Copycat A&W Papa Burger® Recipe (Easy Homemade Version)
If you grew up grabbing burgers at A&W, there’s a good chance the Papa Burger® has a special place in your heart. Today I’m sharing my homemade copycat Papa Burger recipe so you can bring those juicy, saucy, onion-y vibes right into your own kitchen—no drive-thru needed. This version is simple enough for a weeknight dinner, but satisfying enough to scratch that fast-food burger itch. Let’s dive in.A Little Background on A&W and the Papa Burger®
A&W is one of those classic American fast-food brands many of us grew up with—cold, frosty root beer in a heavy glass mug, the smell of burgers grilling, and fries that somehow always tasted better in the car. The Papa Burger® is one of their signature sandwiches. It’s known for:- Double beef patties – thin, juicy, and full of beefy flavor
- Melty American cheese – that salty, creamy layer between the patties
- Crunchy lettuce and onion – adding fresh bite and texture
- Pickles and sauce – a tangy, slightly sweet combo that ties everything together
- Soft toasted bun – slightly squishy, lightly toasted, and perfect for soaking up flavor
Homemade Copycat Papa Burger® Recipe
This recipe makes 4 double burgers, similar in style to the Papa Burger®. |
| Juicy copycat A&W Papa Burger stacked with double beef patties, melted cheese, pickles, lettuce, onions, and creamy sauce |
Serving Size
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Serving size: 1 double burger
Approximate Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the burger patties:- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 soft hamburger buns (preferably sesame seed, if you like)
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- ½ small white onion, finely chopped (or thinly sliced)
- 16 dill pickle chips (about 4 per burger)
- 2 tablespoons softened butter (for toasting buns)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
1. In a small bowl, mix together:- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Sweet pickle relish
- Vinegar
- Sugar
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
3. Taste and adjust seasoning—add a little more sugar if you like it sweeter, or more vinegar for tang.
4. Cover and chill in the fridge while you prep everything else. This helps the flavors blend.
Step 2: Prep the Toppings
1. Shred the lettuce into fine strips. Pat it dry with a paper towel if it’s wet so your burger doesn’t get soggy.2. Chop or slice the onion (A&W-style is usually finely chopped).
3. Lay out the pickles and cheese slices so they’re ready for quick assembly.
Step 3: Form the Patties
1. In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with:- Salt
- Black pepper
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
3. Divide the meat into 8 equal portions (about 3 ounces each).
4. Gently press each portion into a thin patty roughly the size of your buns. They will shrink a bit while cooking.
Tip: Place patties on a parchment-lined tray and keep in the fridge until your pan or grill is hot. Cold patties hold their shape better.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
1. Lightly spread the cut sides of each bun with softened butter.3. Place buns butter-side down and toast until golden brown, 1–2 minutes.
4. Remove and set aside.
That toasty, slightly crisp bun adds a big flavor boost and keeps sauces from soaking straight through.
Step 5: Cook the Patties (Food Safety Included)
1. Heat a large skillet, griddle, or flat-top over medium-high heat.2. When hot, add the patties (work in batches if needed; don’t crowd).
3. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
4. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on top of each patty so it melts.
Food safety note:
Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F. If you have a meat thermometer, insert it into the center of a patty to check. This helps reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Step 6: Assemble Your Copycat Papa Burger
We’re building double burgers, similar in spirit to the Papa Burger®:1. Spread a generous spoonful of sauce on the bottom and top bun.
2. On the bottom bun, layer:
- Shredded lettuce
- Some chopped onions
- Pickle chips
4. Add a second cheeseburger patty right on top of the first.
5. Add a little more onion and pickle if you love that extra crunch and tang.
6. Cap with the sauced top bun.
Press gently to help everything settle together (but not too hard or the sauce will squeeze out the sides).
Approximate Nutrition (Per Burger)
These numbers are estimates and will vary based on brands and exact portions used.- Calories: ~830
- Protein: ~48 g
- Total Fat: ~56 g
- Carbohydrates: ~36 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Sugar: ~8 g
- Sodium: ~1,500 mg
Even Easier: Time-Saving & Equipment Tips
Sometimes you want the taste without a lot of fuss. Here are a few shortcuts:1. Use Pre-Made Patties
Buy thin frozen burger patties and season lightly with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder while they cook. You’ll still get a fast-food-style thin patty with less prep.2. Griddle or Electric Skillet Method
If you have a large electric griddle, it’s perfect for “diner style” burgers:- Heat to about 375°F.
- Cook multiple patties at once.
- Toast buns on the same surface for fewer dishes.
3. Air Fryer Burger Patties
Not exactly like the flat-top version, but very convenient:- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Place patties in a single layer.
- Cook 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 160°F.
- Add cheese in the last 1–2 minutes to melt.
Allergy-Friendly and Preference Modifications
Want to enjoy this copycat Papa Burger® but have dietary needs? Here are some simple swaps.Gluten-Free Option
- Use gluten-free hamburger buns or lettuce wraps.
- Check that your ketchup, mustard, relish, and mayo are labeled gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Option
- Use dairy-free cheese slices or skip the cheese.
- Make sure your mayonnaise is dairy-free (most standard mayo is, but always check labels).
Vegan Option
- Swap ground beef with your favorite plant-based burger patties.
- Use vegan cheese slices.
- Use vegan mayo in the sauce.
- Confirm your buns are egg- and dairy-free.
Lighter / “Better-For-You” Tweaks
- Use extra-lean ground beef or turkey (just don’t overcook—lean meat dries faster).
- Go single patty instead of double to cut calories and fat.
- Use light mayo or Greek yogurt (for part of the mayo) in the sauce.
Tips for the Best A&W-Style Copycat Burger
- Don’t skip the bun toast. It adds flavor and keeps the bun from getting soggy.
- Keep patties thin. That’s part of the “fast-food burger” charm—two thin patties instead of one thick one.
- Use American cheese. The melt and flavor are key for that nostalgic taste.
- Balance the sauce. If it tastes flat, add a pinch of salt. If it’s too sharp, a tiny bit more sugar can smooth it out.
Love This Copycat Papa Burger® Recipe? Let’s Chat!
If you try this homemade A&W Papa Burger-style recipe, I’d truly love to hear how it went:- Did it remind you of the original?
- Did you tweak the sauce or toppings?
- Did your family give it a thumbs up?
Disclaimer
This recipe is a homemade copycat inspired by the A&W Papa Burger®. No affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by A&W or any related brands is implied. We do not claim to know or reveal the restaurant’s proprietary recipe. All trademarks, including Papa Burger® and A&W®, are property of their respective owners and are used here for descriptive and educational purposes only.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 linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
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