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–+ servings

Copycat Burger King Whopper

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A cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a sesame seed bun, served with French fries and an onion ring on a white plate.
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Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:12 minutes
Total Time:22 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef 80/20 for juicy patties
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 4 large sesame seed hamburger buns
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 4 teaspoons ketchup
  • 8 dill pickle slices
  • 4 slices tomato
  • 4 leaves iceberg lettuce
  • 4 rings white onion

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Divide into 4 portions and shape into thin, wide patties (about 5 inches across).
  • Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through (160°F internal temperature).
  • Add cheese in the last minute if making Whoppers with cheese.
  • Lightly toast the sesame seed buns on the grill or skillet until golden brown.
  • Spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on the bottom bun. Add lettuce, tomato, and the beef patty.
  • Layer with pickles, onion slices, and ketchup.
  • Add the top bun and serve hot.

Notes

Tips & Tricks

  • Go light on liquid smoke: A little goes a long way, start with ½ teaspoon.
  • Make patties wide and thin: They should be larger than the bun since they shrink during cooking.
  • Grill if you can: For the closest taste, cook on a grill, but a skillet works great too.
  • Toast the buns: That little bit of crunch keeps them from getting soggy.
  • Customize: “Have it your way” by adjusting toppings for each family member.

Substitutions

  • Ground beef → ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
  • Liquid smoke → smoked paprika if you want a milder smoky flavor.
  • American cheese → cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack.
  • Sesame seed buns → brioche or potato buns.
  • White onion → red onion or caramelized onions for sweetness.

Variations

  • Whopper with Cheese: Add a slice of American cheese on each patty.
  • Double Whopper: Stack two patties and double the toppings.
  • BBQ Whopper: Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce and add crispy onion straws.
  • Spicy Whopper: Mix chipotle mayo or sriracha into the spread and add jalapeños.
  • Breakfast Whopper: Top with a fried egg and bacon for a brunch-inspired burger.

Private Notes

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Servings: 4 servings
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