Step 1

Preheat the oven to 175 degrees F (80 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Cut the crusts off the bread slices. Place slices on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3

Bake in the center of the preheated oven until dry and toasted, about 45 minutes.

Step 4

Transfer toasted bread to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until you reach coarse crumbs.

Step 5

Place ground chuck, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder into a bowl. Add bread crumbs. Combine with your fingers, breaking apart the meat.

Step 6

Dampen your fingers with water and form mixture into hamburger patties.

Step 7

Heat ¼ to ½ inch vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place a patty into the pan and turn heat down to medium. Cook until well browned and crusty, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining patties, adding more oil if needed.

Step 8

Remove from the pan and serve on hamburger buns with mustard and pickles; sprinkle tops of patties with chili powder and/or cayenne if you like prior to serving.