The Classic Buttery Jack from Jack in the Box features a juicy beef patty topped with melted American cheese, crispy bacon, and a rich buttery Jack sauce, all nestled between a soft, toasted bun for a satisfying, flavorful burger experience.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Spatula
- Frying pan or skillet
- Cheese slicer (optional)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Toaster or toaster oven (for buns)
- Sauce brush or spoon
- Plate
- Bacon rack, microwave, or skillet (for cooking bacon)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 slices bacon
- 2 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Ensure you use freshly ground beef with about 20% fat content to achieve a juicy and flavorful patty. Opt for American cheese slices as they melt smoothly, enhancing the creamy texture of your burger. Cook bacon until crispy using a skillet or bacon rack to add the perfect crunch without excess grease. Toast your buns lightly with butter to complement the rich buttery Jack sauce made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Your Classic Buttery Jack from Jack in the Box copycat burger will deliver an authentic, satisfying taste when these ingredient details are followed closely.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle.
- Form ground beef into 2 burger patties.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper.
- Cook bacon in frying pan, skillet, or microwave until crispy; set aside.
- Toast hamburger buns in toaster or toaster oven.
- Melt butter in a small pan; set aside.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder to create buttery Jack sauce.
- Grill burger patties to desired doneness.
- Place American cheese slices on patties; allow to melt.
- Assemble burgers: place cooked patty with melted cheese on bottom bun.
- Top each patty with crispy bacon.
- Spread buttery Jack sauce on top bun.
- Brush or spoon melted butter on inside of top bun.
- Place top bun on each burger.
- Serve immediately on plate.
Substitution
When recreating the Classic Buttery Jack from Jack in the Box at home, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have American cheese, processed cheddar or mild Colby cheese will provide a similar creamy melt. Butter for toasting buns can be replaced with olive oil or a non-dairy spread if you prefer a dairy-free alternative. Your bacon can be cooked using the microwave or a skillet if you don't have a bacon rack, but be sure to drain excess grease for crispiness. Mixing mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a rich sauce that can be adjusted with extra seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Tips
When forming your 1 lb ground beef into 2 patties, ensure they are evenly shaped and slightly larger than your hamburger buns, as they will shrink during cooking. Use your grill or griddle to cook the patties evenly, flipping once to achieve a juicy texture without overcooking. Apply the Butter Jack sauce generously to enhance the classic flavors, and don't forget to brush melted butter on the toasted buns for extra richness and moisture. Your crispy bacon and melted American cheese should be added right after cooking to maintain their texture and flavor for the perfect assembly.
Nutritions
The Classic Buttery Jack contains a substantial amount of protein from its 1 lb of ground beef and crispy bacon, providing essential amino acids for muscle repair. The 4 slices of American cheese contribute calcium and saturated fats, while the mayonnaise-based buttery Jack sauce adds additional calories from fats. Each burger's two toasted buns supply carbohydrates, offering energy to fuel your day. To manage your intake, be mindful that this burger combines high levels of fats and sodium, which can impact heart health if consumed frequently.
Storage
To keep your Classic Buttery Jack fresh, store any leftover patties and bacon separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Place buns in a sealed plastic bag or wrap tightly with aluminum foil to maintain softness and prevent staleness. For reheating, use a skillet or oven to warm patties and bacon evenly while toasting buns lightly to restore their toasted texture without drying them out.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option while maintaining juiciness by adding a teaspoon of olive oil to the patties. Swap American cheese with sharp cheddar or pepper jack to add a stronger cheese flavor and a touch of spice. Consider using a brioche bun instead of a standard hamburger bun to enhance sweetness and texture, and infuse your buttery Jack sauce with a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky aroma. Cooking bacon in the oven on a rack ensures even crispiness and less mess compared to frying in a pan.
Allergies
Your Classic Buttery Jack contains common allergens such as dairy from American cheese and butter, eggs potentially present in mayonnaise, and gluten from hamburger buns. Individuals with beef or pork allergies should avoid the beef patty and bacon components to prevent reactions. Always check ingredient labels carefully if you have food sensitivities or specific dietary restrictions.
Why this recipe?
The Classic Buttery Jack from Jack in the Box features a perfectly toasted buttery bun that adds a rich, savory flavor enhancing the juicy, seasoned beef patty. Melted American cheese and fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles create a satisfying mix of textures and tastes. You'll appreciate the balance of classic burger elements with a unique buttery twist that makes it stand out from typical fast-food offerings. Creating a copycat at home allows you to customize ingredients and enjoy this beloved flavor profile fresh and hot whenever you desire.