Step 1

Pre-heat your skillet or griddle to medium high heat.

Step 2

Prepare a surface on your counter to prep your burgers. (I line the area with plastic wrap.) Place one burger patty on the counter, cover the top loosely with seran wrap. Using a burger press or the bottom of a stainless steel pan, press down evenly to create a thin patty that is about 6" in diameter. Season the top liberally with seasoning salt and fresh cracked pepper. Repeat with the remainder of the patties, separating each with parchment or wax paper.

Step 3

Place 1-2 burgers face down on the hot skillet (or as many as you can fit into your pan without them overlapping, cooking in batches). Season the exposed side with additional seasoning salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

While the burger is cooking, toast the buns (no butter or oil) by placing them face down in a separate skillet over medium low. They are done when they are barely toasted, not brown.

Step 5

Flip the burger and press down hard (yes, this is how Five Guys does it). NOTE - You should see a dark brown sear on the top of the burger you flipped — if not, increase your heat on the next burger. Cook for another 3-5 minutes depending on your preferred doneness.

Step 6

Remove burger from the heat, place one piece of cheese on top each patty. Then stack two patties, cheese to cheese. This is the Five Guys signature!

Step 7

For the top bun: add a few shakes of hot sauce on the inside of the top bun. Add a liberal amount of mayo and spread evenly.For the bottom bun: add ketchup, about 3 rings.

Step 8

Place the patties in the prepared buns (along with any other preferred toppings). Wrap the burgers individually in foil and allow to rest for 1-2 minutes before serving to ensure the cheesy is melty. Enjoy immediately!