Giant 8-Inch American Birthday Burger

Ditch the traditional cake for an unforgettable giant 8-inch family-sized American birthday burger, complete with a homemade brioche bun, custom-ground beef patty, and all the classic loaded toppings.

Ingredients

• 500 g bread flour
• 1 unit egg and extra for wash
• 40 g butter
• 200 g fresh beef hind leg
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 slices yellow cheese
• 2 units eggs for scrambling
• 2 tbsp milk
• 4 strips bacon
• 1 head lettuce
• 1 unit tomato
• to taste pickles
• to taste mayonnaise
• to taste ketchup

Instructions

1. 1Add ingredients to the bread machine

   

   Measure out and pour ingredients like flour and eggs into the bread machine bucket to begin preparing the dough for the burger bun.

   Tip: Ensure the bread machine paddle is securely locked in place before adding any ingredients.
2. 2Check dough gluten development

   

   Take a small piece of the kneaded dough and gently stretch it with your hands to check for a thin, translucent windowpane film, indicating proper gluten development.

   Tip: If the dough tears too easily before forming a smooth film, continue kneading for a few more minutes.
3. 3Shape and score the dough

   

   Place the proofed round dough onto a parchment-lined baking tray, shape it gently, and prepare it for baking.

   Tip: Use a dough scraper or knife to shape the surface smoothly before brushing with egg wash and butter.
4. 4Bake the burger bun

   

   Bake the shaped giant burger bun at 160 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on the color and cover with foil if it gets too dark during baking. Tap the bottom of the bun when taking it out to prevent shrinking.

   Tip: Cover with aluminum foil if the crust starts browning too quickly before the inside is fully done.
5. 5Chop fresh beef

   

   Take fresh beef hind leg and chop it into large chunks on a wooden cutting board before proceeding to mince it.

   Tip: Cutting the meat into manageable chunks helps the grinder or knife process it evenly.
6. 6Season the minced beef

   

   Place the minced beef into a metal mixing bowl and add seasonings including onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, butter and egg wash, and a little cornstarch.

   Tip: The cornstarch helps keep the patty tender and intact while cooking.
7. 7Mix and beat the minced beef

   

   Season the minced beef hind leg with onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, butter and egg wash, and a little cornstarch to keep it tender and intact. Beat the meat forcefully by hand a dozen times inside a metal bowl to develop a cohesive texture.

   Tip: Beating the meat mixture helps bind the patty together so it stays juicy and doesnt fall apart during cooking.
8. 8Slice the baked burger bun

   

   Allow the freshly baked giant burger bun to cool slightly, then place it on a wooden cutting board. Use a bread knife to carefully slice the large bun in half horizontally to prepare it for assembling the burger.

   Tip: Ensure the bun has cooled slightly before slicing to prevent tearing the soft crumb inside.
9. 9Toast the bun

   

   Place the cut side of the sliced burger bun into a hot pan with a little butter. Toast the surface over medium heat until it turns golden brown and crispy.

   Tip: Toasting with butter adds rich flavor and creates a barrier that prevents the bun from getting soggy from sauces.
10. 10Shape the beef patty

    

    Place the seasoned ground beef onto a sheet of plastic wrap on a wooden board. Press and flatten the meat evenly to form a large round patty that matches the size of the giant burger bun.

    Tip: Using plastic wrap prevents the sticky meat mixture from tearing or sticking to your hands and the board during shaping.
11. 11Fry the beef patty

    

    Transfer the large shaped beef patty into a hot pan with melted butter or olive oil. Fry the patty until the surface is browned and the meat is fully cooked through.

    Tip: Cook over medium heat to ensure the thick patty cooks evenly through the center without burning the exterior.
12. 12Add Cheese to the Beef Patty

    

    Place square slices of yellow cheese directly onto the hot, freshly cooked beef patty in the pan, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese smoothly over the meat.

    Tip: Cover the pan with a lid for a few seconds if you want the cheese to melt faster and more evenly over the patty.
13. 13Cook the Scrambled Eggs

    

    Pour the well-beaten egg and milk mixture into a heated pan with melted butter or oil. Stir gently and continuously over medium-low heat to create soft, tender curds.

    Tip: Adding a splash of milk to the eggs makes the texture extra creamy and fluffy for the burger filling.
14. 14Assemble the Burger Layers

    

    Continue building the giant burger on a wooden cutting board by layering crispy fried bacon strips directly over the cooked scrambled eggs, tomato slices, and lettuce resting on the toasted bun base.

    Tip: Layering the ingredients securely ensures the massive burger holds its structural shape when sliced or served.

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions