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This Five Guys burger copycat recipe brings that iconic gooey cheesy center and craveworthy stacked patties straight into your kitchen. After chasing that signature flavor for years, I finally cracked the method so you can have a Five Guys experience at home without the drive or the takeout bag.
The first time I made these, my husband took a bite and said it tasted like he was back at Five Guys. Now we make these for Friday movie nights and everyone gets to build their own version.
Ingredients
- Schweid and Sons hamburger patties: Juicy and flavorful quality chuck beef Choose patties that are freshly packed for the best texture
- Sesame seed hamburger buns: Martins Famous brand gives that sweet squishy bite Soft buns are key to soaking up the juicy patties without falling apart
- Kraft Deli Deluxe American cheese slices: The gold standard for melt A good deli American cheese makes that signature gooey center
- Seasoning salt: Lawrys or Mortons is perfect Adds that unmistakable Five Guys seasoning tang Look for seasoning salt with a mix of paprika garlic and salt
- Cracked pepper: Adds a bright bite Fresh cracked will always beat pre ground
- Hot sauce: Layers a hidden kick Opt for classic Tabasco or your favorite
- Mayonnaise and ketchup: Creamy rich and a staple for the true Five Guys flavor Choose full fat mayo for best spread
- Optional toppings: Lettuce tomato red onion pickles fresh and crisp for contrast Use firm ripe veggies
- Grilled onions and mushrooms: Sauteed in clarified butter brings a rich sweetness Use clarified butter if possible for an authentic taste
- Bacon: Chopped finely and layered between cheese slices Cook until crisp to avoid sogginess
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Burgers:
- Use your hands or a burger press to flatten each burger patty between two sheets of plastic wrap until thin and about six inches wide. This step is essential for getting that classic stackable Five Guys effect. Season the top heavily with seasoning salt and cracked pepper. Repeat with all patties and separate with parchment or wax paper so they do not stick.
- Heat the Skillet:
- Set a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium high heat and let it get hot this ensures a deep tasty sear. Have your other skillet ready at medium low for toasting buns.
- Sear the Burger Patties:
- Add one or two patties to the hot pan without overlapping. Let the bottom develop a dark golden sear for three to four minutes. While those cook toast your buns face down in the other pan until just golden but not brown. Flip the burgers and press down firmly using a spatula to mimic the Five Guys method. Season the other side again. Cook for three to five more minutes until your preferred doneness.
- Stack the Cheese and Patties:
- Right after removing the patties from the heat place a slice of American cheese on each. Then assemble them in stacks of two patties each cheese sides facing to create that melty gooey middle. Rest them just until the cheese oozes.
- Build and Dress the Burgers:
- Spread hot sauce and a thick layer of mayo on the inside of the top bun. Add three rings of ketchup to the bottom bun. Add any fresh toppings or grilled onions mushrooms or bacon as desired. Place the double patty stack inside the bun. For the finishing touch wrap each burger tightly in foil for a minute or two so the cheese softens even more and the flavors mingle. Serve immediately while hot.
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That gooey layer of cheese between two patties is what made my family fall in love with homemade burgers all over again. My kids always want to sneak in extra bacon bits and pickles so no one burger is ever the same twice.
Storage Tips
If you have extra cooked burgers wrap them tightly in foil and store in the fridge up to two days. Reheat wrapped in foil in a low oven so the cheese stays melty and the burger does not dry out. The uncooked patties can be stacked with parchment and frozen for up to three months so I love prepping extras for easy dinners.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find Schweid and Sons use high quality 80 20 ground chuck pressed into patties for the same juicy texture. For a cheese swap try Colby Jack or pepper Jack for a twist or even classic cheddar if you want a sharper flavor. A potato bun works as a soft substitute if you cannot find Martins buns.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the burgers with oven baked fries or crispy potato wedges for that perfect diner meal at home. If you want a lighter option a side salad with vinegar based dressing cuts through the richness. We love a pickle spear and chilled root beer to round out the takeout feel.
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Cultural Context
The Five Guys burger is iconic for its generous double patty stacks and signature American cheese melt. This restaurant chain started as a small family burger joint and built its fame on simple ingredients cooked expertly to order and always letting the cheese work its magic in the middle. Recreating this at home means you bring a piece of that enduring burger culture to your table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you get the signature cheesy center?
The cheese is layered between two hot patties and assembled while still warm, creating a gooey, melty center when wrapped in foil to rest.
- → What toppings work well with this burger?
Popular toppings include lettuce, tomato, pickles, raw or grilled onions, mushrooms, and crispy bacon for extra savoriness.
- → How should I toast the buns?
Toast the buns cut side down in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until just barely toasted, not browned.
- → What is the best way to prepare the beef patties?
Press each patty thin before cooking and season generously with salt and pepper. Sear on a hot skillet for ideal browning.
- → How can I keep the burger juicy?
Cook patties quickly over high heat to lock in juices. Let rest in foil after assembly so flavors meld and cheese stays melted.
- → Can I substitute another cheese?
American cheese melts best, but you can use mild cheddar or another well-melting cheese for a different twist.