The Roadhouse Burger from Fuddruckers features a juicy, flame-grilled beef patty topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy onion rings, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and tangy barbecue sauce, all nestled in a toasted sesame seed bun for a smoky, savory, and satisfying bite.
Equipments
- Grill
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Cheese slicer (optional)
- Deep fryer
- Fry basket
- Sheet pan or tray (for onions)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Sauce bottle or ladle
- Bun toaster or griddle
- Plate or burger wrapping paper
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 leaves romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- Butter (for toasting buns, optional)
Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio is essential for achieving the juicy, flame-grilled texture of the Roadhouse Burger, while using fresh romaine or iceberg lettuce and ripe tomatoes ensures crispness and vibrant flavor. For crispy onion rings, soak the sliced onions in buttermilk before dredging them in seasoned flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then fry them in vegetable oil heated to the correct temperature for optimal crunch. Toasting the sesame seed buns with butter on a griddle enhances both aroma and texture, complementing the smoky barbecue sauce and melted cheddar cheese layered on the burger. Use a grill and spatula for cooking the patties evenly, and a fry basket or sheet pan to manage the onion rings effectively. Your homemade Roadhouse Burger from Fuddruckers copycat menu will capture the same smoky, savory satisfaction served at the restaurant.
Instructions
- Preheat the grill.
- Slice onion into rings.
- Soak onion rings in buttermilk.
- Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Dredge soaked onion rings in seasoned flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in the deep fryer.
- Fry onion rings until golden brown; drain on a sheet pan or tray.
- Form ground beef into 4 burger patties.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper.
- Grill patties to desired doneness, flipping with a spatula.
- Place cheddar cheese slices on patties during last minute of grilling; cover/grill to melt.
- Slice tomatoes and prepare lettuce leaves.
- Slice buns and butter lightly, if desired.
- Toast buns on bun toaster or griddle until golden.
- Spread barbecue sauce on top and/or bottom buns.
- Assemble burgers: bottom bun, lettuce, tomato slices, beef patty with melted cheese, fried onion rings, more barbecue sauce (optional), top bun.
- Serve on a plate or wrap in burger paper.
Substitution
The Roadhouse Burger from Fuddruckers copycat menu replicates the classic flame-grilled beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, crispy onion rings, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and barbecue sauce on a toasted sesame seed bun. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based patties for a leaner or vegetarian option without sacrificing flavor. If fresh onions are unavailable, pre-sliced frozen onions can be dipped in the buttermilk and flour mix before frying to maintain crispiness. When deep-frying onion rings, monitor oil temperature closely to avoid soggy results and ensure even cooking. Toast the buns on a griddle or skillet if you don't have a bun toaster to add a slight crunch and warmth.
Tips
Make sure to soak the onion rings thoroughly in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to ensure they become crispy and flavorful when fried. Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for juicy, well-balanced patties that won't dry out on the grill. Toasting the buns lightly with butter enhances texture and adds a subtle richness to your sandwich. When assembling, spread barbecue sauce on both buns to keep your burger moist and infuse extra tangy flavor with every bite.
Nutritions
The Roadhouse Burger provides a rich source of protein from the 80/20 ground beef, supporting muscle maintenance and energy. Cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, important for bone health. The fried onion rings and barbecue sauce contribute some added calories and fats, which you should consider if monitoring your intake. Fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes enhance the burger with dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, promoting digestion and immune function.
Storage
Store leftover Roadhouse Burgers wrapped tightly in wax paper or aluminum foil to maintain freshness while preventing sogginess of the buns and onion rings. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days to keep the beef patty moist and the fresh vegetables crisp. When reheating, use a grill or toaster oven to warm the patty and buns evenly without drying out your burger.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based burger patties for a leaner or vegetarian option. Swap cheddar cheese with pepper jack or smoked gouda to add a different flavor profile. Instead of deep-frying onion rings, bake them in the oven for a healthier alternative using a spray of oil to achieve crispiness. Enhance the barbecue sauce by mixing in a touch of honey or chipotle for added sweetness or smoky heat.
Allergies
The Roadhouse Burger contains common allergens such as dairy from cheddar cheese and buttermilk, gluten from all-purpose flour and sesame seed buns, and sesame seeds themselves. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, your options should be carefully considered to avoid adverse reactions. Cross-contact with frying oil or barbecue sauce ingredients could also pose a risk depending on your specific sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
Fuddruckers' Roadhouse Burger menu stands out with its juicy, flame-grilled beef patties layered with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh toppings that create a balanced, bold flavor profile. The signature smoky barbecue sauce enhances each bite, appealing to those who enjoy a savory and satisfying burger experience. You'll appreciate how easy it is to replicate this gourmet taste at home, using simple ingredients for a juicy, restaurant-quality burger that excites your taste buds. Crafting a copycat version lets you customize the flavors while enjoying the same iconic, crave-worthy quality that keeps fans returning.