The Stacked Grilled Cheese Burger from Jack in the Box features a juicy beef patty layered with melted American cheese, crispy bacon, and savory grilled onions, all sandwiched between two golden, buttery grilled cheese sandwiches, delivering a rich, indulgent fusion of classic comfort flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Spatula
- Cheese slicer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Frying pan
- Bacon press (optional)
- Onion chopper or slicer
- Butter spreader or brush
- Serving tray or plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 8 slices American cheese
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 large yellow onion
- 8 slices white bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt
- Black pepper
When preparing the Stacked Grilled Cheese Burger, use fresh ground beef with around 80% lean content to ensure juiciness and flavor. Choose authentic American cheese slices that melt smoothly for the perfect gooey texture. Opt for thick-cut bacon to add a crispy contrast that holds up through grilling. Your yellow onion should be finely sliced to evenly distribute its savory sweetness across the burger layers. This copycat recipe aims to replicate the indulgent, layered flavors found in the Stacked Grilled Cheese Burger from Jack in the Box, offering a delicious homemade version of the fast-food favorite.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Shape ground beef into 4 equal patties; season with salt and black pepper.
- Slice onion into thin rings.
- Cook bacon in frying pan until crispy; set aside.
- Grill patties 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through; add a slice of American cheese to each patty to melt.
- Cook sliced onions in bacon drippings until golden and caramelized; set aside.
- Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Place 4 bread slices, butter-side down, on hot grill/griddle.
- Top each bread slice with a slice of American cheese.
- Place remaining bread slices, butter-side up, on top to form 4 grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Cook grilled cheese sandwiches until golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted.
- Build burger: Place a grilled cheese sandwich as the base, add beef patty with melted cheese, top with bacon and grilled onions, then finish with another grilled cheese sandwich on top.
- Cut and serve immediately.
Substitution
You can recreate the Stacked Grilled Cheese Burger from Jack in the Box at home by using two grilled cheese sandwiches as buns, packed with a juicy beef patty, crispy bacon, melted American cheese, and caramelized onions. If you don't have American cheese, cheddar or Colby Jack work well as substitutes, offering a similar melt and flavor. When you can't source white bread, any soft sandwich bread or Texas toast will maintain the sandwich's signature buttery, crispy texture. Cooking bacon without a press is fine--just press it gently with a spatula to achieve crispiness and even cooking. Your grilled onions can be sauteed in the bacon fat for added depth, infusing them with savory notes that enhance the burger's overall taste.
Tips
Make sure to evenly shape and season your beef patties to ensure consistent cooking and flavor. When grilling the cheese sandwiches, butter the bread generously to achieve a crisp, golden crust without burning. Use bacon drippings to caramelize the onions for enhanced savory depth. You'll want to assemble and serve the burger promptly to enjoy the cheese melted perfectly and the sandwich warm and fresh.
Nutritions
The Stacked Grilled Cheese Burger packs a substantial amount of protein from the 1 lb ground beef and 8 slices of American cheese, supporting muscle repair and growth. High in saturated fat and calories due to bacon, butter, and cheese, this indulgent meal provides energy but should be consumed in moderation. Caramelized onions contribute small amounts of dietary fiber and antioxidants, aiding digestion and immune function. You can balance your intake by pairing this rich burger with a side of fresh vegetables or a salad.
Storage
Store your Stacked Grilled Cheese Burger in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. For best taste, consume within 2-3 days and reheat gently on a grill or griddle to restore crispiness without overcooking the beef patty. Freezing is not recommended as it may compromise the texture of the bread and cheese.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap American cheese with sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to enhance the burger's flavor profile. For a twist on the bacon, try turkey bacon or pancetta for a different texture and taste. Grilled mushrooms or sauteed bell peppers can replace onions if you prefer a milder, earthier sweetness. To make the sandwich easier to handle, consider pressing the grilled cheese sandwiches with a bacon press for a more compact meal.
Allergies
Your Stacked Grilled Cheese Burger contains common allergens such as dairy from American cheese and butter, and gluten found in white bread. Bacon and beef are less likely allergens but may cause reactions in people with specific meat allergies. Individuals sensitive to onions should be cautious, as grilled onions are a key component of this indulgent burger.
Why this recipe?
The Stacked Grilled Cheese Burger from Jack in the Box combines two popular comfort foods, delivering a unique and indulgent flavor experience. Its layers of melted American cheese, crispy grilled cheese sandwiches, and a juicy beef patty offer a satisfying texture contrast that appeals to cheese and burger lovers. Making a copycat version at home lets you customize ingredients to your taste while enjoying a budget-friendly, gourmet-style meal. You'll appreciate the rich, gooey taste and the creativity behind this innovative menu item.