Shari's Signature Burger from Shari's Cafe & Pies features a juicy beef patty topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, crisp pickles, and tangy special sauce, all nestled between a toasted sesame seed bun, delivering a classic and satisfying gourmet burger experience.
Equipments
- Grill or Griddle
- Spatula
- Cheese Slicer (optional)
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Toaster or Oven
- Plate or Platter
- Squeeze Bottle (for special sauce)
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 leaves fresh lettuce
- 4 slices ripe tomato
- 8 slices dill pickles
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- Butter (for toasting buns)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- For the special sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce are essential to replicate the authentic taste of Shari's Signature Burger, so make sure they are high quality. Using ground beef with a moderate fat content, around 80/20, will help achieve the juicy texture typical of this gourmet burger. Toasting the sesame seed buns with butter enhances flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. The special sauce's balance of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and sweet pickle relish provides the tangy and creamy notes that define this burger's signature taste. Your homemade Shari's Signature Burger from Shari's Cafe & Pies copycat menu will be complete when these ingredients come together perfectly.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions; shape into patties.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Place patties on grill or griddle; cook for 3-4 minutes on one side.
- Flip patties; top each with a slice of cheddar cheese.
- Continue cooking until cheese is melted and desired doneness is reached.
- While patties cook, cut hamburger buns in half.
- Butter the cut sides of buns lightly.
- Toast buns on toaster, oven, or griddle until golden brown.
- Wash and dry lettuce leaves and tomato.
- Slice tomato into 4 slices.
- Prepare special sauce: mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika in bowl or squeeze bottle.
- Place bottom toasted bun on plate.
- Spread special sauce on bottom bun.
- Add lettuce leaf and tomato slice on bottom bun.
- Place cooked beef patty with melted cheese on top.
- Top with 2 slices dill pickles.
- Spread more special sauce on top bun (optional).
- Cover burger with top bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Shari's Signature Burger from Shari's Cafe & Pies copycat menu captures the essence of the original with a juicy beef patty, melted cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and tangy special sauce on a toasted sesame seed bun. If ground beef is unavailable, you can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to suit dietary preferences. Should you lack a grill or griddle, a non-stick skillet can effectively cook the patties while retaining juiciness. When making the special sauce, feel free to adjust the pickle relish or spices to match your taste or use prepared burger sauce as a convenient alternative. Toasting the buns with butter on a skillet or in an oven ensures crisp texture and rich flavor, enhancing your overall burger experience.
Tips
Ensure your patties are evenly shaped and not overworked to maintain juiciness and tenderness during cooking. Toasting the buns with a light butter layer enhances flavor and prevents sogginess from the special sauce. Use a squeeze bottle for the special sauce to achieve even distribution without excess mess. Always assemble the burger just before serving to keep the fresh ingredients crisp and the bun from becoming soggy.
Nutritions
Shari's Signature Burger provides a rich source of protein from the juicy beef patty, essential for muscle repair and growth. The cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health, while fresh lettuce and tomato contribute dietary fiber and antioxidants like vitamin C. Pickles add a tangy flavor with minimal calories but can contain sodium, so your intake should be mindful if you're monitoring salt consumption. The special sauce, combining mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and spices, adds flavor and fats, which complement the burger's texture and taste but should be used in moderation to balance calorie intake.
Storage
Store leftover Shari's Signature Burger components separately to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess. Wrap cooked beef patties and toasted buns tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Keep fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles in sealed containers or zip-top bags in the fridge, while special sauce can be stored in an airtight jar for up to a week.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to make a lighter version of the burger while maintaining moisture by adding finely chopped onions or grated zucchini to the patty mixture. Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or Swiss to vary the flavor profile and add a bit of spice or creaminess. Instead of traditional dill pickles, try bread-and-butter pickles or pickled jalapenos to introduce a sweet or spicy kick. For a smoky twist, finish cooking the patties on a charcoal grill or add a dash of smoked paprika to the special sauce.
Allergies
Shari's Signature Burger contains common allergens such as dairy from cheddar cheese and mayonnaise, eggs in the mayonnaise, and sesame seeds in the buns. If you have allergies to sesame, eggs, or dairy, it's important to inform the restaurant to avoid cross-contamination or request ingredient modifications. Always check with Shari's Cafe & Pies for detailed allergen information to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Shari's Signature Burger menu at Shari's Cafe & Pies is loved for its perfectly seasoned, juicy beef patty combined with fresh, crisp toppings and melted cheese, creating a balanced and satisfying flavor profile. The signature sauce adds a unique, savory twist that sets it apart from typical burgers, enhancing every bite with rich, tangy notes. Quality ingredients and attention to detail make this burger a standout option for those craving a classic yet elevated burger experience. You'll find trying to make a copycat version rewarding because it captures the iconic taste and texture that keeps fans coming back for more.