While many other chefs like to impress others with hamburgers stacked high with toppings and many strong flavors, Food Network's Bobby Flay says that he prefers to keep his burgers simple so the individual ingredients stand out. This is reflected in the very simple way he seasons the patties before cooking.

Flay makes his burgers using ground chuck that is 80% lean and 20% fat, and seasons both sides with just salt and pepper. He says it's a hamburger, not a meatloaf, so he skips adding herbs or onions, and while he doesn't suggest a specific amount of salt or pepper, he recommends generously using both.

Flay also presses an indent into the center of each patty before cooking, to help them cook evenly and keep their shape without swelling. To finish the burger off, the chef also enjoys fairly simple toppings, and a few of his recommendations include lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, bacon, fried eggs, and cheese.