The Big Hardee from Hardee's features a juicy, flame-grilled beef patty topped with melted American cheese, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, crispy pickles, and tangy mayo, all nestled between a toasted sesame seed bun for a hearty and satisfying burger experience.
Equipments
- Grill or broiler
- Spatula
- Cheese slicer or pre-sliced cheese
- Lettuce cutter or knife
- Tomato slicer or knife
- Cutting board
- Pickle slicer or tongs
- Bun toaster or flat top/griddle
- Bun storage tray
- Mayo squeeze bottle or spreader
- Assembly table/workstation
Ingredients
- 1/3 lb (150g) ground beef
- 2 slices American cheese
- 2 leaves iceberg lettuce
- 2 slices tomato
- 4-6 dill pickle chips
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 sesame seed hamburger bun
Using fresh, high-quality ground beef with a 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio ensures the juicy, flame-grilled patty characteristic of the Big Hardee. Ensure American cheese slices are fully melted over the patty to achieve the authentic creamy texture. Fresh iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and crisp dill pickle chips provide essential crunch and flavor contrast, so prep these ingredients with sharp knives or slicers for uniform thickness. Toasting the sesame seed hamburger bun lightly enhances texture and prevents sogginess when layering the mayo and other toppings. You can recreate the signature Big Hardee from Hardee's copycat menu by carefully assembling all these elements with attention to ingredient freshness and proper cooking techniques.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or broiler.
- Form ground beef into a patty.
- Season patty (optional) and place on grill.
- Cook patty until desired doneness, flipping once.
- Place American cheese slices on patty during last minute of grilling.
- While patty cooks, slice lettuce and tomato.
- Toast sesame seed bun halves on bun toaster or griddle.
- Spread mayonnaise on top and/or bottom bun.
- Place lettuce on bottom bun.
- Add tomato slices over lettuce.
- Place cooked beef patty with melted cheese on top of tomato.
- Add pickle chips over cheese.
- Crown with top bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Big Hardee copycat burger captures the essence of Hardee's classic with a flame-grilled beef patty, American cheese, fresh iceberg lettuce, ripe tomato, crisp dill pickles, and mayo on a toasted sesame seed bun. If you don't have access to a grill, broiling the beef patty is a great alternative to achieve similar charred flavors while keeping it juicy. When American cheese slices are unavailable, processed cheddar or any mild melting cheese can be substituted without compromising taste. Your fresh produce can be pre-sliced or replaced by frozen vegetables if needed, ensuring quick prep without losing texture. Using a mayo squeeze bottle or spreader helps evenly distribute mayo, enhancing every bite consistently during assembly.
Tips
Ensure your grill or broiler is fully preheated before cooking the beef patty to achieve an even sear and lock in juices. Use a meat thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature of 160degF (71degC) to avoid undercooking. Toast the sesame seed bun just enough to create a slight crisp without burning, which enhances texture and prevents sogginess from the mayo. When assembling, handle fresh ingredients like lettuce and tomato gently to maintain their crispness and avoid bruising your burger.
Nutritions
Your Big Hardee burger contains about 560 calories, primarily from its 1/3 lb beef patty and two slices of American cheese, contributing approximately 36 grams of protein and 38 grams of fat, including saturated fat. The two tablespoons of mayonnaise add roughly 180 calories and 20 grams of fat, enhancing the burger's creamy texture. Fresh vegetables like iceberg lettuce and tomato provide minimal calories but contribute essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. The toasted sesame seed bun adds carbohydrates totaling about 30 grams, supplying energy and complementing the burger's overall nutrition profile.
Storage
Store leftover Big Hardee components separately to maintain freshness and texture; keep the cooked beef patty and toasted bun in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Use a paper towel to absorb excess moisture inside the container holding lettuce and tomato slices to prevent sogginess. When reheating, warm the beef patty on a grill or broiler and toast the bun lightly to restore its crispness before assembly, ensuring Your burger tastes as satisfying as freshly made.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option without losing the flame-grilled flavor. Swap American cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a sharper or spicier taste profile. Use avocado slices or BBQ sauce in place of mayo for a creamy or smoky twist. For quicker assembly, consider pre-washed lettuce and pre-sliced tomatoes from your produce section.
Allergies
The Big Hardee contains common allergens such as dairy from the American cheese and eggs from the mayonnaise, which may cause reactions in sensitive individuals. The sesame seed hamburger bun poses a risk for those with sesame allergies, and cross-contamination with gluten is possible due to the wheat-based bun. If you have food allergies, inform the staff to ensure your meal is prepared safely.
Why this recipe?
The Big Hardee menu from Hardee's restaurant is popular for its bold flavors, generous portions, and unique combination of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and seasoned beef patties. This iconic sandwich delivers a satisfying balance of savory and smoky tastes that appeal to meat lovers and fast-food enthusiasts alike. Attempting a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients to your preference while capturing the crave-worthy experience at home. Recreating the Big Hardee offers a delicious challenge that rewards your taste buds with the same indulgent satisfaction.