The double cheese burger is iconic with those big yellow arches. It's simple, but it does taste good. I very rarely eat Mcdonald's though, as for some reason, it plays havoc with my gut. I normally feel sick, and just generally not very good at all after having one. So I've come to the conclusion, that the only way to remedy this problem is to make my own. Now when it comes to a good cheeseburger, I am very much a purist. I've seen far too many gourmet type burgers, with all sorts of things piled on them, like onion rings, blue cheese, even foie gras....FOIE GRAS! I'm of the opinion that simplicity works best with a cheeseburger, and the question I would ask myself when thinking about adding loads of extras is...will it make it better, and if the answer is 'I'm not sure', then it probably won't. American processed cheese is the cheese of choice for any self respecting cheeseburger, as it just works, plain and simple. Yes you could add all sorts of different cheeses, but it just isn't the same. Yep, I know it's not real cheese, but it is good.

To make my McDonald’s copycat double cheeseburger you will need:

• 450g (1lb) of really high grade steak mince (ground beef)

• 1/2 a small white onion

• 1-2 Gherkins (pickles)

• 4 slices of processed cheese

• 2 soft white burger buns

• Ketchup

• American mustard

• Salt & pepper

Method:

Prepare the burger patties

1. Place the beef mince into a bowl and season with salt & pepper, then mix well.

2. Divide the beef into equal sized balls, then press out into patties making sure they are larger than the buns to allow for shrinkage.

3. Place the patties in-between pieces of baking paper and place in the fridge for about 20 minutes to firm up.

Prep your toppings

1. Slice your onion, diced your pickles and toast your buns. Make sure everything is ready to hand, as this will make your life so much easier when making the burgers.

Cook the patties

1. Heat a little oil in a pan over high heat.

2. Season patties lightly with extra salt if desired.

3. Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, or until a crust forms and they are cooked through to your liking.

4. Add a slice of cheese to each patty, and stack one on top of the other. Turn off the heat and leave the cheese to melt in the residual heat.

Assemble the burgers

1. Load your patties on to the base of your bun.

2. Add ketchup, American mustard, the onions and pickle slices.

3. Then pop the lid on and it’s done!

Serve and enjoy