The Route 66 Burger from Johnny Rockets features a juicy beef patty topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and tangy pickles, all nestled in a toasted sesame seed bun, delivering a classic American diner experience with every bite.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Frying pan (for bacon)
- Cheese slicer
- Toaster or oven (for buns)
- Plate or tray
- Serving spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 4 leaves fresh lettuce
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 8-12 dill pickle slices
When preparing the Route 66 Burger, use fresh, high-quality ground beef to ensure juiciness and flavor in every patty. Opt for sharp cheddar cheese that melts well, adding a rich, creamy texture to balance the savory bacon and crisp vegetables. Select sesame seed buns that are sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients without becoming soggy, and toast them lightly for added crunch. Make sure the lettuce is crisp and the tomatoes are ripe for the freshest taste. Your homemade Route 66 Burger from Johnny Rockets copycat menu will offer an authentic diner experience with these carefully chosen ingredients.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.
- Season patties with salt and pepper (optional).
- Cook patties on grill or griddle for 3-4 minutes per side, until desired doneness.
- In frying pan, cook bacon until crispy; drain on paper towel.
- Slice cheddar cheese, tomatoes, and pickles.
- Add cheddar slice to each patty during last minute of cooking; let melt.
- Toast sesame seed buns in toaster or oven until golden.
- Place lettuce leaf on bottom half of each bun.
- Add tomato slices and pickle slices over lettuce.
- Place cheesy beef patty on top of vegetables.
- Top each patty with crispy bacon slice(s).
- Cover with top half of bun.
- Serve immediately on plate or tray using serving spatula.
Substitution
The Route 66 Burger from Johnny Rockets copycat menu captures the essence of a classic American diner with its juicy beef patty, melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables on a toasted sesame seed bun. If you don't have cheddar cheese, Swiss or American cheese can work well as substitutes to maintain that creamy texture. You can use chicken or turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon to reduce fat content without losing flavor. When grilling, pressing the patty lightly with a spatula helps achieve even cooking and a caramelized crust. To keep veggies fresh, slice tomatoes just before serving and store lettuce leaves in a damp paper towel until ready to assemble your burger.
Tips
Ensure the grill or griddle is properly preheated to medium-high heat to achieve the perfect sear on your beef patties. When shaping the patties, make them slightly larger than the bun, as they will shrink during cooking. Melt the cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute to create that ideal gooey texture. Toasting the sesame seed buns just before assembly adds a satisfying crunch and prevents sogginess from the burger juices.
Nutritions
The Route 66 Burger delivers approximately 700-800 calories per serving, primarily from the beef patty and crispy bacon, providing a rich source of protein and essential fats. Cheddar cheese contributes calcium and vitamin D while the fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes add dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Sesame seed buns offer carbohydrates for energy, but also add to the overall calorie count, so consider portion control depending on your dietary goals. Your meal balances indulgent flavors with nutritional components, making it satisfying yet nutrient-dense.
Storage
To keep your Route 66 Burger fresh, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate the components like lettuce and tomato to maintain their crispness, while patties and bacon can be reheated gently on a grill or in a skillet. Avoid freezing assembled burgers to preserve texture; instead, freeze raw patties if needed for longer storage.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative to the beef patty, maintaining protein content while lowering fat. Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack to add a spicy kick, enhancing flavor complexity. Instead of crispy bacon, try using smoked turkey bacon or a grilled portobello mushroom cap for a different texture and taste. Toasting the buns with a light spread of garlic butter adds a rich, aromatic touch to your Route 66 Burger.
Allergies
Your Route 66 Burger contains common allergens such as dairy from the cheddar cheese and gluten from the sesame seed buns, which may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. The bacon could also cause issues for those with pork allergies or dietary restrictions. If you have specific food allergies, consider modifying the ingredients to ensure a safe and enjoyable meal.
Why this recipe?
Route 66 Burger at Johnny Rockets is celebrated for its juicy, flavorful beef patty topped with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and melted cheese on a perfectly toasted bun. The combination of quality ingredients and classic American flavors creates a nostalgic taste that resonates with burger enthusiasts. You'll find its bold yet balanced seasoning and satisfying texture hard to replicate with standard recipes. Crafting your own copycat version offers a delicious challenge to capture this iconic taste while customizing ingredients to fit your preferences.