The Santa Barbara Charburger from The Habit Burger Grill features a juicy chargrilled beef patty topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, caramelized onions, and tangy sauce, all nestled in a toasted sesame seed bun, delivering a savory and satisfying gourmet burger experience.
Equipments
- Grill or charbroiler
- Flat-top griddle or skillet
- Spatula
- Cheese slicer or knife
- Bun toaster or toaster
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Small saucepan or frying pan (for caramelizing onions)
- Mixing bowl (for sauce, if homemade)
- Squeeze bottle or spoon (for sauce application)
- Food thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Cheddar cheese slices
- Butter lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Dill pickle slices
- Yellow onion
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Sweet pickle relish
- Yellow mustard
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Sesame seed burger buns
Choose ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio for juicy, flavorful patties that chargrill well. Fresh butter lettuce and ripe tomato slices enhance the burger's freshness, while caramelizing yellow onions in butter or oil brings out their sweetness, essential for authentic flavor. Homemade tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and yellow mustard can elevate your burger closer to the original taste. Use sesame seed buns toasted to golden perfection to add texture and a nutty aroma. Your Santa Barbara Charburger from The Habit Burger Grill copycat menu will achieve that signature savory and satisfying gourmet profile with these careful ingredient choices.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or charbroiler to medium-high heat.
- Form ground beef into burger patties; season with salt and black pepper.
- Slice yellow onion thinly.
- Caramelize sliced onions in a small saucepan or frying pan over medium-low heat until golden and soft; set aside.
- Slice cheddar cheese, tomato, and pickles.
- Wash and prepare butter lettuce leaves.
- Toast sesame seed buns on a bun toaster or grill until golden.
- Grill burger patties to desired doneness, flipping once with spatula; top with cheddar cheese slices in the last minute to melt.
- Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and yellow mustard in a bowl to create the tangy sauce.
- Assemble burger: spread sauce on toasted buns using a squeeze bottle or spoon.
- Place lettuce, beef patty with melted cheese, tomato slices, pickles, and caramelized onions on bottom bun.
- Cover with top bun; serve immediately.
Substitution
The Santa Barbara Charburger from The Habit Burger Grill copycat menu can be customized easily with substitutions like turkey or plant-based patties to suit dietary preferences. If cheddar cheese is unavailable, Swiss or American cheese melts well and complements the flavors. Lettuce varieties such as romaine or iceberg provide a similar crunch if butter lettuce is out of reach. Caramelized onions can be replaced with sauteed mushrooms for an extra savory twist. You can use a regular skillet instead of a grill or charbroiler to achieve a deliciously cooked patty at home.
Tips
To ensure your Santa Barbara Charburger is juicy and flavorful, avoid pressing down on the patties while grilling, as this releases the meat's natural juices. Use a food thermometer if unsure about doneness; medium-rare is usually 130-135degF, and medium is 140-145degF. When caramelizing onions, cook them slowly over low heat to bring out their natural sweetness without burning. Toasting the buns just before assembly prevents sogginess and adds a pleasant crunch to every bite.
Nutritions
The Santa Barbara Charburger provides a rich source of protein from the 80/20 ground beef blend, essential for muscle repair and satiety. Cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health, while fresh vegetables like butter lettuce and tomato contribute dietary fiber and antioxidants. The sesame seed bun offers carbohydrates for energy and contains small amounts of healthy fats and minerals including magnesium and calcium. Your meal balances savory flavors with nutrients from protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a satisfying choice when eaten in moderation.
Storage
Store leftover Santa Barbara Charburger components separately to maintain freshness; keep cooked patties, caramelized onions, and sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap fresh vegetables and buns individually in plastic wrap or place in sealed bags to preserve texture and flavor. When reheating, warm patties and onions gently on a skillet or in the microwave, then assemble your burger just before eating for the best taste experience.
Variation or Alternatives
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based patties for a leaner or vegetarian option without sacrificing the chargrilled flavor. Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or Swiss to introduce a different cheese profile that complements the smoky patty. Replace yellow onion caramelization with sauteed mushrooms or grilled jalapenos for varied textures and flavor intensity. Enhance your tangy sauce by adding a splash of hot sauce or smoked paprika to tailor the taste to your preference.
Allergies
The Santa Barbara Charburger contains common allergens such as dairy from cheddar cheese and mayonnaise, as well as gluten and sesame seeds from the toasted sesame seed bun. Your exposure to mustard in the sauce also poses a potential allergen risk. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution or consult with The Habit Burger Grill for possible modifications.
Why this recipe?
The Santa Barbara Charburger from The Habit Burger Grill features a perfectly grilled patty topped with sauteed mushrooms, melted cheese, and fresh lettuce, delivering a rich and savory flavor profile. Its balanced combination of smoky chargrilled taste and fresh ingredients ensures a satisfying bite every time. You'll appreciate the unique blend of textures and bold flavors that elevate a classic burger experience. Trying to recreate this copycat recipe allows you to enjoy this restaurant favorite at home, customizing it to your taste while saving money.