Copycat Jack in the Box Ultimate Cheeseburger Recipe at Home

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Copycat Jack in the Box Ultimate Cheeseburger (Easy Home Version)

If you’ve ever pulled into Jack in the Box late at night or on a road trip, you probably know the Ultimate Cheeseburger. It’s big, it’s melty, it’s messy in the best way, and it’s packed with cheese and beefy flavor. Today I’m sharing my homemade copycat Jack in the Box Ultimate Cheeseburger recipe you can make in your own kitchen. It’s simple, fast, and hits all those same cheesy, juicy notes using basic ingredients from any regular grocery store.

About Jack in the Box & the Ultimate Cheeseburger

Jack in the Box is a classic West Coast–born fast-food chain known for its all-day menu, late hours, and over-the-top burgers. The Ultimate Cheeseburger has become one of its most iconic items. Picture this: - Two hot, sizzling beef patties - A blanket of gooey American cheese and sharp cheddar - Soft, slightly toasted bun - A rich, tangy sauce that tastes like a mash-up of ketchup, mayo, and mustard Every bite is savory, cheesy, and super satisfying—the kind of burger that drips a little down your hand and makes you stop talking for a second. This recipe is my personal take on recreating that experience at home. It’s inspired by the original, but it’s not the official restaurant recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Ultimate Cheeseburger

  • Simple ingredients – Ground beef, sliced cheese, basic condiments, and a bun.
  • Fast weeknight dinner – Ready in about 30 minutes.
  • Customizable – Control the cheese, sauce, and toppings to fit your taste.
  • Better at home – Fresher ingredients and you control the quality of the meat and cheese.
If you crave fast food burgers but want something you can make in your own kitchen (maybe in sweatpants), this is for you.

Ingredients for Copycat Jack in the Box Ultimate Cheeseburger

Homemade copycat Jack in the Box Ultimate Cheeseburger with two beef patties, melted American and cheddar cheese, and creamy burger sauce on a toasted bun
This homemade copycat Jack in the Box Ultimate Cheeseburger features double beef patties, layers of melted cheese, and rich burger sauce on a soft toasted bun—fast-food flavor made at home

Servings: 2 large burgers
Prep Time: about 10 minutes
Cook Time: about 15 minutes
Total Time: about 25 minutes
For the burger patties: For the cheese layers:
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 2 slices cheddar cheese (mild or medium)
For the sauce (copycat burger sauce): For assembling the burgers:
  • 2 large hamburger buns (sesame or plain, about 4 to 5 inches)
  • 1 Tbsp butter or oil (for toasting buns)
  • Pickles, sliced (optional, not traditional for this one but tasty)
  • Optional add-ons: sliced onion, tomato, lettuce if you like extra toppings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Copycat Ultimate Cheeseburger Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix together:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Ketchup
  • Yellow mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Pinch of sugar (if using)
2. Stir until smooth and well combined.
3. Taste and adjust:
  • More mayo if you want it creamier.
  • More ketchup if you like it sweeter.
  • More mustard for extra tang.
4. Cover and place in the fridge while you prepare the burgers. This helps the flavors blend together.

2. Shape the Beef Patties

1. In a bowl, gently combine ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Try not to over-mix; that can make the burgers tough.
2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.
3. Shape each into a thin, round patty about the size of your bun. Make them slightly larger than the bun—they shrink as they cook.
4. Press a small, shallow dent in the middle of each patty with your thumb. This helps them cook evenly and not puff up too much.

3. Toast the Buns

1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Lightly spread butter on the cut sides of your buns.
3. Place buns cut-side down in the skillet for 1–3 minutes, until lightly golden and a little crisp at the edges.
4. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the Burger Patties Safely

Food safety matters, especially with ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add a little oil if your pan isn’t nonstick.
3. Place the patties in the pan, leaving a bit of space between them.
4. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on the first side, until you see browning along the edges.
5. Flip the patties and cook another 3–4 minutes, or until the thickest part of the patty reaches 160°F on a food thermometer.
6. In the last minute of cooking:
  • Place 1 slice of American cheese on two of the patties.
  • Place 1 slice of American cheese and 1 slice of cheddar cheese on the other two patties.
7. Cover the pan with a lid for 30–60 seconds to help the cheese melt fully and get nice and gooey.

