The Big Carl from Carl's Jr. features two juicy charbroiled beef patties, melted American cheese, crisp shredded lettuce, and signature Big Carl sauce layered on a toasted sesame seed bun, delivering a hearty and flavorful burger experience.
Equipments
- Grill or charbroiler
- Spatula
- Cheese slicer or pre-sliced cheese
- Bun toaster or grill
- Knife
- Squeeze bottle (for sauce)
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Food prep gloves
- Mixing bowl (for shredded lettuce)
- Serving tray or wrapper
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (for patties)
- 4 slices American cheese
- 2 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Use freshly ground beef with at least 80% lean content to ensure juicy and flavorful patties for Your Big Carl burger. American cheese melts smoothly, so pre-sliced cheese works well for even coverage on the patties. Choose fresh sesame seed buns and toast them lightly to add texture and enhance flavor. Shredded iceberg lettuce should be thoroughly rinsed and dried to maintain crispness without sogginess. The signature Big Carl sauce combines mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder, replicating the original's tangy and savory taste perfectly. The Big Carl from Carl's Jr. copycat menu offers a hearty and authentic taste experience that matches the original burger's satisfying layers and bold flavors.
Instructions
- Wash hands and put on food prep gloves.
- Preheat grill or charbroiler.
- Portion ground beef into 4 equal balls (4 oz each).
- Shape balls into burger patties, slightly larger than bun diameter.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Place patties on hot grill.
- Cook patties on first side until browned and juices rise (about 3–4 minutes).
- Flip patties and cook other side for 2–3 minutes.
- Add a slice of American cheese on two of the patties.
- Toast sesame seed buns face-down on bun toaster or grill until golden.
- In mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder to make Big Carl sauce.
- Mix sauce until uniform and transfer to squeeze bottle.
- Place bottom bun on cutting board or serving tray.
- Squeeze Big Carl sauce generously onto bottom bun.
- Layer with 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce.
- Place one beef patty with cheese on top of the lettuce.
- Stack a plain beef patty (no cheese) next.
- Repeat sauce, lettuce, and patties for the second burger.
- Cover each stack with top sesame seed bun.
- Serve on tray or wrap as desired.
Substitution
The Big Carl from Carl's Jr. copycat menu captures the essence of the original with its two juicy charbroiled beef patties and signature sauce. Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or plant-based patties for a lighter or vegetarian option without compromising too much on texture. If American cheese is unavailable, cheddar or processed cheese slices work well as alternatives. Using a grill pan instead of a backyard grill still imparts the needed sear and flavor when cooking the patties. Your choice of bun can be adjusted to whole wheat or brioche to customize the burger to your dietary preferences or taste.
Tips
Ensure your grill or charbroiler is fully preheated to get a good sear and avoid sticking when cooking the patties. Shape the beef patties slightly larger than the bun to compensate for shrinkage during cooking and season them just before grilling for optimal flavor. When adding cheese, place it on the patties during the last minute of cooking and cover the grill to melt it evenly. Use a squeeze bottle for the Big Carl sauce to apply an even layer, preventing soggy buns and enhancing every bite of your burger.
Nutritions
The Big Carl burger delivers approximately 700 to 900 calories per serving, primarily from two charbroiled beef patties providing around 40 grams of protein and significant saturated fat content. The melted American cheese adds calcium and fat, while the shredded iceberg lettuce contributes minimal calories but offers dietary fiber and vitamin K. The signature Big Carl sauce, made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish, adds extra fat, sugar, and sodium, so be mindful of your total sodium intake. Your balanced choices in toppings and portion sizes can help manage the burger's nutritional impact within a well-rounded diet.
Storage
Store your Big Carl burgers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of preparation to maintain freshness. For best quality, consume refrigerated burgers within 2 days to prevent spoilage and retain flavor. When reheating, use a microwave-safe plate or oven at medium heat to warm evenly without drying out the beef patties and melted American cheese.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the American cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a sharper or spicier flavor. Try using a brioche bun instead of a sesame seed bun to add a slightly sweet and soft texture. Incorporate caramelized onions or crispy bacon for extra savory depth. For a healthier option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based patty.
Allergies
The Big Carl contains common allergens such as sesame seeds in the buns and dairy in the American cheese, which could trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The mayonnaise also contains eggs, another frequent allergen, and the burger includes condiments like mustard that may cause reactions in some people. You should check each ingredient carefully if you have allergies related to dairy, eggs, sesame, or mustard before enjoying this burger.
Why this recipe?
The Big Carl from Carl's Jr. is beloved for its hearty combination of two charbroiled beef patties, Swiss cheese, special Big Carl sauce, lettuce, and pickles on a toasted sesame seed bun, delivering a satisfying and bold flavor profile. Its unique sauce, slightly tangy and creamy, sets it apart from other burgers, creating a memorable taste experience. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to customize the ingredients to your preference while replicating the restaurant-quality indulgence at home. You can enjoy a high-quality, flavorful meal without the fast-food price, making it a practical and delicious project.