The Big Buford from Checkers features a juicy, seasoned beef patty topped with melted American cheese, crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, onions, and creamy mayonnaise, all layered on a soft, toasted sesame seed bun, delivering a classic, hearty burger experience.
Equipments
- Grill or Griddle
- Spatula
- Cheese Slicer (optional)
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Bun Toaster or Toaster Oven
- Squeeze Bottles (for mayonnaise)
- Vegetable Slicer (for tomatoes, onions, pickles)
- Tongs
- Prep Table
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 small yellow onion
- 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Salt
- Black pepper
Ground beef for the Big Buford should be fresh and evenly seasoned with salt and black pepper to ensure a juicy and flavorful patty. Using American cheese slices that melt easily enhances the classic gooey texture characteristic of this burger. Select crisp, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and thinly sliced onions and pickles to maintain the burger's signature crunch and tang. Toasting sesame seed buns lightly adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps prevent sogginess from the mayonnaise. Your choice of ingredients and preparation will greatly impact the authenticity and taste of the Big Buford from Checkers copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle.
- Portion ground beef into 4 equal patties.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper.
- Slice tomatoes, onions, and pickles using a vegetable slicer or knife.
- Slice buns and toast on bun toaster or toaster oven.
- Grill beef patties, flipping with spatula, until cooked to desired doneness.
- Place a slice of American cheese on each patty; let melt.
- Spread mayonnaise on both halves of each toasted bun using squeeze bottle or knife.
- Layer shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, and onions on bottom bun.
- Place cheeseburger patty on top of vegetables.
- Cover with the top bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
If you're making a Big Buford copycat at home, substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based protein can offer a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option while maintaining flavor. Your choice of cheese can be flexible; cheddar or pepper jack work well if American cheese is unavailable. Toasting buns in a skillet or conventional oven works fine if you lack a bun toaster. Consider using a food processor to quickly slice tomatoes, onions, and pickles if you don't have a vegetable slicer. Adjust the mayonnaise amount to your preference and use squeeze bottles for precise and clean application.
Tips
Ensure your grill or griddle is fully preheated before cooking to achieve a perfect sear on the beef patties, locking in juices for a juicy result. Use a sharp knife or vegetable slicer for uniform slices of tomatoes, onions, and pickles, which helps maintain consistent texture and flavor balance in each bite. Spread mayonnaise evenly using a squeeze bottle to avoid over-saturation that can make the bun soggy. Toast the sesame seed buns just until golden brown for added crunch and to prevent them from becoming soggy once the burger is assembled.
Nutritions
The Big Buford delivers approximately 700 calories, with about 40 grams of protein primarily from the seasoned beef patty and American cheese. Your meal includes essential fats from mayonnaise and cheese, contributing to around 45 grams of total fat, including saturated fat. Vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles add dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants for balanced nutrition. Sodium content can be notable due to pickles, cheese, and seasoning, so consider this if monitoring your salt intake.
Storage
Store leftover Big Buford components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate patties, vegetables, and buns individually, using plastic wrap or resealable bags for the buns to avoid drying out. You should consume stored ingredients within 2-3 days for optimal taste and food safety.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to create a leaner Big Buford variation without sacrificing flavor. Use pepper jack or Swiss cheese in place of American cheese to add a different dimension of taste and texture. Experiment with grilling the onions and tomatoes for a smoky twist that enhances the overall burger profile. You can also replace mayonnaise with a spicy aioli or avocado spread for a creamy alternative that complements the burger's savory elements.
Allergies
The Big Buford from Checkers contains common allergens such as dairy from the American cheese and mayonnaise, gluten from the sesame seed hamburger buns, and potential sesame allergies due to the sesame seeds on the bun. Individuals with allergies to eggs should be cautious, as mayonnaise often contains eggs. Your sensitivity to any of these ingredients should be carefully considered before enjoying this hearty burger.
Why this recipe?
Big Buford from Checkers restaurant is popular for its hearty combination of a double beef patty, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and melty cheese, all stacked on a toasted bun. Its distinctive flavor profile and satisfying portion size make it a favorite among burger enthusiasts seeking a filling and flavorful meal. Making a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients to your taste while enjoying a budget-friendly alternative at home. Your homemade Big Buford can replicate the indulgent experience without compromising on quality or freshness.