5. Build Your Copycat Ultimate Cheeseburger

Now for the fun part—stacking that cheesy tower:
1. Spread a generous spoonful of the sauce on the bottom bun.
2. Place one patty with just American cheese on the bun.
3. Top with one patty that has both American and cheddar cheese.
4. Spoon a little more sauce over the top patty.
5. Add pickles or other toppings if you’re using them (not original, but it’s your kitchen!).
6. Place the top bun on and press gently to help everything settle together.
Serve hot, with plenty of napkins—the cheesier and messier, the better.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Burger)

These numbers are estimates and will change depending on the exact brands and sizes you use.
  • Calories: ~850–950
  • Protein: ~45–50 g
  • Carbs: ~35–40 g
  • Fat: ~55–60 g
  • Fiber: ~1–2 g
  • Sodium: ~1,500–1,900 mg
If you’re watching calories or sodium, you can use leaner beef, lighter cheese, or a smaller bun to bring these numbers down.

Even Easier Version: Ultimate Cheeseburger for Busy Nights

Some days you just want that fast food cheeseburger feel with almost no effort. Here are a few shortcuts to make this copycat Jack in the Box Ultimate Cheeseburger even easier.

Use Pre-Made Patties

  • Buy pre-formed burger patties from the meat counter or frozen section.
  • Season lightly with salt and pepper as they cook.
  • Add the cheese and sauce as written—most of the flavor comes from those layers anyway.

Air Fryer Option

If you love using your air fryer:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
2. Place patties in a single layer; don’t overcrowd.
3. Cook for about 7–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 160°F inside.
4. Add cheese in the last 1–2 minutes so it melts.
5. Toast the buns separately in a pan or under the broiler.
6. Build the burgers with sauce and patties as usual.

Sheet Pan Family Style

Feeding several people?
1. Use a rimmed sheet pan.
2. Arrange several thin patties on the pan and bake at 400°F until they reach 160°F (about 10–14 minutes, depending on thickness).
3. Add cheese on top for the last minute.
4. Toast buns on a second pan or under the broiler.
5. Set out sauce, buns, and patties and let everyone build their own cheesy burger stack.

Allergy-Friendly and Special Diet Swaps

Always double-check labels if allergies are a concern.

Gluten-Free Option

  • Use certified gluten-free burger buns or lettuce wraps.
  • Check Worcestershire sauce and condiments for gluten (some brands may contain it).

Dairy-Free Option

  • Swap American and cheddar cheese for dairy-free sliced cheese that melts well.
  • Use dairy-free mayonnaise in the sauce.
  • Skip the butter for toasting buns; use oil instead.

Lower Carb / Keto-Friendly

  • Serve the burger “protein style” in lettuce leaves instead of a bun.
  • Use sugar-free ketchup and skip the pinch of sugar in the sauce.

Not Exactly Vegan, But Adaptable

This is a beef-heavy burger, but if you want the spirit of an “Ultimate Cheeseburger” without meat or dairy:
  • Use plant-based burger patties (like Beyond or Impossible).
  • Use vegan sliced cheese and vegan mayo.
  • Skip Worcestershire or use a vegan version.
It won’t taste just like the original Jack in the Box burger, but you’ll get a similar layered, cheesy-burger experience.

Tips for the Best Homemade Ultimate Cheeseburger

  • Use 80/20 beef – The fat gives you that juicy, fast-food texture and flavor.
  • Don’t overwork the meat – Mix just enough to combine the seasoning.
  • Get a good sear – A hot pan gives you those tasty browned edges.
  • Thin patties, big flavor – Thinner patties stack better and taste closer to fast food style.
  • Rest a minute – Let the burgers sit for 1–2 minutes before biting in so the juices settle.

Serve It Like the Drive-Thru (But Better)

Wondering what to serve with your copycat Jack in the Box Ultimate Cheeseburger?
  • Frozen french fries or curly fries, baked or air fried
  • Onion rings
  • Simple side salad for a little freshness
  • Milkshakes, sodas, or iced tea
You can even wrap the burgers in foil for a few minutes before serving to give them that “steamed, melty fast-food” feel.

Tell Me How Your Copycat Ultimate Cheeseburger Turned Out

If you try this copycat Jack in the Box Ultimate Cheeseburger recipe, I’d love to hear from you:
  • Did you change up the sauce?
  • Did you add extra cheese (or triple stack it)?
  • Did you cook it on a grill, skillet, or air fryer?
Drop a comment with your tweaks, questions, or ideas—your version might inspire someone else’s next burger night. And if you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with friends or family who love a good fast-food style cheeseburger at home.

Important Disclaimers

This recipe is a homemade copycat version created for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not the official Jack in the Box recipe, and we do not claim any association with Jack in the Box or its brand. All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective owners. No knowledge of the actual proprietary recipe is implied or intended.

Simply Copycat Recipes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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