Score Big with Travis Kelce’s Favorite Fast Food Burger: A Delicious Copycat Recipe

Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end, isn’t just a legend on the football field. He’s also known for his love of, well, let’s just say he appreciates a good cheat meal. While he trains rigorously to maintain peak performance, Kelce has been open about his fondness for fast food, and one burger, in particular, seems to hold a special place in his heart: a classic fast-food double cheeseburger.

Now, we’re not advocating for a diet solely consisting of fast food, but we understand the occasional craving. This recipe is designed to recreate the satisfying experience of Kelce’s go-to burger, allowing you to enjoy a similar flavor profile with potentially slightly higher quality ingredients and control over preparation. Think of it as a leveled-up version of the classic, worthy of a Super Bowl champion (or at least a hungry fan!).

This article dives deep into crafting your very own Travis Kelce-inspired double cheeseburger, exploring each component and providing detailed instructions to ensure burger perfection. Get ready to fire up the grill (or your stovetop!) and experience a taste of Kelce’s off-field favorite.

## Understanding the Kelce Burger Aesthetic

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s break down what makes a classic fast-food double cheeseburger so appealing. It’s not necessarily about gourmet ingredients or fancy preparation techniques. It’s about a specific combination of flavors and textures:

* **The Patty:** Thin, slightly crispy around the edges, and well-seasoned. The beefy flavor is key.
* **The Cheese:** Melted American cheese is the classic choice, providing that creamy, gooey texture.
* **The Bun:** Soft, slightly sweet, and able to absorb all the delicious juices.
* **The Toppings:** Simple is better. Pickles, onions (often rehydrated or thinly sliced), ketchup, and mustard are the usual suspects.
* **The Overall Experience:** It’s about the satisfying crunch, the salty-sweet combination, and the overall comforting feeling of a familiar favorite.

Our goal is to recreate this experience with higher-quality ingredients and more precise techniques, resulting in a burger that’s both nostalgic and undeniably delicious.

## The Ultimate Travis Kelce-Inspired Double Cheeseburger Recipe

Here’s a step-by-step guide to building your own version of Kelce’s beloved burger. We’ll cover everything from sourcing the right ingredients to mastering the art of the smash burger.

**Yields:** 1 Burger
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Patties:**
* 6 ounces ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for optimal flavor and fat content)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* **For the Sauce:**
* 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon ketchup
* 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon sweet pickle relish (optional, for extra tang)
* **For the Burger:**
* 1 sesame seed bun (soft and slightly sweet)
* 2 slices American cheese
* 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion (or rehydrated dried onion)
* 4-6 dill pickle slices
* Ketchup and mustard (optional, for extra)
* 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting the bun)

**Equipment:**

* Cast iron skillet or griddle
* Spatula
* Small bowl
* Butter knife

**Instructions:**

**1. Prepare the Patty Mixture:**

* In a medium bowl, gently combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough burger. The goal is to evenly distribute the seasonings without compacting the meat.
* Divide the mixture into two equal portions (about 3 ounces each). Gently form each portion into a ball. Do not flatten them yet; we’ll do that in the skillet.

**2. Make the Special Sauce:**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and sweet pickle relish (if using). Taste and adjust the ingredients to your liking. Some people prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, while others prefer more tang. The beauty of homemade sauce is that you can customize it to your exact preferences.
* Set the sauce aside.

**3. Prepare the Onions (Optional):**

* If you prefer rehydrated dried onions for a more authentic fast-food flavor, soak about 1/4 cup of dried minced onion in hot water for 10-15 minutes, or until softened. Drain well before using. Alternatively, use finely chopped fresh white onion.

**4. Toast the Bun:**

* Butter the inside of both halves of the sesame seed bun. Place the bun halves, butter-side down, in a clean skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Toast until golden brown and slightly crispy. This will help prevent the bun from getting soggy when you add the burger patties and sauce.
* Remove the toasted bun from the skillet and set aside.

