Copycat Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger Recipe

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When it comes to unforgettable burgers, the Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger is a standout favorite. It’s that perfect combination of heat, crunch, and ooey-gooey cheesiness that makes this burger such a showstopper.

How to make Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger

The Hot Mess Burger is a throwback cheeseburger originally introduced by Jack in the Box in 2013 as part of a limited-time promo.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 4 slices of pepper jack cheese
• ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• ½ cup white cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade; more on this below)
• 1 cup onion rings (store-bought or homemade; choose crispy)
• ½ cup pickled jalapeños (adjust to your heat preference)
• 2 sourdough sandwich buns (or any firm, slightly tangy buns)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Burger Patties

1. In a mixing bowl, season the ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently to avoid compacting the beef too much.
2. Divide the beef into two equal portions and form each into a round patty about ½ inch thick.
3. Preheat a grill, skillet, or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they reach your preferred level of doneness (medium or medium-well works best for a burger like this).
4. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty and let it melt as the patties finish cooking.

Step 2: Make or Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. If using store-bought white cheese sauce, warm it up in the microwave or on the stove according to the package instructions.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, cooking until it forms a thick paste (roux).
4. Gradually pour in 1 cup of whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Add 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese or white cheddar, and stir until smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt, if needed.
6. Keep the sauce warm and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Onion Rings

1. If using store-bought frozen onion rings, bake or air-fry according to the package instructions until crispy.
2. For homemade onion rings:
   • Slice onions into thick rings and separate them.
   • Dip each ring into flour, then buttermilk, and finally a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt.
   • Fry in hot oil (350°F) until crispy, then drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Assemble the Hot Mess Burger

1. Lightly toast the sourdough buns in a dry skillet until golden for some extra crunch and depth of flavor.
2. Place the cooked burger patty with melted cheese on the bottom bun.
3. Spoon a generous amount of warm cheese sauce over the patty, letting it drip slightly down the sides.
4. Add a sprinkling of shredded pepper jack cheese for more gooey goodness.
5. Top with crispy onion rings and pickled jalapeños for crunch and spice.
6. Place the top bun on the stack. Gently press down and prepare for the glorious messiness!

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Ground Beef: An 80/20 mix (80% lean, 20% fat) strikes the perfect balance between flavor and juiciness.
• Go All-In on Cheese Sauce: The cheese sauce is the star of this Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger, so make sure it’s creamy and rich. You can add a pinch of cayenne or minced jalapeños to the sauce for extra heat.
• Onion Rings Are Non-Negotiable: The crispy onion rings bring a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the melty cheese.
• Use Quality Sourdough: Jack in the Box uses sourdough for its distinctive tang and sturdiness. Make sure you’re using buns that can support all the cheesy, saucy toppings.
• Reheat Strategically: If assembling multiple burgers, keep your cheese sauce warm on the stovetop and briefly reheat the patties in a skillet if necessary.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating the Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger at home doesn’t mean you’ll have to run out and grab every specific ingredient listed in the original recipe.

1. Ground Beef Substitutes

The HQ of the Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger is its savory, juicy beef patty. But there’s no reason you have to stick to beef if you’re in the mood to experiment or need an alternative.

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken. Be sure to mix with a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to retain moisture during cooking, as these meats are leaner and less fatty.
• Plant-Based Patty (Vegan or Vegetarian): If you’re going meat-free, use a plant-based burger like Beyond Burger or Impossible Burger. These alternatives cook similarly to beef and bring flavor and texture that resonate well with the Hot Mess Burger’s toppings.
• Ground Pork or Sausage Mix: Want juicier meat? Ground pork or a pork/beef blend will add more richness to the flavor and pair well with spicy toppings like jalapeños.

2. Cheese Substitutes

The signature Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger is loaded with pepper jack cheese (used as slices, shredded, and melted as a sauce). If pepper jack isn’t available—or you’re looking for a substitute—there are plenty of options to choose from:

Cheese Slices Substitutes:

• Monterey Jack (mild flavor, great melting): A perfect alternative to pepper jack if you’re avoiding spice but want the same creamy texture.
• Cheddar: Use sharp cheddar for a bold, tangy cheese flavor, or mild cheddar for a gentler alternative.
• Colby Jack: Another excellent mild substitute that melts beautifully and blends with the burger’s flavors.

Shredded Cheese Substitutes:

• Mozzarella: Use mozzarella for its gooey, stretchy melt. It provides a neutral yet satisfying texture that won’t overpower the other flavors.
• Havarti: Creamy and buttery, Havarti melts similarly to jack cheese and pairs wonderfully with spicy jalapeños.

Cheese Sauce Substitutes:

Can’t make or find a white cheese sauce? Try:

• Nacho Cheese Sauce: Adds a Tex-Mex flair and a mild spiciness.
• Velveeta-Based Cheese Sauce: Create a quick, creamy cheese sauce by melting Velveeta with a splash of milk.
• Cashew Cheese Sauce (Vegan): Blend soaked cashews with nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, and plant-based milk for a vegan and cheesy alternative.

3. Onion Ring Substitutes

Crispy onion rings give the Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger its signature crunch, but there are plenty of ways to replace or recreate that texture.

• Fried Shallots or Crispy Onion Strings: If you want something lighter, crispy onion strings or fried shallots are easier to prepare and still provide crunch.
• Store-Bought Fried Onions (French’s Crispy Onions): These ready-to-use crispy onions (often used in green bean casseroles) are a quick, convenient alternative that delivers crunch and flavor without the hassle of frying.
• Caramelized Onions: For a sweeter, softer topping, caramelized onions can replace the onion rings entirely. Cook thinly sliced onions low and slow on the stove until golden and sweet.

4. Pickled Jalapeño Substitutes

The spicy kick of pickled jalapeños is one of the key elements of the Hot Mess Burger. However, not everyone loves jalapeños, or they may not always be available.

• Fresh Jalapeño Slices: If pickled jalapeños aren’t available, you can use fresh jalapeño slices for a kick of spice. To mimic the tangy element of pickling, drizzle them with lime juice and a pinch of salt.
• Banana Peppers: These sweet, tangy peppers are milder than jalapeños but offer a similar acidic brightness to the burger.
• Hot Sauce: A drizzle of hot sauce (like Sriracha, Tabasco, or even smoky chipotle) can add a touch of spice in place of jalapeños.
• Roasted Poblanos or Bell Peppers: If heat isn’t your thing, roasted poblanos or bell peppers are smoky, mild options that add a touch of sweetness to the burger.

5. Sourdough Bun Substitutes

Sourdough buns are the default for this burger, thanks to their sturdy texture and slight tang. If sourdough isn’t available, here are some other options to keep your burger flavorful and intact:

• Brioche Buns: Soft, buttery brioche buns add a slightly sweet contrast to the savory, spicy elements of the burger.
• Pretzel Buns: A dense and slightly salty pretzel bun works wonderfully with the cheesy richness of the burger.
• Regular Burger Buns: A classic sesame seed or plain hamburger bun is always a reliable choice if specialty buns aren’t available.
• Lettuce Wrap (Low-Carb Option): Swap the bun entirely for crispy iceberg or romaine leaves to make a low-carb version of the Hot Mess Burger.

Final Thoughts

The Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger is already a flavor explosion, but pairing it with the right sides, drinks, and desserts will turn your meal into a complete feast.

More Burger Recipes:

• O-M-Cheese Burger Recipe
• Ultimate Steakhouse Whopper Recipe