Arby’s Big Game Burger: Recipes and Pairings for a Winning Watch Party

Arby’s has thrown its hat into the burger ring with the highly anticipated Big Game Burger. This isn’t your typical fast-food patty; it’s a contender, boasting a unique blend of flavors designed to tantalize your taste buds. If you’re planning a Big Game watch party, incorporating elements inspired by the Arby’s Big Game Burger can elevate your spread from ordinary to extraordinary. This article will delve into the burger itself, provide deconstruction-inspired recipes, and offer creative pairing suggestions to ensure your guests are well-fed and thoroughly entertained throughout the game.

## Understanding the Arby’s Big Game Burger

Before diving into recipes, let’s dissect what makes the Arby’s Big Game Burger tick. While specific ingredient details might vary and evolve, the key elements generally include:

* **Wagyu Blend Patty:** This is the star of the show. Wagyu beef is known for its rich marbling, resulting in a juicy and flavorful burger experience. The use of a blend often helps to balance the cost while still delivering that premium taste.
* **Crispy Onions:** Adding a delightful crunch and savory sweetness, crispy onions provide textural contrast and a burst of flavor.
* **Gouda Cheese:** Gouda offers a smooth, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor that complements the richness of the beef and the sharpness of the onions.
* **Bacon Onion Jam:** This savory-sweet concoction is a game-changer. It combines the smoky, salty goodness of bacon with the caramelized sweetness of onions, creating a complex and irresistible flavor profile.
* **Burger Sauce:** A tangy and creamy burger sauce ties all the elements together, adding moisture and enhancing the overall flavor.
* **Toasted Brioche Bun:** A soft and slightly sweet brioche bun provides the perfect vessel for all these delicious components.

Knowing these key ingredients allows us to create inspired recipes and pairings that capture the essence of the Arby’s Big Game Burger.

## Big Game Burger Inspired Recipes

Here are several recipes you can prepare for your watch party, drawing inspiration from the key components of the Arby’s Big Game Burger:

### 1. Mini Wagyu Sliders with Crispy Onions and Gouda

These sliders are a miniature version of the burger, perfect for snacking throughout the game.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb Wagyu beef (or a high-quality ground beef blend)
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 large onion, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp paprika
* 1/2 tsp garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 12 slider buns
* 6 slices Gouda cheese, cut into halves or smaller to fit slider buns
* Your favorite burger sauce (see recipe below, or use a store-bought version)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Crispy Onions:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss the thinly sliced onions with all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fry the onions in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the crispy onions with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
2. **Form the Sliders:** Gently form the ground Wagyu beef into 12 small patties, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Season with salt and pepper.
3. **Cook the Sliders:** Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook the sliders for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer them more well-done. In the last minute of cooking, place a small piece of Gouda cheese on top of each slider to melt.
4. **Assemble the Sliders:** Spread a small amount of burger sauce on the bottom bun. Place a slider on top, followed by a generous amount of crispy onions. Top with the other half of the bun.
5. **Serve immediately:** These are best served warm, so your guests can enjoy the cheesy goodness.

### 2. Bacon Onion Jam Crostini

This appetizer captures the savory-sweet essence of the bacon onion jam from the burger.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
* 4 slices bacon, diced
* 1 large onion, thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Goat cheese or cream cheese for spreading

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Crostini:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown and crisp. Set aside to cool.
2. **Make the Bacon Onion Jam:** Cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet. Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, about 20-30 minutes. This process takes time, so be patient! The onions should be deeply golden brown and very soft.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and cooked bacon to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Stir well and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the jam has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Assemble the Crostini:** Spread a small amount of goat cheese or cream cheese (optional) on each crostini. Top with a spoonful of bacon onion jam.
5. **Serve:** Arrange the crostini on a platter and serve immediately.

### 3. Gouda and Crispy Onion Dip

A warm and cheesy dip that’s perfect for dipping chips, pretzels, or vegetables.

**Ingredients:**

* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded Gouda cheese
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup crispy fried onions, crushed (reserve some for topping)
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 tsp garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Chips, pretzels, or vegetables for dipping

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, shredded Gouda cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, crushed crispy onions, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. **Bake or Microwave:**
* **Baking:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
* **Microwave:** Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through and bubbly.
3. **Garnish and Serve:** Top the dip with the reserved crushed crispy onions. Serve warm with chips, pretzels, or vegetables for dipping.

### 4. Burger Sauce (Homemade)

This recipe provides a flavorful alternative to store-bought burger sauce and can be easily customized to your liking.

