In this article, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to making your own homemade Sonic Garlic Butter Bacon Burger. From selecting the juiciest beef to perfecting that garlicky buttery bliss, we’ll cover all the secrets you’ll need to know. Invite your taste buds to a flavor fiesta that they won’t soon forget.
How to make Sonic Garlic Butter Bacon Burger
The Sonic Garlic Butter Bacon Burger is a menu item offered by Sonic Drive-In, a popular fast-food chain. This burger typically features a beef patty topped with crispy bacon, garlic butter, and other ingredients like lettuce, tomato, and pickles, all served on a toasted bun.
Ingredients:
For the Burger:
4 good-quality beef patties (about 1/4 lb each)
4 hamburger buns, preferably brioche for extra butteriness
4 slices of American cheese or your preferred cheese
8 slices of bacon
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon parsley, finely chopped (optional for a hint of herb flavor)
Pinch of salt
Additional Toppings:
Mayonnaise, as needed
1 large onion, sliced and grilled until caramelized
Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles – all optional, based on preference
Instructions:
Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, chopped parsley (if using), and a pinch of salt until well combined. Set aside.
Cook the Bacon: In a pan over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are just crispy. Remove from the pan, and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
Grill the Onions: Using the same pan, toss in the sliced onions and cook until they have a nice caramel color and are softened. Remove from the pan and set them aside.
Cook the Beef Patties: Season the beef patties with salt and pepper. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the grill/skillet and cook them to your desired level of doneness, usually about 3-4 minutes per side for medium. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.
Toast the Buns: Spread a generous amount of the prepared garlic butter on the inside of each bun and toast them on the grill or skillet until they are golden and fragrant.
Assemble the Burger: Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a garlic buttered patty on each bun, followed by two slices of crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and any additional toppings such as lettuce, tomato, or pickles if you’re adding them—cap with the top half of the bun.
Serve: Serve the Garlic Butter Bacon Burgers immediately while they’re warm and the cheese is still delightfully melty.
Tips:
Make sure to let your beef patties rest for a couple of minutes after taking them off the grill; this ensures the juices redistribute within the meat, giving it a juicy bite.
Don’t skimp on the garlic butter; it’s the key to capturing the Sonic burger’s rich flavor.
For even more garlic flavor, you can mix a small amount of garlic powder into the burger meat before forming the patties.
What to serve with
When serving up a rich and indulgent dish like the Sonic Garlic Butter Bacon Burger, you’ll want side dishes that complement its flavors without overshadowing the main event. Here’s a list of sides that pair magnificently with your homemade burger:
Sweet Potato Fries: For a twist on the classic side, sweet potato fries offer a touch of sweetness that contrasts pleasantly with the savory buttery burger. Serve them with a side of spicy aioli or chipotle mayo for dipping.
Onion Rings: These crispy, golden treats offer another layer of crunchy texture and a sweet, caramelized flavor that complements the burger’s richness.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can cut through the heaviness of the burger with its crisp texture and acidic dressing, providing a light, refreshing side option.
Grilled Vegetables: Think zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or corn on the cob. Grilled veggies tossed in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper can balance out your meal with a healthy touch and a smoky flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts: Carry the garlic theme into your sides with some roasted greens. Garlic Parmesan broccoli or Brussels sprouts can be a hearty, savory side that stands up well to the burger.
Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing can offer a light, palate-cleansing side. A classic Caesar salad could be just the thing for something more substantial.
Macaroni and Cheese: If you want to indulge, a creamy macaroni and cheese side is comfort food heaven and a definite crowd-pleaser.
Pickles and Pickled Vegetables: Pickle spears or an assortment of pickled vegetables, such as beets, carrots, and cauliflower, can add a pop of acidity and crunch to your plate.
Loaded Tater Tots or Cheesy Fries: If you’re up for it, why not go all in with loaded tater tots covered in cheese, bacon bits, and chives or cheesy fries with a drizzle of ranch dressing?
Beverage Pairings: To wash down your burger, consider serving classic soda, a milkshake, iced tea, lemonade, or if it’s an adult gathering, a nice cold beer or a glass of red wine can complement the meal.
Dessert: Keep it classic with milkshakes in various flavors, a sundae with all the fixings, or a simple fruit salad for a refreshing end to the meal.
