Big Mouth Bites from Chili's feature juicy, seasoned beef and melted cheddar cheese nestled inside golden, crispy mini buns, delivering a savory and satisfying bite-sized snack perfect for sharing.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Grill or grill pan
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Oven or toaster oven
- Cheese slicer (or knife)
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Plate (for serving)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 mini burger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 strips cooked bacon
- 1/4 cup crispy fried onions
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 4-8 dill pickle slices
- Butter (for toasting buns)
Ensure your ground beef is fresh and has a good fat content to keep the Big Mouth Bites juicy and flavorful. Using smoked paprika and a balanced mix of spices will enhance the savory seasoning, so measure them accurately for consistent taste. Toasting the mini burger buns with butter adds a crispy texture and rich flavor that complements the melted cheddar cheese perfectly. Choose crispy bacon strips and fried onions for added crunch and depth, elevating the overall bite experience. Your copycat Big Mouth Bites from Chili's will capture that same satisfying, savory flavor with these key ingredient tips.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Divide and shape beef mixture into 4 equal mini patties.
- Place patties on grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
- Add cheddar cheese slices to patties during the last minute of cooking; let melt.
- Butter inside of mini buns.
- Toast mini buns on a baking sheet in oven or on grill until golden.
- Mix mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and ketchup in a small bowl.
- Spread sauce on bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Place cooked beef patty with melted cheese on each bun.
- Top each patty with a strip of bacon, crispy fried onions, and 1-2 pickle slices.
- Place top half of the bun over fillings.
- Serve warm on a plate.
Substitution
Big Mouth Bites from Chili's copycat menu offer a delicious blend of seasoned beef and sharp cheddar cheese tucked into toasted mini buns. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. If cheddar cheese is unavailable, try using Monterey Jack or pepper jack to add a creamy or spicy twist. When crispy fried onions are hard to source, thinly sliced and fried shallots can provide a similar texture and taste. Butter used for toasting buns can be replaced with olive oil or a non-dairy spread to accommodate dietary preferences.
Tips
Make sure to shape your beef patties evenly to ensure uniform cooking and avoid undercooked centers. When grilling, avoid pressing down on the patties with your spatula, as this releases juicy flavors and can dry out the meat. Buttering the mini buns before toasting enhances flavor and prevents sogginess when adding the sauce. Remember to assemble the bites just before serving to keep buns crisp and toppings fresh for your best taste experience.
Nutritions
Big Mouth Bites from Chili's provide a balanced combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, primarily from seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, and mini buns. Each serving delivers a generous amount of protein from the beef and cheese, essential for muscle repair and satiety. The inclusion of bacon and mayonnaise adds saturated fats, while the mini buns supply carbohydrates for energy. Your snack choice embraces a flavorful yet nutrient-dense option perfect for satisfying hunger in a bite-sized form.
Storage
Store leftover Big Mouth Bites wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Refrigerate them promptly, and consume within 2 to 3 days to ensure optimal taste and safety. When reheating, use an oven or toaster oven to keep the buns crispy and the beef warm without compromising texture for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
Try swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation that still keeps your Big Mouth Bites juicy and flavorful. Experiment with pepper jack or Swiss cheese instead of cheddar to introduce a different melted cheese dimension. Consider grilling caramelized onions as a topping alternative to crispy fried onions for a sweeter, softer texture. You can also replace mayonnaise with a spicy aioli or chipotle sauce to add a smoky kick to your bite-sized snacks.
Allergies
Big Mouth Bites contain common allergens such as dairy from the cheddar cheese and mayonnaise, gluten from the mini burger buns, and eggs likely present in the mayonnaise as well. The crispy fried onions may also contain gluten or other allergens depending on their preparation. It's important to check ingredient labels and allergen warnings to ensure your safety if you have food allergies.
Why this recipe?
Chili's Big Mouth Bites menu offers a satisfying combination of bold flavors and hearty portions that appeal to fans craving a hearty, indulgent snack or meal. Each bite is crafted with seasoned meats and vibrant toppings that capture the essence of Chili's signature taste. You'll find recreating this menu at home rewarding due to its straightforward recipes that deliver restaurant-quality flavor with customizable options to suit your preferences. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy the crave-worthy experience anytime while controlling ingredients and spice levels.