A&W Copycat Buddy Burger Recipe

Master this homemade A&W Buddy Burger with the best seasoned beef patty and special sauce that tastes just like the original! This easy burger recipe delivers authentic fast-food flavor with simple ingredients – perfect for satisfying cravings without leaving home. #copycat #homemade #burgerrecipe

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Serves:

4 burgers

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">450g lean ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 hamburger buns, preferably with sesame seeds</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 slices American cheese (or processed cheese slices)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 leaves iceberg lettuce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the special sauce:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g mayonnaise</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g ketchup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g sweet pickle relish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon white vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of garlic powder</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

🍭 Sugar:

🍗 Protein:

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🧂 Sodium:

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Cast iron skillet or griddle</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Spatula</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Meat thermometer</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a small bowl, prepare the special sauce by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, white vinegar, sugar, paprika, and a pinch of garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well-blended. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the burgers to allow flavors to meld together.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Place the ground beef in a large bowl and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently with your hands until just combined - overmixing will create tough patties. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 110g each) and form into thin patties slightly larger than your buns, as they'll shrink during cooking. Create a small dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent it from puffing up.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Heat your cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. A properly preheated surface is crucial for developing a flavorful crust on the patties while keeping the interior juicy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Place the patties on the hot cooking surface and cook for about 2-3 minutes until a brown crust forms on the bottom. Flip once and immediately place a slice of cheese on each patty. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature of 70°C). Don't press down on the patties while cooking as this will squeeze out the juices.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>While the patties are cooking, lightly butter the cut sides of your hamburger buns. In the last minute of cooking, place the buns butter-side down on a clear spot of the cooking surface and toast until golden brown, about 30-60 seconds.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>To assemble your burgers, spread a generous tablespoon of the special sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a lettuce leaf, followed by the cheese-topped patty. Sprinkle some diced onions on top of the melted cheese and finish with the top bun. For the authentic A&W experience, wrap each burger in parchment paper and let rest for a minute before serving – this creates a slight steam effect that softens the bun just like the original.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in A&W Copycat Buddy Burger Recipe?

This recipe uses lean ground beef, hamburger buns, American cheese, onion, butter, iceberg lettuce, and seasonings. The special sauce combines mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, paprika, and garlic powder to replicate A&W's signature taste.

How to cook A&W Copycat Buddy Burger Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook A&W Copycat Buddy Burger Recipe by seasoning ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, forming thin patties, and cooking in a hot cast iron skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. Top with cheese while cooking, toast buttered buns, then assemble with special sauce, lettuce, and diced onions for that authentic fast-food experience.

What's the secret to getting the perfect crust on a fast-food style burger patty?

The secret lies in using a very hot cooking surface (preferably cast iron), making thin patties, and resisting the urge to press down on them while cooking. Also, the 80/20 fat ratio in the beef helps create that characteristic caramelized crust while keeping the interior juicy.

Can I make the special burger sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The special sauce actually benefits from being made in advance. Prepare it up to 3 days before and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavours to fully develop and meld together, creating a more authentic taste.

What's the best type of bun for homemade fast-food style burgers?

Soft, slightly sweet sesame seed buns work best for authentic fast-food style burgers. Look for potato rolls or brioche buns if you want something more premium. The key is lightly toasting the bun with butter for that perfect combination of slight crispness and pillowy texture.

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