Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about sinking your teeth into a concoction so outlandish that it defies all precedents set by traditional cuisine? Have you longed for a taste sensation that rockets you straight into a flavorverse where the conventional rules of dining dissolve like sugar on your tongue? If your answer is a resounding “yes,” then strap in because you’re in for a treat that’s as audacious as it is appetizing. We’ll recreate the Burger King Donut Burger.
Table of Contents
How to make Burger King Donut Burger
The Burger King Donut Burger is a limited-time menu item that combines a burger with a donut instead of a traditional bun. The burger typically features a beef patty, melted cheese, bacon, and sometimes other toppings like eggs, all sandwiched between two glazed donuts.
Ingredients
For the Burger:
- 1 lb (about 450g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 slices of your favorite cheese (American, Cheddar, etc.)
- 4 large glazed donuts (for the buns)
- Optional: Lettuce, tomato slices, onions, pickles for additional toppings
Additional:
- Oil or butter for grilling
- Condiments of choice: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.
Instructions
Preparing the Burger Patties:
- Preheat Your Grill/Griddle/Pan: Aim for medium-high heat. If you’re using a pan, add a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty roughly the size of your donuts, seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Patties: Place the patties on the grill or in the pan. For a medium-rare burger, cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Adjust the timing depending on how well done you like your burgers. In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty and cover to melt the cheese.
Assembling the Burger King Donut Burger:
- Prepare the Donuts: Slice each donut in half horizontally. If you’d like a slightly toasted donut (highly recommended for texture and flavor), place the cut sides down on the grill or pan for about 1 minute until lightly crispy.
- Build Your Burger: Start with the bottom half of a donut. Add your burger patty with the melted cheese. Layer on any additional toppings and condiments you prefer. Cap it off with the top half of the donut. Repeat for the remaining burgers.
Tips for the Perfect Donut Burger
- Balancing Flavors: Since the donut brings sweetness, consider adding pickles or a slice of onion to introduce a bit of acidity and sharpness, balancing the overall flavor profile.
- The Right Donut: Opt for fresh, high-quality glazed donuts that are not too thick. This keeps the focus on the burger and ensures a good sweet-to-savory ratio.
- Cheese Choice: A sharp cheddar or spicy pepper jack can add another layer of complexity to your burger, contrasting nicely with the donut’s sweetness.
What to serve with
Serving the right side dishes with the Burger King Donut Burger can enhance the overall dining experience, creating a meal that’s both balanced and indulgent. Given the rich, sweet, and savory nature of the burger, selecting accompaniments that complement its unique flavor profile is key.
1. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potato fries are a fantastic choice. They offer a slightly sweet, earthy flavor that harmonizes with the donut’s sweetness. Their crispy texture also contrasts beautifully with the donut’s softness and the burger’s juiciness. For an extra flavor kick, sprinkle with a mixture of salt, pepper, and a hint of cinnamon or smoked paprika before baking.
2. Classic Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy coleslaw can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the burger. The crispness of the cabbage and carrots, mixed with a light, tangy dressing, adds a necessary crunch and acidity, making each bite of the burger even more enjoyable.
3. Dill Pickle Spears: Sometimes simplicity is key. Serving crisp dill pickle spears on the side is an effortless way to add a burst of acidity and crunch to your meal. The sharpness of the pickles contrasts the donut’s sweetness and cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob, especially when lightly brushed with butter and seasoned with salt and a sprinkle of chili powder, adds a smoky sweetness that complements the Burger King Donut Burger. The kernels’ juicy pop and the smoky flavor profile can make this an irresistible addition to your plate.
5. Mixed Green Salad with a Light Vinaigrette: For those seeking a lighter, more refreshing side, a mixed green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette offers a palate-cleansing option. Include a variety of greens, such as arugula, spinach, and lettuce, and sprinkle in some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for texture. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper can enhance the salad without overpowering the star of the show—the burger.
