Making your own burger at home is a simple task that is often ignored. Why buy from a shop when you can adapt a burger to building it exactly how you like – stacked, juicy, and full of flavour. A homemade hungry burger doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, the beauty of it lies in its simplicity. And when you tuck it all into a freshly toasted sesame seed bun, it’s a little piece of burger heaven.
Starting with the bun – soft, golden, and lightly toasted to add a bit of crunch. The sesame seeds on top not only look good, they bring a hint of nuttiness that works beautifully with everything else. In my opinion a must have element.
The build is everything. On the base, a good swipe of creamy mayonnaise gives moisture and tang. Next comes a layer of crisp lettuce – it adds freshness and a satisfying crunch. Then comes the main attraction: the burger patty. Whether it’s made from beef, chicken, or even plant-based mince, this is where the flavour hits. Nestled on top is a slice of melted cheese, oozing slightly and wrapping around the burger like a warm hug.
After that, it’s time for the bacon – salty, crispy and rich, it’s the perfect companion to the cheese and burger. Finally, right at the top before the bun lid, a few slices of pickle. Sharp, vinegary, and bright, they cut through the richness and give that classic burger zing.
One of the best things about homemade burgers is how easy they are to personalise. You can switch things up depending on your mood or what’s in the fridge. Fancy a bit of spice? Add some sliced jalapeños or a smear of chilli jam. Want something more luxurious? Try caramelised onions or a fried egg. You could even swap the cheese – blue cheese for punch, or Swiss for a smooth, nutty twist. Avocado, tomato slices, or grilled mushrooms also make brilliant fillings. Hungry yet?
Whether you eat it with chips, wedges, or just a cold drink, a hungry burger in a sesame seed bun is always a treat. It’s simple comfort food, made exactly how you like it – and that’s what makes it so special.
Hungry Burgers
Ingredients
For the hungry burgers:
- 500 g beef mince 10% fat
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Other ingredients:
- 4 large sesame seed burger buns
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- 4 medium lettuce leaves romaine or iceberg work well
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 8 rashers streaky bacon
- 16 medium pickle slices
- oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the beef mince with salt, pepper and garlic powder (if using).500 g beef mince, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder
- Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into round patties slightly larger than your buns. Press a slight indent in the centre of each to help them cook evenly.
- In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy.8 rashers streaky bacon
- Remove and set aside on a plate lined with kitchen paper.
- In the same pan, add a little oil if needed. Cook the patties for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.oil
- Add a slice of cheese on top of each patty during the final minute of cooking so it melts slightly.4 slices cheddar cheese
- While the burgers are cooking, slice the buns and toast them lightly in a dry pan, under the grill or my favourite in the pan with the juices.4 large sesame seed burger buns
- Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. Add a lettuce leaf, then place the hot burger patty with melted cheese on top. Layer with two rashers of bacon and finish with pickle slices. Top with the bun lid.4 tbsp mayonnaise, 4 medium lettuce leaves, 16 medium pickle
14 comments
As my youngest son put it ‘better than mcsdonalds’
We’ve tried it with blue cheese and even a fried egg – both amazing.
I added some tomato and onion rings to mine, but otherwise followed the recipe exactly.
Simple, classic, and totally satisfying.
Felt like a treat but was so easy to make.
A proper burger. No fuss, just good ingredients layered right.
This burger has quickly become a regular in our house.
So easy to make and packed full of flavour. I added some jalapeños for a kick – amazing.
Loved every bite. The sesame bun makes it feel extra special and homemade in the best way.
So juicy and well-balanced. Toasting the bun really makes a difference – don’t skip that step
Delicious and filling.
Tasted better than most burgers I’ve had at restaurants. The bun was soft and the whole stack held together beautifully.
The mayo and lettuce at the bottom really helped balance the richness of the burger.
Absolutely delicious! The melted cheese and crispy bacon combo is unbeatable, and the pickles add just the right zing.