Krystal's Combo Meals feature a savory selection of bite-sized, square-shaped burgers known as Krystal sliders, paired with golden, crispy French fries and a refreshing soft drink, delivering a classic Southern fast-food experience with a perfect blend of juicy beef, soft buns, and crunchy sides.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Refrigerated prep table
- Bun warmer or steamer
- Soda fountain machine
- Ice bin
- Food prep knives
- Food storage containers
- Serving trays
- Heat lamps or food warming station
- Spatulas
- Tongs
- Measuring scoops/cups
- Food wrapping paper or boxes
- Refrigerators/freezers
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
- 12 slider buns (square-shaped, soft)
- 12 dill pickle slices
- 1 small onion
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- Salt
- Pepper
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 8 cups ice
- 4 cups carbonated water
- 1 cup cola syrup (or other soft drink syrup)
Using 80/20 ground beef ensures the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness for your Krystal sliders, while square-shaped, soft slider buns capture the authentic texture of the original. Fresh dill pickle slices and thinly sliced onions add essential crunch and tang that complement the savory beef patties. Russet potatoes should be freshly cut and fried in vegetable oil for crispy, golden French fries that complete the meal. Maintaining proper refrigeration of ingredients and using fresh ice with carbonated water and cola syrup will keep your soft drinks refreshingly cool. Your Combo Meals from the Krystal copycat menu deliver the classic Southern fast-food experience with perfectly balanced flavors and textures.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high.
- Divide ground beef into 12 equal portions (about 1.3 oz each).
- Shape each portion into a small, square patty.
- Season patties with salt and pepper.
- Finely dice onion.
- Slice russet potatoes into fries.
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry potato slices in batches until golden and crispy.
- Drain fries, season with salt.
- Place slider buns in bun warmer or steamer.
- Grill beef patties for 2-3 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Place a slice of pickle and diced onions on each bottom bun.
- Add cooked patty on top of pickles and onions.
- Squeeze mustard and ketchup onto each patty.
- Top with the other half of the bun.
- Wrap or box each slider.
- Place fries in serving trays.
- Fill soda fountain machine with cola syrup and carbonated water.
- Dispense ice into cups.
- Pour soft drink into each cup.
- Assemble combo meal: 3-4 sliders, a serving of fries, and a drink per tray.
- Serve under heat lamp or at warming station until delivery.
Substitution
Krystal's Combo Meals from this copycat menu center around mini square sliders made from juicy 80/20 ground beef, complemented by crispy fries and a fizzy soft drink, recreating the signature Southern fast-food flavor. If slider buns aren't square or soft enough, consider lightly toasting regular slider buns to maintain texture while enhancing sturdiness. You can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon Gold for a slightly creamier fry if desired, adjusting frying time to achieve the perfect crispiness. When preparing the soft drink, using club soda in place of carbonated water is a suitable alternative, just ensure the cola syrup ratio remains balanced for authentic taste. Your kitchen setup can adapt by using a skillet instead of a griddle for cooking sliders if necessary, but maintain medium-high heat to seal in juiciness without overcooking.
Tips
Your ground beef patties should be evenly shaped and seasoned properly to ensure consistent cooking and flavor. Keep the deep fryer temperature steady at 350degF (175degC) to achieve perfectly crispy fries without absorbing excess oil. Use fresh, soft slider buns warmed in a bun steamer to maintain moisture and prevent sogginess when assembling the sliders. When dispensing drinks, ensure the correct syrup-to-carbonated water ratio to maintain the classic flavor profile of the soft drink in your combo meals.
Nutritions
Krystal's Combo Meals provide approximately 15-20 grams of protein per serving from the 80/20 ground beef patties, contributing to muscle repair and maintenance. The golden French fries add a source of carbohydrates and fats, supplying quick energy but also increasing the meal's calorie content due to deep frying in vegetable oil. Soft drinks included in the combo contribute added sugars and calories with minimal nutritional value, which could impact blood sugar levels. You can balance your meal by controlling portion sizes, opting for water or unsweetened beverages, and supplementing with fresh vegetables to enhance fiber and micronutrient intake.
Storage
Store cooked Krystal sliders wrapped in food wrapping paper or placed in food storage containers to maintain warmth and prevent dryness. Keep fries in serving trays under heat lamps or food warming stations to preserve crispiness but avoid prolonged exposure to prevent sogginess. Refrigerate any unused patties, buns, or fries promptly in sealed containers to ensure freshness for up to three days, and keep beverages chilled with ice in the soda fountain or ice bin.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining juiciness. Experiment with sweet potato fries instead of russet for a nutrient boost and a hint of sweetness. Try melting a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese onto each patty in the last minute of grilling to add a creamy texture and depth of flavor. To customize your drink, replace cola syrup with lemon-lime or root beer syrup, giving your combo meal a refreshing twist tailored to your taste.
Allergies
Krystal's Combo Meals contain common allergens such as wheat in the slider buns and potential traces of soy or dairy in the condiments like mustard and ketchup. The ground beef and pickles are generally safe but cross-contamination risks may occur if prepared in shared kitchen equipment. Be sure to check with the restaurant if you have allergies to gluten, soy, or preservatives to keep your meal safe.
Why this recipe?
Krystal's Combo Meals menu attracts customers with its variety of bite-sized, flavorful sliders paired with crispy fries and refreshing drinks, offering a convenient and satisfying dining experience. The menu caters to different tastes by including classic cheeseburgers, spicy options, and chicken sandwiches, making it a versatile choice for any craving. Trying to make a copycat version at home allows you to recreate the beloved flavors and customizable options while saving money and controlling ingredients for a personalized meal. Your enjoyment of the unique blend of soft buns, juicy patties, and signature sauces makes the effort worthwhile.