**5. Cook the Burger Patties (The Smash Burger Technique):**

* Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it is very hot. A hot surface is crucial for achieving a good sear and crispy edges on the patties.
* Place the two beef balls onto the hot skillet, leaving some space between them.
* Immediately use a sturdy spatula to smash each ball down into a thin patty, about 1/4 inch thick. The thinner the patty, the more surface area you’ll have for browning and crisping.
* Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are well-browned and slightly crispy around the edges. You should see a good crust forming on the bottom of the patties. Do not move the patties around too much while they are cooking; allow them to sear properly.
* During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on top of each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid or a baking sheet to help the cheese melt quickly. You can also add a splash of water to the skillet and quickly cover it; the steam will help melt the cheese even faster.

**6. Assemble the Burger:**

* Spread a generous amount of the special sauce on both halves of the toasted bun.
* Place one of the cheeseburgers on the bottom bun.
* Top with the chopped onions and pickle slices.
* Place the second cheeseburger on top of the pickles and onions.
* Add a small amount of ketchup and mustard, if desired.
* Top with the top bun.

**7. Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the burger immediately and enjoy your homemade Travis Kelce-inspired double cheeseburger!

## Tips for Burger Perfection

* **Choose the Right Beef:** An 80/20 blend of ground beef is ideal for this recipe. The higher fat content will result in a juicier and more flavorful burger. You can also use a blend of ground chuck and ground sirloin for a richer flavor.
* **Don’t Overmix the Meat:** Overmixing the ground beef will result in a tough burger. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined.
* **Use a Hot Skillet:** A hot skillet is essential for achieving a good sear and crispy edges on the patties. Make sure the skillet is preheated before adding the beef.
* **Smash the Patties Thin:** Smashing the patties thin will maximize the surface area for browning and crisping. Use a sturdy spatula to press the patties down as thin as possible.
* **Don’t Move the Patties Around Too Much:** Allow the patties to sear properly by not moving them around too much while they are cooking. Let them develop a good crust before flipping them.
* **Melt the Cheese Properly:** Cover the skillet with a lid or a baking sheet to help the cheese melt quickly. You can also add a splash of water to the skillet and quickly cover it; the steam will help melt the cheese even faster.
* **Toast the Bun:** Toasting the bun will help prevent it from getting soggy when you add the burger patties and sauce.
* **Customize the Sauce:** Adjust the ingredients in the special sauce to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter sauce, while others prefer more tang.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** While the classic toppings are pickles and onions, feel free to experiment with other toppings such as lettuce, tomato, or bacon.

## Variations and Add-ins

* **Spicy Burger:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick. You can also add some sliced jalapeños to the burger.
* **Bacon Cheeseburger:** Add a few slices of crispy bacon to the burger for extra flavor and texture. Cook the bacon until crispy before adding it to the burger.
* **Mushroom and Swiss Burger:** Sauté some sliced mushrooms in butter and garlic until tender. Top the burger with the sautéed mushrooms and a slice of Swiss cheese.
* **BBQ Burger:** Use BBQ sauce instead of the special sauce. Add some crispy fried onions or onion rings to the burger.
* **Turkey Burger:** Substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Add some breadcrumbs and egg to the turkey mixture to help bind it together.

## Serving Suggestions

This Travis Kelce-inspired double cheeseburger is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with your favorite sides.

* **French Fries:** A classic pairing for burgers. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
* **Onion Rings:** Another great option for a crunchy and flavorful side.
* **Coleslaw:** A refreshing and tangy side dish that complements the richness of the burger.
* **Potato Salad:** A creamy and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for picnics and barbecues.
* **Sweet Potato Fries:** A healthier alternative to regular french fries.
* **Salad:** A lighter option for those who want a healthier meal.

## Conclusion

This Travis Kelce-inspired double cheeseburger recipe is a fun and delicious way to recreate a classic fast-food favorite at home. By using high-quality ingredients and following the techniques outlined in this article, you can create a burger that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or stovetop), and get ready to score big with this winning recipe! Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or simply a burger enthusiast, this recipe is sure to be a touchdown.

Enjoy your homemade burger, and remember to indulge in moderation! While we’ve aimed to elevate the classic fast-food experience, it’s still important to maintain a balanced and healthy diet. Now, go forth and conquer that craving with a burger that’s worthy of a champion!