6. Beer-Battered Onion Rings: For a dive into deep-fried delight, beer-battered onion rings serve as a crunchy, flavorful partner to the donut burger. Their crispy exterior and tender interior, along with the subtle taste of beer in the batter, offer a satisfying texture and flavor contrast that’s hard to resist.
7. Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Chips: Thinly sliced zucchini, baked or lightly fried with a coating of Parmesan cheese and garlic, creates a snackable side that’s both tasty and relatively healthy. These chips add a crispy texture and an aromatic flavor that can lighten the meal’s overall indulgence.
Ingredients substitutes
Creating a homemade version of the Burger King Donut Burger allows for personalization and adaptation to suit dietary preferences, allergies, or simply to work with what you have on hand.
Substitutes for the Donut
- Keto/Gluten-Free Donuts: For those avoiding gluten or following a ketogenic diet, consider using alternative flour like almond flour or coconut flour to make a low-carb, gluten-free donut. Sweeten with erythritol or stevia instead of sugar.
- Bagels: If you want a less sweet option, a plain or savory bagel can substitute for the donut. It provides a chewy texture that complements the burger without adding extra sweetness.
- English Muffins: Though not sweet like donuts, English muffins can offer a different take on the burger, with a firmer texture that’s still satisfying.
Substitutes for the Burger Patty
- Plant-Based Patties: Many excellent plant-based patties on the market mimic the flavor and texture of beef, making them suitable for vegetarians or those reducing their meat intake.
- Turkey or Chicken Burgers: Substituting a turkey or chicken patty can lower the overall fat content and offer a lighter taste that still pairs well with the donut.
- Portobello Mushroom Caps: For a vegan option, large marinated and grilled portobello mushroom caps make a flavorful and hearty substitute for the beef patty.
Substitutes for American Cheese
- Cheddar or Pepper Jack: For a slightly sharper cheese flavor, you can use cheddar or, if you prefer a bit of spice, pepper jack cheese slices instead of American cheese.
- Vegan Cheese: A wide variety of plant-based cheeses are available that can satisfy those who avoid dairy. Look for a melt-friendly option.
Substitutes for the Bacon
- Turkey Bacon is a leaner, slightly healthier option than traditional pork bacon, but it still adds a satisfying crunch and saltiness.
- Vegetarian Bacon: Made from tempeh, tofu, or seitan, vegetarian bacon can be a flavorful, cruelty-free alternative that still delivers a semblance of bacon’s crispy texture.
- Mushroom Bacon: Thinly sliced and roasted or fried shiitake mushrooms make an excellent bacon substitute, providing umami and a crispy texture.
Final Thoughts
The goal of serving sides with the Burger King Donut Burger is to achieve a balance of flavors and textures that enhance the dining experience without overshadowing the main attraction.
More Burger King Recipes:
- Homemade Burger King Bacon Melt Recipe
- Copycat Burger King Mushroom Swiss Melt Recipe
- Copycat Burger King Stacker Sauce Recipe
- Copycat Burger King Melts Recipe
Ingredients
For the Burger:
- 1 lb (about 450g) ground beef
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 slices of your favorite cheese
- 4 large glazed donuts (for the buns)
- Optional: Lettuce, tomato slices, onions, pickles for additional toppings
Additional:
- Oil or butter for grilling
- Condiments of choice: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.
Instructions
Preparing the Burger Patties:
- Preheat Your Grill/Griddle/Pan: Aim for medium-high heat. If you're using a pan, add a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty roughly the size of your donuts, seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Patties: Place the patties on the grill or in the pan. For a medium-rare burger, cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Adjust the timing depending on how well done you like your burgers. In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty and cover to melt the cheese.
Assembling the Burger King Donut Burger:
- Prepare the Donuts: Slice each donut in half horizontally. If you'd like a slightly toasted donut (highly recommended for texture and flavor), place the cut sides down on the grill or pan for about 1 minute until lightly crispy.
- Build Your Burger: Start with the bottom half of a donut. Add your burger patty with the melted cheese. Layer on any additional toppings and condiments you prefer. Cap it off with the top half of the donut. Repeat for the remaining burgers.