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tbsp ketchup
* 1 tbsp yellow mustard
* 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
* 1 tsp white vinegar
* 1/2 tsp garlic powder
* 1/4 tsp paprika
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) until smooth and well combined.
2. **Adjust to Taste:** Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add more ketchup for sweetness, mustard for tang, or cayenne pepper for heat.
3. **Chill:** Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. **Serve:** Use the burger sauce on sliders, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce.

### 5. Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Gouda (Inspired by the Bacon Onion Jam)

A sweet and savory bite that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

**Ingredients:**

* 12 Medjool dates, pitted
* 2 oz Gouda cheese, cut into small cubes
* 6 slices bacon, cut in half

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Dates:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Stuff each date with a small cube of Gouda cheese.
2. **Wrap with Bacon:** Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. **Bake:** Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
4. **Serve:** Let cool slightly before serving. Remove the toothpicks before serving.

## Beverage Pairings for Your Big Game Watch Party

No Big Game party is complete without the right drinks. Here are some beverage pairings that complement the flavors of the Arby’s Big Game Burger-inspired recipes:

* **Craft Beer:**
* **IPA:** The hoppy bitterness of an IPA cuts through the richness of the Wagyu beef and the sweetness of the bacon onion jam. Look for IPAs with citrusy or piney notes.
* **Amber Ale:** An Amber Ale offers a balanced malt profile that complements the Gouda cheese and the savory flavors of the burger. Its caramel notes work well with the sweetness of the onion jam.
* **Stout:** For a bolder pairing, a stout can provide a rich and roasty counterpoint to the burger’s flavors. Opt for a dry stout or a milk stout for a touch of sweetness.
* **Wine:**
* **Cabernet Sauvignon:** A Cabernet Sauvignon with its bold tannins and dark fruit flavors can stand up to the richness of the Wagyu beef. Look for a Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of black currant and cedar.
* **Zinfandel:** A Zinfandel offers a fruity and slightly spicy profile that complements the bacon onion jam and the savory flavors of the burger. Its bright acidity helps to balance the richness of the dish.
* **Pinot Noir:** A lighter-bodied Pinot Noir can work well if you prefer a less intense pairing. Choose a Pinot Noir with earthy notes and red fruit flavors.
* **Cocktails:**
* **Old Fashioned:** The classic Old Fashioned, with its combination of bourbon, sugar, bitters, and orange peel, offers a complex and sophisticated pairing that complements the burger’s rich flavors.
* **Manhattan:** A Manhattan, made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, provides a slightly sweeter and more herbal pairing that can enhance the flavors of the bacon onion jam.
* **Moscow Mule:** The ginger beer in a Moscow Mule adds a refreshing and spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the burger. The lime juice provides a balancing acidity.
* **Non-Alcoholic Options:**
* **Craft Soda:** Look for craft sodas with flavors like ginger, cola, or root beer. These offer a sophisticated alternative to traditional sodas.
* **Sparkling Cider:** Sparkling cider provides a refreshing and festive non-alcoholic option that complements the sweetness of the bacon onion jam.
* **Iced Tea:** Brewed iced tea, unsweetened or lightly sweetened, can be a refreshing and palate-cleansing beverage that pairs well with the savory flavors of the burger.

## Setting the Scene for Your Big Game Party

Beyond the food and drinks, creating the right atmosphere is crucial for a successful Big Game party. Here are some tips:

* **Decorations:** Decorate your space with team colors, football-themed decorations, and banners. Consider creating a photo booth with props for guests to capture memories.
* **Seating:** Ensure you have comfortable seating for all your guests. Arrange seating in front of the television for optimal viewing.
* **Entertainment:** In addition to the game itself, provide other forms of entertainment, such as a halftime trivia game, a football pool, or a commercial rating contest.
* **Music:** Play upbeat music during commercial breaks and before and after the game to keep the energy high.
* **Ambiance:** Dim the lights during the game to create a movie theater-like experience. Consider using a projector to display the game on a larger screen.

## Tips for Success

* **Plan Ahead:** Prepare as much as possible in advance, such as making the bacon onion jam or burger sauce the day before. This will reduce stress on game day.
* **Delegate Tasks:** Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your guests. Assign tasks like bringing drinks or appetizers to lighten your load.
* **Keep it Simple:** Focus on a few key recipes and pairings that you can execute well. Don’t try to do too much.
* **Offer Variety:** Provide a variety of options to cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
* **Enjoy Yourself:** Remember to relax and enjoy the game with your friends and family!

## Conclusion

The Arby’s Big Game Burger has inspired a range of delicious recipes and pairings perfect for your next watch party. By incorporating elements like Wagyu beef, crispy onions, Gouda cheese, and bacon onion jam, you can create a culinary experience that rivals the excitement of the game itself. So, gather your friends, fire up the grill (or oven), and get ready to score big with these Big Game Burger-inspired delights!