Copycat Jack in the Box Smash Burger Recipe

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When the Jack in the Box Smash Burger was introduced, it quickly became my go-to order. The combination of that juicy, smash-style patty, grilled onions, creamy Boss Sauce, gooey American cheese, and a soft brioche bun was everything I wanted in a burger.

How to make a Jack in the Box Smash Burger

The Jack in the Box Smash Burger is a menu item from Jack in the Box, a U.S. fast-food chain. It’s part of their push to compete with premium-style burgers.

Ingredients

For the Smash Burger:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juicy patties)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to season the patties)

For the toppings:

• 1/2 cup sliced onions (grill these to replicate the Jack in the Box flavor)
• 4 slices of American cheese (or your favorite melty cheese)
• 1/4 cup sliced pickles
• Shredded lettuce (optional, based on your preference)
• 4 brioche buns (soft and slightly toasted for the perfect bite)

For the Boss Sauce (the ultimate flavor enhancer):

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp ketchup
• 1 Tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Divide the ground beef into 4 even portions (about 4 ounces each). Roll each portion into a loose ball and set aside. Don’t overwork the meat—this keeps the patties tender.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, paprika, and sugar until smooth. Adjust salt to taste. Set aside in the fridge to let the flavors meld.

Step 3: Heat a flat griddle or skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil and grill the sliced onions until they’re golden and caramelized (about 5–7 minutes). Remove the item from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Lightly toast the brioche buns on the same griddle or in a toaster until golden brown. This will keep them sturdy and prevent them from getting soggy when the sauce is added.

Step 5: Heat the griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the beef balls onto the hot surface. Using a sturdy spatula (and possibly a smaller pan for extra pressure), press down on each patty firmly, smashing it into a thin, round patty. Tip: Use parchment paper or wax paper between the spatula and the meat to prevent sticking. Let the patties cook without moving them for about 2-3 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to each patty. You’ll notice the edges turn crispy and golden brown. Flip them carefully, place a slice of cheese on each patty, and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

Step 6: Spread a generous layer of Boss Sauce on the bottom bun. Add pickles, shredded lettuce (if using), grilled onions, and the cheesy smash patty. Top with the other half of the bun.

Step 7: Serve your homemade Jack in the Box Smash Burger immediately with a side of fries or your favorite dipping sauces (think ranch or ketchup). Take a big bite and enjoy that heavenly charred flavor!

Tips for Success

• Use the Right Beef: An 80/20 ground beef blend (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal for flavorful, juicy patties with a crispy crust.
• Don’t Over-Press After Smashing: When smashing the patties, you only press them down once and let them cook undisturbed. Avoid pressing them again, as this pushes out juices.
• Cook Over High Heat: A hot griddle ensures the patties caramelize properly and develop that signature crispy edge.
• Experiment with the Sauce: The Boss Sauce is a game-changer, but feel free to tweak the recipe based on your preferences. Add a little horseradish for extra zing, or make it spicier with more hot sauce.
• Use Fresh Buns: Brioche buns work perfectly for this recipe due to their buttery, slightly sweet flavor, but you could also try potato buns or sourdough for a twist.
• Make it Yours: Jack in the Box’s Smash Burger can be customized—why not add bacon, avocado, or a fried egg to make it your own?

What to serve with

The crispy, juicy, cheesy flavors of the Jack in the Box Smash Burger deserve accompaniments that elevate the meal, turning it into a feast.

• Onion Rings: Another classic pairing with burgers, onion rings bring a crunchy, slightly sweet contrast to the richness of the Jack in the Box Smash Burger. Their golden, crispy coating makes them nearly irresistible.
• Tater Tots or Loaded Fries: If you’re craving something indulgent, opt for crispy tater tots or loaded fries as your side. Loaded fries, topped with melted cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream, and green onions, are the perfect comfort food to complement a hearty Jack in the Box Smash Burger.

Ingredients Substitutes

Sometimes, recreating a restaurant-style dish at home means improvising with what you have in your pantry or fitting the recipe to specific dietary preferences.

Beef Patty Substitutes

Option 1: Ground Turkey

If you’re looking for a leaner alternative to ground beef, ground turkey is a great option. Be sure to use a fattier blend (like 85/15 or 90/10) to ensure the patties don’t dry out during cooking. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the patty mixture to help maintain moisture and flavor.

