McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese Deluxe (Copycat)

Recipe

1. 1
   Get your 'Deluxe' components ready. Slice the white onion into thin slivers, shred the iceberg lettuce into fine ribbons, and cut two consistent slices of a ripe tomato. This version of the Quarter Pounder adds freshness, so make sure your lettuce is ice-cold and crisp.
2. 2
   Shape your beef into a tight 4-ounce (115g) ball. Don't press it into a patty yet! Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes so it sears better when it hits the pan. Season the surface generously with salt and pepper right before cooking.
3. 3
   Toast the sesame seed bun. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the bun halves face down until they are golden brown. Spread the mayonnaise onto the top bun and set it aside—this acts as a barrier to keep the veggies from making the bread soggy.
4. 4
   Turn the heat up to medium-high. Place the beef ball in the skillet and use a heavy spatula to press it down into a thick patty (about 1/2 inch). You aren't making a thin smash burger here; you want that classic 'quarter pound' thickness. Sear for 2-3 minutes until a crust forms.
5. 5
   Flip the patty. Immediately place one slice of American cheese on the meat. Place the second slice of cheese on the toasted bottom bun. This 'double cheese' sandwiching is the secret to the Quarter Pounder's richness.
6. 6
   Assemble the top half: over the mayo on the top bun, add the shredded lettuce and the tomato slices. On the patty (still in the pan), add the slivered onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard.
7. 7
   Lift the patty (with its melted cheese, onions, and sauce) and place it directly onto the bottom bun's cheese slice. Close it with the prepared top bun. Let it rest for 60 seconds so the steam from the patty softens the bun and wilts the lettuce just slightly. Enjoy!