If you’ve ever cruised with Carnival, you know the magic of Guy’s Burger Joint, created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri. These burgers are the epitome of indulgence: juicy, flavorful, and topped with irresistible Donkey Sauce.
The good news? You can recreate these delicious Guy’s Burger Joint hamburgers in your kitchen! Whether it’s for a backyard barbecue or a family dinner, this recipe will take you straight back to the Lido Deck.
What You’ll Need
- For the Burger Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Bacon Weave:
- 8 slices thin-cut bacon
- For the Donkey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp minced roasted garlic
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- Additional Toppings:
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 brioche buns
- Butter (for toasting buns)
- Lettuce leaves
- Slices of beefsteak tomato
- Dill pickle slices
Pro Tips
- The Right Beef Blend: Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Bacon Weave: Weaving the bacon ensures even cooking and a stable layer for your burger.
- Donkey Sauce in Advance: Prepare the Donkey Sauce a day ahead to let the flavors meld together.
- Cheese Melt Trick: Cover the burger with a lid or bowl while adding cheese to get it perfectly melty.
- Kid-Friendly Assembly: Let kids personalize their burgers with their favorite toppings to make it fun!
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Skillet or grill pan
- Baking tray
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Pastry brush
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based patty for a different take.
- Cheese: Swap cheddar for Swiss, pepper jack, or your favorite cheese.
- Buns: Use whole wheat buns, pretzel buns, or lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
- Add-Ons: Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or jalapeños can take your burger to the next level.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the Donkey Sauce and refrigerate up to 3 days ahead.
- Cook the bacon weave and reheat in the oven to keep it crispy.
- Shape burger patties in advance and store them in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Donkey Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced roasted garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: Make the Bacon Weave
Weave the bacon slices into a lattice pattern on a baking tray. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
Step 3: Shape and Cook the Burger Patties
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Shape into patties and season with salt and pepper. Cook on a hot skillet or grill pan for 3-4 minutes per side, adding cheese during the last minute.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them in the skillet until golden brown.
Step 5: Assemble the Burgers
Spread Donkey Sauce on both halves of the toasted buns. Layer the bottom bun with lettuce, tomato, a burger patty with melted cheese, bacon weave, and pickles. Top with the remaining bun half.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftover burger components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat the burger patties and bacon in a skillet to maintain their texture.
Final Thoughts
This Guy’s Burger Joint-inspired burger is a surefire hit, bringing Carnival Cruise Line’s signature flavors to your home. Juicy beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and that irresistible Donkey Sauce come together for a burger experience that’s second to none. Try it out, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!
