Preheat oven to 200C. Cook bacon in a single layer on a tray in the oven approximately 10 minutes or until cooked to your liking. It will go back into the oven once you put the burger together so don’t crisp it too much. Reduce oven to 180C.

Combine beef, eggs, olive oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl and mix together with your hands until well combined. Shape into a rough ball.

Heat cast iron skillet until hot then add butter until melted and foaming over medium heat. Add your beef and spread and press into a burger shape to fill the bottom of the skillet. It’s a good idea to use the back of a large metal or wooden spoon to keep from burning your hands.

Cook for approximately 5 – 10 minutes pouring out the liquid every now and then that will build up in your pan. You will notice the burger shrink noticeably also. Remove from the heat. Cover with a large plate or similar. Quickly but carefully, flip the cast iron skillet upside down onto the plate and remove so your burger is now on your plate cooked side up. Return the skillet to the heat and slide the burger off the plate and back into the skillet. Repeat previous steps to cook on the other side.

Remove from the heat again and top with your bacon and then your cheese slices. Place the whole skillet into the oven and cook another 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.

Top with sliced pickle and sprinkle with shallots and chives. Top with sour cream and mustard and serve with salad of choice.