Copycat Five Guys Burger Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Five Guys burger with this easy copycat recipe. Perfectly grilled double patties with melty American cheese on toasted sesame seed buns, customizable with all your favorite toppings. The secret is in the smashing technique for that signature caramelized beef flavor.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Serves:

4 burgers

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">800g high-quality ground beef (80% lean/20% fat)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 sesame seed burger buns</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">8 slices American cheese</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt, to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large tomato, sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small red onion, thinly sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">8 lettuce leaves (iceberg or romaine)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">16 dill pickle slices</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g button mushrooms, sliced and sautéed (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml mayonnaise (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml ketchup (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml mustard (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp vegetable oil, for cooking</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">Heavy cast iron skillet or griddle</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Metal spatula (preferably wide and flexible)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Meat press or smaller heavy pan</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Divide your ground beef into 8 equal portions (100g each) and gently roll them into loose balls. Don't overwork the meat as this can make your burgers tough. The loose structure helps create that signature Five Guys texture. Place the beef balls on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes while you prepare your toppings.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Prepare all your toppings and condiments and set them aside. Five Guys is all about customization, so have everything ready in separate containers. Sauté mushrooms if using until golden brown and set aside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Heat your cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking hot. This extremely high heat is crucial for developing that characteristic crust that gives Five Guys burgers their distinctive flavor through the Maillard reaction (the browning process that creates hundreds of flavor compounds).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Lightly brush your skillet with vegetable oil. Working in batches if needed, place the meat balls on the hot surface with plenty of space between them. Immediately smash each ball firmly with your spatula or meat press to create a thin patty about 10-12cm in diameter. Press hard enough to create a thin burger with crispy edges. Season generously with salt.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Cook the patties for about 2 minutes without moving them. You'll see juices pooling on the surface and the edges becoming brown and crispy. This initial sear is what creates the caramelized crust that's essential to the Five Guys flavor profile.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Using your spatula, carefully scrape and flip each patty, making sure to preserve the crispy, caramelized crust. Place a slice of American cheese on each patty immediately after flipping. Cook for another minute until the cheese begins to melt. The quick melting of cheese on hot patties creates that gooey texture characteristic of Five Guys burgers.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>While the patties are cooking, toast your burger buns cut-side down in a separate dry pan or on the edges of your griddle until golden brown. This toasting step is essential as it prevents the buns from becoming soggy from the burger juices and adds another layer of flavor and texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>To assemble each burger, spread condiments of choice on the bottom bun. Stack two cheese-topped patties on each bottom bun (this double patty approach is signature Five Guys style). Add your desired toppings in this order: lettuce, tomato, pickles, sautéed mushrooms, and onions. The careful layering prevents soggy buns and provides optimal flavor distribution.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Cover with the top bun and wrap each burger in foil for 1-2 minutes. This important final step allows the burger to steam slightly, melding all the flavors together and softening the bun just enough to mimic the authentic Five Guys texture. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.</li></ol>

FAQs

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

What ingredients are used in Copycat Five Guys Burger Recipe?

The main ingredients include 800g high-quality ground beef (80/20), sesame seed buns, American cheese slices, and optional toppings like tomatoes, onions, lettuce, pickles, sautéed mushrooms, plus condiments such as mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard.

How to cook Copycat Five Guys Burger Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Copycat Five Guys Burger Recipe by dividing 80/20 ground beef into balls, heating a cast iron skillet until smoking hot, smashing the patties thin with a metal spatula, cooking for 2 minutes per side, adding American cheese while flipping, and serving on toasted sesame seed buns with your choice of toppings.

What's the secret to getting that signature Five Guys burger crust?

The secret is using an extremely hot cast iron skillet or griddle and firmly smashing the loose beef balls into thin patties. This creates maximum contact with the hot surface, developing a deeply caramelised crust while maintaining a juicy interior.

Why is 80/20 ground beef recommended for smash burgers?

The 80% lean to 20% fat ratio provides the perfect balance for smash burgers - enough fat to create flavour and juiciness, but not so much that flare-ups occur. This fat content helps develop that sought-after crispy, lacy edge while keeping the interior moist.

Can I make these smash burgers on an outdoor grill?

Traditional grills aren't ideal for smash burgers as the meat can fall through the grates. Use a flat cast iron griddle on your grill instead, ensuring it's preheated until smoking hot. The solid surface allows proper smashing and developing the essential caramelised crust.

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