On a bright Saturday afternoon, my daughter and I were strolling down Main Street after visiting the farmer’s market. As we passed the local Five Guys, the smell of sizzling burgers and fresh-cut fries carried us inside.
I spotted my daughter’s eyes light up as she watched the cooks pressing patties thin on the griddle. Downstairs, I remembered my teaching days when I would challenge my students to guess each ingredient in a mystery burger. That playful spirit sparked an idea inside me: I could recreate that juicy, simple burger flavor in my own kitchen.
Later that day, we gathered at our picnic table in the backyard. With the grill fired up and birds chirping overhead, we pressed homemade patties, seasoned them with salt and cracked black pepper, and layered cheese between patties just like Five Guys does. As the patties sizzled and the cheese melted, my daughter shared stories from her latest art project while I reminisced about my own college days. When she took that first bite, her smile said it all—kids still love a good burger, no matter the fancy trends.
I reconnected with that joyful kitchen energy I felt as a teacher, experimenting, guiding, and sampling alongside a young foodie. Today I’m excited to pass along this version of the Five Guys Burger Copycat—straightforward, flavorful, and full of nostalgia.
Short Description
A homemade version of the classic Five Guys double cheeseburger featuring thin pressed patties, melted cheese, soft bun, and custom toppings to satisfy family cravings.
Key Ingredients
- 8 Schweid & Sons hamburger patties
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 4 slices Kraft Deli Deluxe American cheese
- Seasoning salt (Lawry’s or Morton’s)
- Cracked black pepper
Condiments
- Hot sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
Optional Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Red onion
- Pickles
- Grilled onions sautéed in clarified butter
- Mushrooms sautéed in clarified butter
- Bacon chopped small and placed between cheese slices
Tools Needed
- Skillet or griddle
- Burger press or bottom of stainless steel pan
- Counter lined with plastic wrap
- Spatula
- Skillet for toasting buns
- Foil for wrapping burgers
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Press and Season Patties
Preheat skillet or griddle to medium-high. Place one patty on a plastic-wrapped counter. Cover lightly and press down to about 6 inches in diameter using a burger press or pan. Season generously with seasoning salt and cracked black pepper. Repeat for remaining patties, separating with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cook Patties
Place one or two patties on the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd. Season the exposed side. Cook for 3–4 minutes. Meanwhile, toast buns face-down in a separate skillet over medium-low heat until lightly golden.
Step 3: Flip and Press
Flip burgers and press firmly with spatula. If patties don’t sear properly, increase heat next batch. Cook 3–5 more minutes until cooked to your liking.
Step 4: Cheese and Stack
Remove from heat. Place a slice of cheese on each patty. For a double-style burger, stack two patties cheese-to-cheese.
Step 5: Build the Bun
On top bun, shake on hot sauce and spread mayonnaise evenly. On bottom bun, swirl ketchup in three concentric circles.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Assemble
Place stacked patties on bottom bun. Add optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, bacon, pickles or red onion.
Step 7: Wrap and Rest
Wrap each burger in foil and let rest for 1–2 minutes to allow cheese to melt fully.
Step 8: Serve
Unwrap and enjoy your homemade Five Guys-style burger while still warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Thin patties get crisp edges while staying juicy
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy blends or sauces
Restaurant Taste at Home: Pressing and stacking mimics Five Guys exactly
Customizable: Add veggies or bacon for extra depth
Great for Entertaining: Easy to scale up for a backyard gathering
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Undercooked center Cook patties 3–5 minutes after flipping or lower heat if they brown too fast
Soggy buns Toast buns separately until just golden
Dry patties Use lean beef but avoid overcooking
Loss of crisp edges Press patties firmly on a hot surface
Toppings slide off Wrap burgers during rest to keep layers intact
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve burgers with shoestring or sweet potato fries
Pair with milkshakes or iced tea for a diner-style feel
Present family-style on a platter with topping bowls
Ideal for casual dinners, holiday cookouts, or neighborhood BBQs
Storage and Reheating Tips
Wrap burgers in foil and refrigerate up to two days
Reheat in a 350 °F oven for 8–10 minutes to preserve juiciness
Re-toast buns quickly to refresh texture
Keep toppings separate and add fresh when serving
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh ground beef instead of patties
Yes form 4-ounce balls and press them to 6-inch patties before cooking
2. What’s the ideal meat to fat ratio
80/20 gives the best flavor and juiciness without excessive grease
3. Can I skip pressing patties
You can but pressing creates those signature crispy edges
4. How do I know when patties are done
Use a meat thermometer aiming for 160 °F internal temp
5. Can I make these gluten-free
Use gluten-free buns and check condiments for gluten safe labeling
Tips & Tricks
Freeze patties lightly before pressing to prevent crumbling
Use clarified butter to sauté mushrooms or onions for rich flavor
Keep seasonings simple—salt and pepper highlight meat taste
Stack patties cheese-to-cheese for cleaner melts
Wrap in foil to trap steam and ensure cheese melts fully
Recipe Variations
Spicy Style Add jalapeño slices on top or mix hot sauce into mayo
Double Cheese Crunch Add an extra slice of cheese and crispy bacon between patties
Mushroom Swiss Use Swiss cheese and top with sautéed mushrooms and onions
BBQ Bacon Mix a little barbecue sauce into mayo and add chopped bacon
Veggie Addition Grilled bell peppers or avocado slices make it fresher and lighter
Final Thoughts
Making these Five Guys-style burgers brought me back to that lively afternoon walking with my daughter and sharing small moments together. The patties crisp on the edges, cheese melts perfectly, and toppings add the color and texture that make each bite feel special. It has that fun mix of nostalgia and creativity I used to foster in the classroom.
These burgers bring people together around the table, encourage conversation, and deliver a delicious payoff. If you love good food and good company then this recipe is for you time and again.
Five Guys Burger Copycat
Print ThisIngredients
- 8 Schweid & Sons hamburger patties
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 4 slices Kraft Deli Deluxe American cheese
- Seasoning salt (Lawry’s or Morton’s)
- Cracked black pepper
- Condiments
- Hot sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Optional Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Red onion
- Pickles
- Grilled onions sautéed in clarified butter
- Mushrooms sautéed in clarified butter
- Bacon chopped small and placed between cheese slices
Instructions
Step 1: Press and Season
Preheat skillet or griddle to medium-high. Press patties to 6 inches using a burger press or pan. Season both sides with seasoning salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook Patties
Cook 1–2 patties at a time for 3–4 minutes. Toast buns face-down in another skillet until golden.
Step 3: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip patties, press firmly, and cook for 3–5 more minutes until done.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Stack
Top each patty with cheese. Stack two patties cheese-to-cheese for the signature double.
Step 5: Prep the Buns
Spread hot sauce and mayo on the top bun. Add ketchup in rings on the bottom bun.
Step 6: Assemble Burgers
Place stacked patties on bottom bun. Add toppings like lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, mushrooms, bacon, pickles, or onion.
Step 7: Wrap and Rest
Wrap in foil and let rest for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese.
Step 8: Serve
Unwrap and enjoy immediately while hot and juicy.
