pinch onion granules
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp pickle relish or finely chopped gherkin
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the finely chopped onion in a small bowl and cover with boiling water from the kettle. Let it cool while you prepare the sauce.
- Step 2: In another small bowl, combine mayonnaise, American mustard, garlic granules, onion granules, smoked paprika, white wine vinegar, and pickle relish. Add 1 tablespoon of the cooled onion water and mix thoroughly. Set the sauce aside.
- Step 3: Halve two burger buns, and from the other two buns, cut a thick slice from the middle. Toast or grill the middle slices on both sides and the bun halves only on the cut sides. Set aside.
- Step 4: Preheat the oven to 100C (80C fan/gas mark 2) to keep the burgers warm.
- Step 5: Divide the steak mince into four loose piles and season them. Heat ¼ tablespoon of sunflower oil in a heavy frying pan over high heat.
- Step 6: Place one pile of beef in the pan. Cover with a square of baking parchment, then press down firmly using a second pan. Hold the pressure for about 10 seconds, then remove the weight and parchment. Cook for 2 minutes more on that side.
- Step 7: Flip the patty and press down with a spatula. Cook for another 1 minute, then transfer the patty to a tray and keep warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining patties.
- Step 8: To assemble, spread some sauce on the base half of each bun. Scatter with soaked onions, then add shredded lettuce, a slice of cheese, and one cooked patty.
- Step 9: Add a few gherkin slices, then place the toasted middle bun slice on top. Spread more sauce over the middle slice, add more onions, lettuce, another patty, and finally the bun top.
- Step 10: Serve the burgers with oven fries and extra sauce on the side if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a quick pickle relish substitute, mix finely chopped gherkins with some pickling liquid for a similar tangy flavor.
- Pressing the patties while cooking gives the burger its signature crispy edges and juicy center.
- Try swapping mild cheddar for smoked cheese to add an extra depth of flavor.
- Serve with your favorite side salad or coleslaw for a lighter option.
Storage
Store any leftover burger patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat the patties, warm gently in a pan over medium heat or in the oven at low temperature to keep them juicy. Avoid microwaving the assembled burger as it can make the bun soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the secret sauce in advance?
Yes, the secret sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
What can I use if I don’t have steak mince?
You can substitute with other ground beef blends or even ground turkey or chicken, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
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The Big Double Cheeseburger & Secret Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a hearty classic with this Big Double Cheeseburger featuring juicy steak mince patties, melty cheddar cheese, crisp iceberg lettuce, tangy gherkins, and a flavorful secret sauce made from mayonnaise, mustard, and pickled relish. Served with oven fries, this indulgent burger balances savory, smoky, and tangy flavors for a satisfying meal perfect for burger lovers.
Ingredients
Burger and Toppings
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 sesame-topped burger buns
- 300g steak mince
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil
- small wedge of iceberg lettuce, finely shredded
- 2 slices mild cheddar or burger cheese
- 1 gherkin, sliced lengthways
- Oven fries, to serve
Secret Sauce
- 100g mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp American mustard
- Large pinch garlic granules
- Large pinch onion granules
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp pickle relish or finely chopped gherkin
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Place the finely chopped onions into a small bowl and cover them with boiling water from the kettle. Let them soak until cooled, then drain and set aside the onion water for sauce preparation.
- Make the Secret Sauce: In another small bowl, combine mayonnaise, American mustard, garlic granules, onion granules, smoked paprika, white wine vinegar, and pickle relish or finely chopped gherkin. Add 1 tablespoon of the cooled onion water and mix thoroughly until the sauce is well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Buns: Halve two of the burger buns completely. From the remaining two buns, cut a thick slice from the middle of each (these will be the middle layers). Toast or grill the bun middle slices on both sides, and grill the cut sides of the other buns lightly. Set all aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 100°C (80°C fan)/Gas Mark 2 to keep the cooked patties warm later.
- Form and Season Patties: Divide the steak mince into four loose piles and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Patties: Heat ¼ tablespoon sunflower oil in a heavy frying pan or skillet over high heat. Place one pile of mince in the pan. Cover it with a square of baking parchment and press down firmly with another pan to shape the patty for about 10 seconds. Then remove the weight and cooking paper and cook the patty for 2 minutes more on one side. Flip the patty and press down gently with a spatula, cooking for another 1 minute. Transfer the cooked patty to a tray and keep warm in the oven. Repeat the process with the remaining mince.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread some of the secret sauce on the base halves of the buns, scatter with soaked onions, then add shredded lettuce, a slice of cheese, and one cooked patty. Layer on a few gherkin slices and a toasted middle slice of bun. Repeat the sauce, onions, lettuce, and second patty layers, then top with the bun tops.
- Serve: Serve the assembled big double cheeseburgers with oven fries and extra secret sauce on the side, if desired.
Notes
- Pickle relish can be substituted by finely chopped gherkins mixed with some pickling liquid for an easy homemade version.
- Use a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan to get a good sear on the patties.
- Pressing down the patties helps create a flat shape with crispy edges similar to a smash burger.
- Keep cooked patties warm in a low oven to maintain juiciness before assembling the burgers.
- Oven fries or fries of choice make an excellent side to complement the rich burger flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: double cheeseburger, secret sauce, homemade burger, steak mince burger, American mustard burger, oven fries, grilled buns