Option 2: Ground Chicken

Another lean substitute, ground chicken can yield juicy patties when mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, or a bit of mayo to avoid dryness. Season it generously with garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder to enhance the flavor.

Option 3: Plant-Based Patties

For a vegetarian or vegan option, store-bought plant-based ground meat (like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger) works wonderfully to mimic the texture and taste of beef. These can be smashed just like traditional meat patties for that crispy edge.

Option 4: Black Bean Patties

If you’re making a fully vegetarian burger from scratch, black beans mashed with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and spices can make a hearty, flavorful patty. While these won’t caramelize and crisp up like beef, they’ll hold their shape nicely when pan-seared.

Option 5: Ground Pork or a Meat Blend

Ground pork or a beef-pork blend adds extra flavor and richness to the patty. Pork works particularly well when you crave a slightly sweeter, juicier finish.

American Cheese Substitutes

Option 1: Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is another great melty cheese that pairs well with burgers. Go for mild or medium cheddar for a similar creamy flavor.

Option 2: Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese offers a nuttier flavor if you want to change things up but still enjoy a melty texture.

Option 3: Pepper Jack Cheese

If you like a spicy kick, pepper jack is an excellent alternative. Its creamy texture complements the grilled onions and Boss Sauce beautifully.

Option 4: Vegan Cheese

For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese slices designed for melting (brands like Violife, Miyoko’s, or Daiya). Look for plant-based cheeses that mimic American cheese for the best results.

Option 5: Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack offers a mild, buttery flavor that melts easily and works just as well for this Jack in the Box Smash Burger.

Brioche Bun Substitutes

Option 1: Potato Buns

Potato buns are fluffy, slightly sweet, and soft—making them an excellent alternative to brioche buns.

Option 2: Whole Wheat Buns

For a healthier option, whole wheat buns add a hearty, nutty flavor. They’re more structured than brioche but still work well with the rich flavors of the Smash Burger.

Option 3: Gluten-Free Buns

If you’re gluten-sensitive or avoiding wheat, store-bought gluten-free buns are an option. You can also use large lettuce leaves for a bun-less, low-carb version.

Option 4: Pretzel Buns

Pretzel buns have a dense texture and salty flavor that adds an interesting twist to your burger. They’ll hold up well against all the toppings.

Option 5: Sourdough Bread or Sandwich Rolls

If you don’t have hamburger buns, thick slices of toasted sourdough bread or sandwich rolls can work as a substitute.

Boss Sauce Substitutes

Option 1: Thousand Island Dressing

If you don’t want to mix up a homemade sauce, Thousand Island dressing is a great stand-in. Its creamy and tangy profile mirrors the flavor of Boss Sauce.

Option 2: Spicy Mayo

A quick mix of mayonnaise and sriracha or hot sauce makes a simple replacement for Boss Sauce with a spicy twist.

Option 3: Burger Sauce

Many store-bought burger sauces are similar in flavor to the Jack in the Box Boss Sauce. Brands like Heinz or Kraft make ready-to-go options that save time.

Option 4: Garlic Aioli

For a richer, more garlicky flavor, use garlic aioli as the sauce base. It won’t match the Boss Sauce exactly, but it adds a gourmet touch.

Option 5: Homemade Variations

Feel free to experiment with other combinations of ketchup, mayo, mustard, honey, BBQ sauce, or Worcestershire sauce to create a flavor profile you love.

Grilled Onion Substitutes

Option 1: Raw Onions

If you don’t have time to grill the onions, raw onions will work, though the flavor will be sharper and crunchier. Thinly slice them to keep the texture light.

Option 2: Caramelized Onions

Grill the onions longer for a sweeter, richer profile. Add a pinch of sugar or balsamic vinegar during cooking to enhance caramelization.

Option 3: Fried Onions

Crispy fried onions from the store or homemade fried onion rings can be an exciting alternative if you’re craving a crunchy treat.

Option 4: Shallots or Red Onions

For a slightly different flavor, substitute regular onions with thinly sliced shallots or red onions, which grill beautifully.

Final Thoughts

With this homemade Jack in the Box Smash Burger recipe, you can enjoy the taste of fast-food perfection from the comfort of your kitchen. Happy cooking!

More Burger Recipes:

• Homemade Burger King Crispy Onion Whopper Recipe
• Copycat Burger King Brisket Whopper Recipe