Burger King Whopper

Growing up in a small town, weekend trips to Burger King were our family’s special treat. The moment that distinctive flame-grilled aroma hit my nose, I knew exactly what I’d order – the legendary Whopper. Today, I’m sharing my perfected copycat recipe that brings that same magical taste right to your kitchen. After countless attempts and taste tests, I’ve finally cracked the code to recreating this fast-food icon at home.

Copycat Burger King Whopper and potato chips on a plate.

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What makes the BK Whopper so good?

The first Burger King opened in 1954 in Miami, Florida. By 2017, there were 50 company-owned Burger Kings and 16,717 franchised Burger Kings worldwide – a remarkable growth story. For many, their favorite Burger King menu item is a flame-broiled burger called the Whopper.

The basic Whopper consists of just eight simple ingredients, but, as Burger King’s famous slogan implies, you can “have it your way” (since changed to “be your way”) with different combinations and additions such as American cheese, bacon, mustard, guacamole or jalapeño peppers. If “your way” is vegetarian, they will make you a veggie Whopper.

Why you should try this copycat Burger King Whopper recipe

The secret to the perfect homemade Whopper lies in two key elements: the flame-grilled technique that gives it that distinctive smoky flavor, and the precise layering of ingredients that creates the perfect balance in every bite. This recipe walks you through every step to achieve that authentic Burger King taste in your kitchen.

The essential Whopper

Have you ever wondered what’s on a Whopper?

The basic Whopper consists of a ¼ lb. of juicy flame-grilled beef topped with fresh tomatoes and lettuce, Whopper sauce (creamy mayonnaise), tangy ketchup, crunchy pickles, and sliced white onions on a soft sesame seed bun.

My basic Whopper recipe will enable you to make a Whopper at home easily. Why not have a backyard mini Whopper Bar party on special occasions? Think about the fun you can have when you grill outdoors.

Offer your family and guests a variety of options to have their homemade Whopper their way. Here’s the basic recipe so that you can enjoy Whoppers all summer long.

Ingredients in the Burger King Whopper

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Whopper:

For the Patty:

1/4 lb (113g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio) – Provides the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness
1/16 teaspoon salt – Enhances the natural beef flavor without overwhelming it

For Assembly:

1 sesame-seed hamburger bun – Adds texture and visual appeal while holding everything together
2 teaspoons mayonnaise – Creates the creamy “Whopper sauce” base and prevents bun sogginess
1 teaspoon ketchup – Adds sweet and tangy notes that complement the beef
3 dill pickle slices – Provides crunch and acidity to cut through the richness
3-4 white onion rings – Adds sharp flavor and crisp texture
2 tomato slices – Contributes freshness and juiciness
1/4 cup chopped iceberg lettuce – Adds crisp texture and lightness

Copycat Burger King Whopper ingredients on a marble surface.

How to make homemade Burger King Whoppers

Season the Ground Beef: Start by seasoning your ground beef. Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt and some black pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat. The salt helps to bring out the natural flavors of the beef, while the pepper adds a bit of heat and complexity.
Form Patties: After seasoning, form the beef into thin flat patties.
Butter and Toast Buns: Next, prepare your hamburger buns. Butter the cut sides of the buns lightly. This buttering adds flavor and helps achieve a golden, crispy texture when toasted. Toast both halves of the bun in a skillet over medium heat until they are lightly browned. The toasting adds crunch and prevents the buns from becoming soggy once the burger is assembled. Set these aside once done.
Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. This temperature is optimal for cooking burgers as it sears the outside quickly, locking in juices while ensuring the inside is cooked to a safe temperature.
Cook the Patties: Place the burger patties on the grill and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes per side. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your patties and the desired level of doneness. While cooking, sprinkle a dash of salt on the burgers. This additional salt during cooking helps to bring out the flavors further.
Assemble the burgers: Build your burger by placing the cooked meat on the bottom bun. Layer 3 to 4 dill pickle slices, 3 to 4 onion slices, and 2 to 3 tomato slices on the meat. These ingredients add a mix of tangy, sharp, and sweet flavors and a variety of textures. Squirt a small amount of ketchup over these, adding a classic, sweet, and tangy burger taste. Add some lettuce for a crisp, fresh element. Finally, spread mayonnaise on the inside of the top bun; mayonnaise adds a creamy texture and balances the other flavors. Place the top bun on your burger.

Collage of making copycat Burger King Whopper.

Dietary Modifications

Vegetarian: Replace beef patty with an Impossible or Beyond Burger
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free bun
Low-carb: Wrap in lettuce instead of using a bun
Dairy-free: Already dairy-free by default!

Scaling the Recipe

For 4 servings: Multiply all ingredients by 4, cook patties in batches
For party serving: Pre-form patties and store between wax paper sheets
Make ahead: Prepare vegetables and form patties up to 24 hours in advance

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

Q: Why isn’t my patty as juicy as Burger King’s? A: Ensure you’re using 80/20 ground beef and don’t overwork the meat when forming patties.

Q: My burger falls apart during eating. Why? A: Layer ingredients as specified and ensure vegetables are properly dried before assembly.

Q: Can I freeze the patties? A: Yes, form patties and freeze between wax paper sheets for up to 3 months.

What Can You Serve with a Whopper Sandwich?

If you make one of these at home, you could add a variety of side dishes to this meal. You could pop some french fries or onion rings into your air fryer. You may also want to consider baked beans, mac and cheese, grilled vegetables, or even some freshly made coleslaw.

Two copycat Burger King Whopper sandwiches on a wood board.

How Do You Store Left Over Whoppers?

Ideally, do not assemble the Whopper if you are making several of them, or you may want to consider disassembling the Whopper before storing the meat, bread, and veggies in separate airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator and consume it within 1-2 days for maximum quality; if it is longer than two days, the quality of this signature sandwich will decrease.

Copycat Burger King Whopper on a wood board.

How to reheat your Whopper?

It’s a good idea to reheat the burger patty and hamburger buns separately when reheating. The meat can be reheated in a microwave, oven, or stovetop until hot. The buns can be toasted to bring back some of their original crispness.

Remember, the key to a perfect homemade Whopper is attention to detail and quality ingredients. Don’t rush the process – each step contributes to creating that iconic taste we all know and love.

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Copycat Burger King Whopper

You can make your own homemade copycat Burger King Whopper at home.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Burger King Recipes, Burgers

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 526kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground chuck
1/2 teaspoon salt + extra divided use
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
butter
4 sesame seed hamburger buns
16 dill pickle slices
1/2 white onion sliced into rings
12 tomato slices
4 tablespoons ketchup
lettuce
4 tablespoons mayonnaise

Instructions

Season the ground beef with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the pepper, and form the meat into patties.
Butter the cut side of the hamburger buns and toast them in a skillet until lightly browned. Set aside.
Heat a grill to medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side. While cooking, add a dash of salt to the burger.
Build the burger by placing the meat on the bottom bun followed by 3 or 4 dill pickle slices, 3 or 4 onion slices, and 2 to 3 tomato slices. Squirt a small amount of ketchup onto the burger and add lettuce. Then spread mayonnaise onto the top bun and place it onto the burger.

Notes

Pro Tips

For the perfect patty: Press a small dimple in the center of the raw patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking
No grill? Use a cast-iron skillet with a few drops of liquid smoke for that flame-grilled taste
Make it your way: Add cheese, bacon, or jalapeños for custom variations

Nutrition