The Brewhouse Burger from BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse features a juicy, grilled beef patty topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and tangy pickles, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun, delivering a flavorful and hearty burger experience.
Equipments
- Grill
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Meat thermometer
- Cheese slicer
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Frying pan or skillet (for bacon)
- Bun toaster or toaster oven
- Plate or serving tray
- Food gloves
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 leaves fresh lettuce
- 4 slices ripe tomato
- 8 slices tangy pickles
- Salt
- Black pepper
Use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a fat content of around 20% to ensure the Brewhouse Burger's patty remains juicy and flavorful. Select ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce leaves for the best texture and taste contrast against the melted cheddar and crispy bacon. Toasting the brioche buns enhances their buttery flavor and prevents sogginess when assembled. Season the beef patty simply with salt and black pepper to highlight the natural meat flavors without overpowering the other ingredients. Your efforts will help you recreate the authentic Brewhouse Burger from BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse copycat menu with signature taste and satisfying textures.
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and form into patties.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper.
- Cook bacon in frying pan or skillet until crispy; set aside.
- Place beef patties on the preheated grill.
- Grill patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness (use meat thermometer if needed).
- In the last minute of grilling, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
- Toast brioche buns in bun toaster or toaster oven until golden brown.
- On the bottom half of each bun, layer a leaf of lettuce, a slice of tomato, and two slices of pickles.
- Place grilled beef patty with melted cheese on top of the toppings.
- Add a slice of crispy bacon over the cheese on each burger.
- Top with the remaining half of each bun.
- Serve immediately on a plate or serving tray.
Substitution
The Brewhouse Burger copycat recipe from BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse calls for a juicy grilled beef patty layered with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and tangy pickles on a toasted brioche bun. If you don't have a grill, you can cook the beef patty in a skillet or frying pan, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 160degF (71degC) using a meat thermometer for safe consumption. Substitute cheddar cheese with any other melting cheese like American or Monterey Jack if preferred. When crisping bacon, use a non-stick pan for even cooking, and if brioche buns are unavailable, sturdy sandwich rolls or potato buns work well. Handle fresh produce and cooked ingredients with food gloves to maintain hygiene during assembly.
Tips
Ensure the meat thermometer reads 160degF (71degC) for fully cooked, safe-to-eat beef patties to avoid undercooking. Use food gloves when handling raw ground beef and bacon to maintain hygiene and prevent cross-contamination. Toast brioche buns just before serving to keep them warm and crisp, enhancing texture and flavor. Let your grilled patties rest for a minute off the heat before assembling to lock in juices and maximize burger juiciness.
Nutritions
The Brewhouse Burger contains approximately 700-900 calories, depending on patty size and bacon quantity, offering a substantial protein source primarily from the 1 lb of ground beef used. Cheddar cheese adds calcium and fat, while fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes contribute dietary fiber and essential vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin K. The toasted brioche bun provides carbohydrates for energy, but also adds sugars and fats, so moderation is key if you're monitoring calorie intake. Your choice to prepare the bacon crisp and control seasoning can further influence the burger's sodium and fat content.
Storage
Store leftover Brewhouse Burger components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate cooked beef patties, bacon, and vegetables, ensuring they are consumed within 3 days for optimal safety and flavor. When reheating, use a grill or skillet to preserve the juicy texture of the beef and the crispiness of the bacon, enhancing your burger experience.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner burger option while maintaining a juicy texture by adding a little olive oil to the mix. Swap cheddar cheese with pepper jack or Swiss cheese to introduce a different flavor profile, and consider caramelizing onions in the frying pan before adding them to your burger for added sweetness and depth. Grilling the bacon directly on the grill alongside the patties can impart a smoky flavor, while toasting brioche buns with garlic butter enhances the savory notes of your burger.
Allergies
The Brewhouse Burger contains multiple common allergens such as dairy from the cheddar cheese and gluten from the brioche buns, which could affect those with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. Bacon and beef may also pose issues for individuals with meat allergies or certain dietary restrictions. Your awareness of these ingredients can help you avoid potential allergic reactions and enjoy a safer dining experience.
Why this recipe?
Brewhouse Burger from BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse is beloved for its handcrafted, juicy beef patty topped with melted cheese, fresh vegetables, and signature sauces served on a toasted bun, delivering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The menu item uses high-quality ingredients and unique brewing-inspired flavors, reflecting BJ's commitment to quality and craft. Your attempt to create a copycat allows you to customize seasoning, cooking preferences, and toppings, capturing the authentic taste while catering to your personal palate. The Brewhouse Burger's reputation for satisfying cravings with a gourmet twist makes it a rewarding choice for burger enthusiasts and home chefs alike.