Copycat Five Guys Little Cheeseburger Recipe

Master this homemade Five Guys Little Cheeseburger recipe with the best beef blend, perfect smash technique, and signature toasted bun. Learn how to recreate that famous juicy patty and melted cheese combo with easy-to-follow steps for the ultimate homemade burger experience.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Serves:

4 burgers

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g fresh ground beef (80/20 meat-to-fat ratio)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 sesame seed burger buns</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 slices American cheese</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large tomato, sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 lettuce leaves, washed and dried</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">8 dill pickle slices</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Mayonnaise, for spreading</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ketchup, for serving</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Mustard, for serving</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 burger

🔥 Calories: 450 calories

🥑 Fat: 28 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 12 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 27 g

🍭 Sugar: 5 g

🍗 Protein: 23 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 85 mg

🧂 Sodium: 720 mg

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</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>Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions of 125g each and gently form into loose balls without compacting the meat. This loose handling preserves the natural texture and prevents the patties from becoming tough. Cover and let the meat come to room temperature for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Heat your cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until it's extremely hot and just starting to smoke. A properly heated cooking surface is crucial for achieving that characteristic seared crust that Five Guys burgers are known for.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>While the skillet heats, prepare your burger toppings and set them aside. Split the burger buns and lightly toast them either in a separate pan or on the edges of your griddle until golden brown, about 30-45 seconds.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Place the beef balls on the hot skillet, leaving plenty of space between them. Immediately smash each ball down firmly with your metal spatula to create thin patties about 10-12cm in diameter. Press down hard – the thinner the better for authentic Five Guys style! Season generously with salt and pepper.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Cook the patties for about 1-2 minutes until the edges are browned and crispy. You'll see juices pooling on top of the patties – this is a good sign! The proteins are caramelizing on the bottom to create that signature meaty flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Using the edge of your spatula, carefully scrape under each patty to flip it, making sure to preserve the browned crust. Place a slice of American cheese on top of each patty immediately after flipping. The residual heat will help melt the cheese perfectly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 70-75°C.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on the bottom bun, then add lettuce and tomato. Transfer the cheese-topped patties directly onto the prepared bun bottom. Add pickles, diced onions, ketchup, and mustard according to preference.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Complete your burger by placing the top bun in place and wrap in foil or parchment paper for 1-2 minutes before serving. This brief steam period helps meld the flavors together and softens the bun slightly, just like at Five Guys. 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 Little Cheeseburger Recipe?

This copycat recipe uses 80/20 ground beef, sesame seed buns, American cheese, fresh tomato, diced onion, lettuce, pickles, mayo, ketchup, and mustard. The key is using high-quality beef with the right fat content for that authentic juicy Five Guys flavour.

How to cook Copycat Five Guys Little Cheeseburger Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Copycat Five Guys Little Cheeseburger Recipe by forming loose beef balls that you smash onto a screaming hot cast iron skillet or griddle. The secret is pressing them thin, seasoning well with salt and pepper, and flipping only once to preserve the crispy crust while keeping the inside juicy. Top with American cheese while still hot for perfect melting.

What's the secret to getting that perfect smash burger crust like Five Guys?

The secret lies in three key elements: using an extremely hot cast iron surface, pressing the beef firmly with a metal spatula to create maximum meat-to-surface contact, and not touching the patty until it's time to flip. This creates the Maillard reaction that gives smash burgers their signature crust.

Can I use any type of beef for smash burgers?

For authentic smash burgers, an 80/20 beef-to-fat ratio is essential. Choose freshly ground chuck for best results. Leaner beef (90/10) will produce drier burgers, while fattier mixes may cause flare-ups. Never use pre-formed patties as they're typically too compact for proper smashing.

Why is American cheese the preferred choice for these burgers?

American cheese has superior melting properties due to its emulsifiers, creating that gooey, silky texture that coats the patty. Its mild flavour doesn't overpower the beef, and it has the perfect salt level to enhance the overall burger experience. This is why most famous burger chains use it.

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