Ingredients Substitutes
When looking to recreate the Sonic Garlic Butter Bacon Burger at home, you might not have all the specific ingredients handy or you may wish to adjust the recipe due to dietary restrictions or flavor preferences. Below, you’ll find common substitutes for some of the key ingredients in this flavorful burger.
Ground Beef Alternative: If you don’t have access to ground beef or you’re aiming for a leaner option, ground turkey or ground chicken could be suitable substitutes. For a vegetarian version, you can use a plant-based burger patty.
Seasoning: The burger is typically seasoned simply with salt and pepper, but feel free to add other spices like paprika, onion powder, or garlic powder for an extra kick.
Garlic Butter:
Dairy-Free Alternative: If lactose is an issue, consider using a vegan butter substitute combined with minced garlic or garlic powder to create a dairy-free garlic butter. You could also use olive oil as a healthier option though it won’t have the same rich buttery flavor.
Pre-Made Garlic Butter: If you can’t make garlic butter from scratch, look for pre-made garlic butter at the store or swap in garlic-infused olive oil.
Bacon:
Turkey Bacon: For those avoiding pork, turkey bacon can provide a similar crispy texture. It has less fat and may be a bit leaner.
Vegetarian Bacon: Various brands offer meat-free bacon options made from ingredients like tempeh, tofu, or seitan, which can deliver a smoky flavor without the meat.
Cheese:
Different Cheese Varieties: If American cheese isn’t your thing or you don’t have it in your fridge, you can substitute it with cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella – really, any cheese that melts well will work.
Non-Dairy Cheese: For a dairy-free burger, use your favorite non-dairy cheese slices that are designed to melt well on a hot burger patty.
Bun:
Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Buns: For a healthier option, consider whole wheat buns. If you’re gluten-sensitive or gluten-free, look for buns made with gluten-free flour blends.
Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb version, wrap your burger in large lettuce leaves instead of using a bun.
Toppings:
Mayo Alternatives: Instead of traditional mayonnaise, feel free to use light mayo, vegan mayo, aioli, or even Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lemon juice for tang.
Crispy Onions: If you don’t have or want to make crispy onions, you can skip them or substitute raw onion slices for crunch or caramelized onions for sweetness.
Seasonings:
Fresh Garlic: If garlic powder is listed but you prefer a more robust garlic flavor, use freshly minced garlic.
Herbs: While not traditional to the Sonic burger, enhance your garlic butter with some chopped parsley or chives for additional color and flavor.
Sauces:
Burger Sauce Variations: If you want to add a kick to your burger, consider adding hot sauce, sriracha, or BBQ sauce to your mayonnaise or using a completely different condiment like mustard or relish.
Final Thoughts
With these detailed steps, you can relish the indulgence of a Sonic Garlic Butter Bacon Burger made by your own hands. Remember, personal touches make homemade burgers unique, so don’t be afraid to add your twist or preferences to this recipe!
4 hamburger buns, preferably brioche for extra butteriness
4 slices of American cheese or your preferred cheese
8 slices of bacon
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon parsley, finely chopped (optional for a hint of herb flavor)
Pinch of salt
Mayonnaise, as needed
1 large onion, sliced and grilled until caramelized
Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles - all optional, based on preference
Instructions
Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, chopped parsley (if using), and a pinch of salt until well combined. Set aside.
Cook the Bacon: In a pan over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are just crispy. Remove from the pan, and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
Grill the Onions: Using the same pan, toss in the sliced onions and cook until they have a nice caramel color and are softened. Remove from the pan and set them aside.
Cook the Beef Patties: Season the beef patties with salt and pepper. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the grill/skillet and cook them to your desired level of doneness, usually about 3-4 minutes per side for medium. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.
Toast the Buns: Spread a generous amount of the prepared garlic butter on the inside of each bun and toast them on the grill or skillet until they are golden and fragrant.
Assemble the Burger: Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a garlic buttered patty on each bun, followed by two slices of crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and any additional toppings such as lettuce, tomato, or pickles if you're adding them—cap with the top half of the bun.
Serve: Serve the Garlic Butter Bacon Burgers immediately while they're warm and the cheese is still delightfully melty.
