The Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger from Carl's Jr. features two juicy beef patties topped with smoky bacon, melted American cheese, crispy onion rings, tangy barbecue sauce, and creamy mayonnaise, all layered on a toasted sesame seed bun for a bold and satisfying flavor experience.
Equipments
- Grill or flat-top griddle
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Deep fryer or countertop fryer
- Sauce brush or spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Bun toaster or toaster oven
- Cheese slicer (optional)
- Assembly tray or plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (for patties)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 4 slices bacon
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 frozen onion rings
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Use high-quality ground beef with a fat content around 20% to ensure juicy and flavorful patties. Opt for thick-cut bacon to achieve a smoky crunch that stands out against the melted American cheese. Frozen onion rings must be fried at the correct temperature in vegetable oil to maintain crispiness without absorbing excess grease. Toast sesame seed buns lightly to add texture and prevent sogginess from the barbecue sauce and mayonnaise. Your authentic Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger from Carl's Jr. copycat menu will balance smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors perfectly when these ingredient details are followed.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or flat-top griddle.
- Preheat deep fryer or countertop fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Form ground beef into two equal patties.
- Season both sides of patties with salt and black pepper.
- Cook bacon in skillet or on griddle until crispy; set aside.
- Cook beef patties on grill or griddle, flipping once, until desired doneness.
- Fry onion rings in hot oil until golden and crispy; drain on paper towel.
- Toast sesame seed buns in bun toaster or toaster oven until golden.
- Place a slice of American cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt.
- Spread mayonnaise on bottom bun and barbecue sauce on top bun.
- Place one cooked patty with cheese on bottom bun.
- Top with two bacon slices.
- Add two fried onion rings on top of bacon.
- Place second cooked patty with cheese on top of onion rings.
- Assemble with top bun.
- Serve immediately on assembly tray or plate.
Substitution
You can recreate the Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger from Carl's Jr. with your own homemade patties and toppings to enjoy a similar bold flavor at home. If you don't have frozen onion rings available, thinly sliced and lightly battered onions can be fried as an effective substitute. When grilling the patties, avoid pressing down with the spatula to retain juiciness and rich beef flavor. If a deep fryer is not accessible for the onion rings, pan-frying them in vegetable oil also produces a crispy result. Toasting your sesame seed buns on a griddle or toaster oven enhances texture and adds a subtle crunch to each bite.
Tips
Ensure your grill or griddle is properly preheated to maintain even cooking and prevent sticking of the patties. Use a thermometer to monitor the fryer temperature at 350degF (175degC) to achieve perfectly crispy onion rings without absorbing excess oil. When seasoning the beef patties, salt both sides just before cooking to enhance flavor and retain juiciness. Remember to melt the American cheese on the patties during the last minute of cooking for optimal texture and taste.
Nutritions
The Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger provides a substantial amount of protein from its two 1/2 lb beef patties and four bacon slices, fueling muscle repair and growth. Its high fat content comes from the beef, bacon, mayonnaise, and cheese, contributing to a rich calorie density that supports energy needs but should be balanced with your overall diet. The inclusion of crispy onion rings adds carbohydrates and some fiber, while the sesame seed bun contributes additional carbs and small amounts of essential minerals like magnesium and calcium. Be mindful of sodium levels, as processed ingredients like bacon, cheese, barbecue sauce, and mayonnaise can increase your intake, which may affect heart health if consumed frequently.
Storage
To store your Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and flavor. Place the wrapped burger in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to prevent exposure to air and odors. Refrigerate at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 2 days for the best taste and safety.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap American cheese with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a more robust or spicy flavor profile, respectively. Grill the beef patties with a splash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance their umami richness before seasoning. Substitute barbecue sauce with smoky chipotle mayo or honey mustard for a twist on the tangy component in your burger. You could bake the onion rings in the oven instead of deep frying for a lighter, less oily alternative that still retains crunch.
Allergies
The Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger contains common allergens like sesame seeds in the bun, dairy in the American cheese and mayonnaise, and eggs likely present in the mayonnaise. Bacon and beef may trigger allergies in individuals sensitive to pork or red meat proteins. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it is important to check ingredient labels or consult with the restaurant before consuming your meal.
Why this recipe?
The Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger from Carl's Jr. combines two 100% USDA Angus beef patties with crispy bacon, melted American cheese, and onion rings, delivering a bold and satisfying flavor profile. Its unique combination of smoky barbecue sauce and crunchy onion rings sets it apart from traditional burgers, appealing to those who crave a hearty and indulgent meal. You'll appreciate the rich textures and savory taste that make it a fan favorite, motivating you to recreate this iconic sandwich at home for a cost-effective and customizable experience. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this distinctive burger while tailoring ingredients to your personal preferences.