The Junior Tray from Cook Out features a juicy cheeseburger paired with crispy golden fries and a refreshing soft drink, offering a classic, satisfying meal with bold, savory flavors and a comforting, hearty presentation.
Equipments
- Grill
- Spatula
- Fryer
- Tongs
- Serving tray
- Plate or burger wrapper
- Fry scoop
- Soft drink dispenser
- Drinking cup
- Straw
- Napkin dispenser
Ingredients
- 4 oz (115g) ground beef patty
- 1 slice American cheese
- 1 hamburger bun
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 slices tomato
- 2 leaves lettuce
- 2 slices dill pickle
- 2 slices onion
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 8 oz (225g) russet potatoes
- Soft drink syrup (Cola, Lemon-Lime, etc.)
- Carbonated water
- Ice cubes
When preparing the Junior Tray from Cook Out, it is important to use fresh, high-quality ground beef for the 4 oz patty to ensure juiciness and flavor. Fresh vegetables like tomato, lettuce, onion, and dill pickle slices should be crisp and evenly sliced for the best texture and taste. Russet potatoes work best for crispy fries when fried in vegetable oil heated to the right temperature for even cooking. Proper seasoning with salt and black pepper enhances the flavor of both the burger and the fries without overpowering the classic taste. Your copycat menu can closely recreate the signature Junior Tray experience by focusing on these key ingredients and their preparation methods.
Instructions
- Instructions Needed:
- Preheat the grill.
- Preheat the fryer with vegetable oil.
- Form ground beef into a 4 oz patty; season with salt and black pepper.
- Place the patty on the grill; cook to desired doneness, flipping with a spatula.
- Add a slice of American cheese to the patty during the last minute of grilling.
- Toast the hamburger bun on the grill until lightly browned.
- Assemble the cheeseburger: spread ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on the bun. Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and the grilled cheeseburger patty.
- Cut russet potatoes into fries.
- Fry potato slices in hot oil until golden brown and crispy; drain excess oil with a fry scoop.
- Scoop fries onto a plate or into a serving tray.
- Fill a drinking cup with ice cubes.
- Dispense soft drink syrup and carbonated water into the cup; stir.
- Place the finished cheeseburger and fries on a serving tray or plate/wrapper.
- Add a napkin and straw.
- Serve the Junior Tray with the soft drink.
Substitution
The Junior Tray from Cook Out copycat menu offers a classic cheeseburger with fries and a soft drink that you can easily recreate at home using common kitchen equipment like a grill, fryer, and soft drink dispenser or alternatives. If you don't have a fryer, oven-baking the russet potatoes can yield crispy fries with less oil. Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or plant-based patties for a different protein option while maintaining similar cooking techniques. Soft drink syrup may be replaced with store-bought soda if a dispenser is unavailable, and ice cubes are optional depending on your preference. You can customize the toppings such as tomato, lettuce, and pickles based on your taste or ingredient availability.
Tips
Ensure the grill and fryer are properly preheated to maintain optimal cooking temperatures for the beef patty and fries, preventing undercooking or sogginess. Season the 4 oz ground beef patty with salt and black pepper evenly before grilling to enhance flavor throughout. When assembling Your Junior Tray, evenly spread ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on the bun to balance the savory taste of the cheeseburger. Use a fry scoop to drain excess oil from the golden russet fries, ensuring they stay crispy and less greasy.
Nutritions
The Junior Tray from Cook Out provides a balanced meal containing approximately 550-650 calories, primarily from the 4 oz ground beef patty and fried russet potato fries. Your body receives essential macronutrients such as protein from the beef and cheese, carbohydrates from the hamburger bun and fries, and fats from mayonnaise and frying oil. The meal includes fiber and vitamins from lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles, contributing to digestion and micronutrient intake. Keep in mind that the soft drink adds sugars and calories without nutritional benefits, so moderation is key.
Storage
Store the cooked cheeseburger and fries separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate the tray components within two hours of preparation and consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and safety. Your soft drink syrup and carbonated water should be stored in a cool, dry place and prepared fresh before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can vary the Junior Tray by swapping the ground beef patty with a grilled chicken breast or a plant-based patty to cater to different dietary preferences. Instead of American cheese, try sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a bolder flavor profile. For a crispier fry, soak the russet potato slices in cold water for 30 minutes before frying to remove excess starch. Replace the classic soft drink with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing alternative to complement your meal.
Allergies
The Junior Tray from Cook Out contains common allergens such as dairy in the American cheese and mayonnaise, wheat in the hamburger bun, and potential soy or egg components in the condiments. Cross-contamination risks might also be present due to vegetable oil used for frying both the fries and possibly other menu items. You should carefully check ingredient specifics and inform the staff if you have allergies to any of these components to ensure your meal is safe.
Why this recipe?
Customers love the Junior Tray menu from Cook Out restaurant for its generous portion sizes, bold flavors, and affordable price. The combination of juicy burgers, crispy fries, and a refreshing drink offers a satisfying and convenient meal option that appeals to a wide audience. Making a copycat version at home allows you to customize ingredients to your taste while recreating the iconic smoky, grilled flavor that defines Cook Out's unique offerings. Your homemade Junior Tray can deliver the same crave-worthy experience without the wait or expense of dining out.