Classic Backyard Burger with Big Mac-Style Sauce
Indulge in the nostalgia of fast food with this delightful recipe for Classic Backyard Burgers reminiscent of the famous McDonald's hamburgers. Crafted with juicy ground chuck and a flavorful seasoning blend, these burgers capture the essence of the original. Paired with a creamy, tangy Big Mac-style sauce and crunchy dill pickles, they're perfect for any summer cookout or family gathering. This recipe yields ten mouthwatering burgers, ensuring there's enough to share with friends and family. Get ready to enjoy homemade fast food magic in your own backyard!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Chuck
1 lb (80% lean)
Hamburger Buns
10 small (plain, cheap store brand)
Dill Pickles
10 slices (sliced thin)
Dried Onion Flakes
11 teaspoons (divided)
Mustard
to taste
Ketchup
to taste
Salt
4 1/8 tablespoons (divided)
Accent Seasoning (MSG)
2 tablespoons
Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon
Onion Powder
1/4 teaspoon
Miracle Whip
1/4 cup
Mayonnaise
1/4 cup
Wishbone Deluxe French Salad Dressing
2 tablespoons (the orange kind)
Heinz Sweet Relish
1/2 tablespoon
Vlasic Dill Pickle Relish
2 teaspoons
Sugar
1 teaspoon
White Vinegar
1 teaspoon
Ketchup
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
-----Burger Seasoning-----
2
In a spice shaker, combine salt (4 tablespoons + 1/8 teaspoon), Accent seasoning, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix well to create a uniform seasoning blend. Set aside.
3
-----Preparing the Beef Patties-----
4
Divide the ground chuck into 10 equal portions, shaping each into a ball.
5
On waxed paper, flatten each ball into 4-inch diameter patties approximately 1/4-inch thick.
6
Place the patties in the freezer for at least one hour to firm them up for grilling.
7
---------Perfecting the Patties----------
8
For a more polished shape, use a tumbler or cookie cutter to create uniformly round patties. Remove excess meat, keeping the patties on the wax paper.
9
Once formed, freeze for an hour, ensuring they do not touch to prevent sticking.
10
-----Preparing the Dried Onions-----
11
Soak dried onion flakes in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and refrigerate until use.
12
-----Slicing the Pickles-----
13
Select sour dill pickles (preferably Heinz) and slice them very thin. Set aside.
14
-----Toasting the Buns-----
15
Toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in the oven just before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
16
-----Making the Special Sauce-----
17
In a small container, mix Miracle Whip, mayonnaise, Wishbone dressing, sweet relish, dill relish, sugar, vinegar, and an additional teaspoon of ketchup. Mix thoroughly to avoid streaks.
18
Microwave for 25 seconds, stir again, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
19
-----Grilling the Patties-----
20
Preheat your grill or stovetop pan. Season both sides of each beef patty with the burger seasoning.
21
Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F.
22
-----Assembling the Burgers-----
23
On each toasted bun, layer the grilled patty, a slice of dill pickle, some of the soaked onions, mustard, and ketchup to taste. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade burgers!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Classic Backyard Burger with Big Mac-Style Sauce?
It is a homemade recipe designed to replicate the nostalgic taste of fast food hamburgers, specifically McDonald's, using ground chuck, a special seasoning blend, and a tangy special sauce.
How many burgers does this recipe make?
This recipe yields ten mouthwatering burgers, making it ideal for family gatherings or summer cookouts.
What type of beef is best for these burgers?
The recipe calls for one pound of ground chuck, specifically with an 80% lean ratio for the best flavor and juiciness.
What ingredients are in the burger seasoning blend?
The seasoning blend consists of 4 tablespoons plus 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of Accent seasoning (MSG), 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder.
What size should the beef patties be shaped into?
Each patty should be flattened into a 4-inch diameter approximately 1/4-inch thick.
Why do the patties need to be placed in the freezer?
Freezing the patties for at least one hour firms them up, which helps them maintain their shape while grilling.
How can I make the burger patties perfectly round?
You can use a tumbler or a cookie cutter to create uniformly round patties and remove any excess meat.
How do I prepare the onions for this recipe?
Soak dried onion flakes in water for at least 30 minutes, then drain and refrigerate them until you are ready to assemble the burgers.
What kind of pickles are recommended for this burger?
Sour dill pickles are recommended, with Heinz being the preferred brand, sliced very thin.
How should the hamburger buns be prepared?
The buns should be toasted on the grill or in the oven just before serving to enhance their flavor and texture.
What are the ingredients for the Big Mac-style special sauce?
The sauce contains Miracle Whip, mayonnaise, Wishbone French dressing, sweet relish, dill relish, sugar, white vinegar, and a teaspoon of ketchup.
Why is the special sauce microwaved?
The sauce is microwaved for 25 seconds to help the ingredients combine and the flavors meld together more effectively.
How long should the special sauce be refrigerated before use?
The sauce should be refrigerated for at least one hour after mixing and microwaving.
At what temperature should the burgers be cooked?
The beef patties should reach an internal temperature of 160°F to be considered fully cooked.
How long do you grill the patties?
Cook the seasoned patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
What is Accent seasoning?
Accent is a brand of MSG (monosodium glutamate) used to enhance the savory flavor of the meat.
What type of salad dressing is used in the sauce?
The recipe specifies Wishbone Deluxe French Salad Dressing, which is the orange-colored variety.
What kind of buns should I buy?
The recipe suggests using 10 small, plain, cheap store-brand hamburger buns for an authentic fast-food experience.
Does this recipe use both sweet and dill relish?
Yes, it uses both Heinz Sweet Relish and Vlasic Dill Pickle Relish in the special sauce.
How are the burgers assembled?
On a toasted bun, layer the grilled patty, a thin dill pickle slice, soaked onions, mustard, and ketchup.
Is Miracle Whip or Mayonnaise used in the sauce?
Both are used; the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of Miracle Whip and 1/4 cup of mayonnaise.
What type of vinegar is used in the sauce?
One teaspoon of white vinegar is added to the sauce mixture.
Can I use fresh onions instead of dried?
While fresh onions can be used, the recipe specifically uses rehydrated dried onion flakes to mimic the texture of fast-food onions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 18 total ingredients used to make the burgers and the sauce.
Do I season both sides of the burger?
Yes, you should season both sides of each beef patty with the burger seasoning blend before grilling.
Should the patties touch when freezing?
No, you should ensure the patties do not touch each other in the freezer to prevent them from sticking together.
Is there sugar in the sauce?
Yes, one teaspoon of sugar is added to the sauce to balance the tangy flavors.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under 'Meat' and specifically 'American cuisine'.
Can these be cooked on a stovetop?
Yes, the instructions mention that you can use either a grill or a stovetop pan to cook the patties.
When should I serve these burgers?
They should be served immediately after assembly while the buns are still toasted and the patties are hot.