Burger King December Deals & Delicious Burger Recipes to Recreate at Home
December is a month filled with festive cheer, holiday gatherings, and, of course, delicious food! While many are drawn to classic holiday meals, there’s always room for a good burger. Burger King often rolls out special deals in December to entice customers, and if you’re a burger lover, you’re likely keeping an eye out for those. But what if you could combine the convenience of Burger King’s deals with the satisfaction of making your own incredible burgers at home? This article explores potential Burger King December deals (based on past trends and general expectations) and provides a comprehensive guide to crafting mouthwatering burger recipes inspired by the King himself. Let’s dive in!
Anticipating Burger King’s December Deals
Before we get to the recipes, let’s talk about those tempting Burger King December deals. Keep in mind that specific deals vary each year and by region. However, based on past December promotions, here’s what you might expect:
* **Family Bundles:** These are a classic. Think multiple burgers, fries, and drinks at a discounted price – perfect for holiday gatherings or a treat for the family.
* **2 for $X Deals:** Burger King frequently offers deals like “2 for $6” or “2 for $7” on select menu items. This could include Whoppers, Chicken Sandwiches, or other favorites.
* **App-Exclusive Deals:** Burger King’s app is your best friend for saving money. Expect exclusive coupons and discounts available only through the app. Download it and enable notifications to stay updated.
* **Holiday-Themed Items:** Sometimes, Burger King introduces special holiday-themed menu items or variations of their classics. These might come with promotional offers.
* **Free Delivery Offers:** With the increase in online ordering, keep an eye out for free delivery promotions, especially during peak holiday periods.
* **Royal Perks Loyalty Program:** Burger King’s Royal Perks loyalty program often has bonus point offers or special rewards throughout December. Be sure to check your account.
**How to Stay Updated on Deals:**
* **Burger King App:** The official Burger King app is the primary source for the latest deals.
* **Burger King Website:** Check the “Offers” or “Deals” section of the Burger King website.
* **Social Media:** Follow Burger King on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
* **Email Newsletter:** Subscribe to Burger King’s email newsletter for exclusive promotions.
Burger Recipes Inspired by Burger King
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the recipes! These are inspired by Burger King classics, but elevated for a delicious homemade experience. We’ll cover the iconic Whopper, the crispy Chicken Sandwich, and a vegetarian option.
1. The Ultimate Homemade Whopper
The Whopper is Burger King’s signature burger, known for its flame-grilled flavor and classic toppings. Here’s how to recreate it at home, only better!
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Patties:**
* 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor and juiciness)
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
* 1 tsp Garlic Powder
* 1 tsp Onion Powder
* 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
* 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
* 1/4 tsp Salt
* **For the Buns:**
* 4 Sesame Seed Buns (high-quality, soft buns are crucial)
* **For the Toppings:**
* 1 large Tomato, sliced
* 1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced
* Iceberg Lettuce, shredded
* 4 Dill Pickles, sliced
* Mayonnaise
* Ketchup
* Mustard (optional)
* **For the Flame-Grilled Flavor (Important):**
* Liquid Smoke (optional, but highly recommended for replicating the Burger King flavor)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Patties:** In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough patties. Gently form the mixture into four patties, slightly larger than the buns, as they will shrink during cooking. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging while cooking.
2. **Preheat Your Grill (or Pan):** If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If using a stovetop, heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you want to replicate the flame-grilled taste and using a pan add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the pan before placing the patties.
3. **Cook the Patties:** Place the patties on the hot grill or pan. For medium doneness (slightly pink in the center), cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. If you prefer well-done, cook for a few minutes longer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). If using liquid smoke, add a drop of liquid smoke to the pan just before flipping the patties for an enhanced smoky flavor.
4. **Toast the Buns (Optional but Recommended):** While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the sesame seed buns. This adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
5. **Assemble the Burgers:** Spread mayonnaise on the top bun and ketchup and mustard (optional) on the bottom bun. Layer the bottom bun with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, and pickles. Place the cooked patty on top of the toppings. Finish with the top bun.
6. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy your homemade Whopper with your favorite sides, such as fries or onion rings.
**Tips for Whopper Perfection:**
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the ground beef makes the patties tough.
* **Use Good Quality Beef:** The 80/20 blend is ideal for flavor and juiciness. Higher lean-to-fat ratios will result in a drier burger.
* **Don’t Press the Patties:** Avoid pressing down on the patties while they’re cooking, as this squeezes out the juices.
* **Let the Patties Rest:** After cooking, let the patties rest for a minute or two before assembling the burgers. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful burger.
* **The Liquid Smoke Secret:** Liquid smoke is key to mimicking that distinctive Burger King flame-grilled flavor if you are cooking on a pan. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
2. Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Elevated
Burger King’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a classic comfort food. Here’s how to make a version that rivals the original, with extra flavor and crunch.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Chicken:**
* 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
* 1 cup Buttermilk
* 1 tbsp Hot Sauce (optional, for a kick)
* 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
* 1/2 cup Cornstarch
* 2 tsp Paprika
* 1 tsp Garlic Powder
* 1 tsp Onion Powder
* 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
* 1/2 tsp Salt
* Vegetable Oil, for frying
* **For the Buns:**
* 4 Potato Buns (or Brioche Buns)
* **For the Toppings:**
* Shredded Lettuce
* Sliced Tomato (optional)
* Mayonnaise
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This ensures even cooking. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Marinate the chicken breasts in the buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
2. **Prepare the Coating:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
3. **Dredge the Chicken:** Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Press the flour mixture into the chicken to help it adhere. Dredge again for an extra crispy crust.
4. **Fry the Chicken:** Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. **Drain the Chicken:** Remove the fried chicken breasts from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. This helps maintain the crispy texture.
6. **Toast the Buns (Optional):** Lightly toast the potato or brioche buns.
7. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** Spread mayonnaise on both the top and bottom buns. Layer the bottom bun with shredded lettuce and sliced tomato (optional). Place the fried chicken breast on top of the lettuce and tomato. Finish with the top bun.
8. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy your crispy chicken sandwich with your favorite sides, such as fries or coleslaw.
**Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken:**
* **Double Dredge:** The double dredging in the flour mixture is crucial for achieving a super crispy crust.
* **Cornstarch is Key:** The addition of cornstarch to the flour mixture helps create a lighter and crispier coating.
* **Maintain Oil Temperature:** Monitor the oil temperature and adjust as needed. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s cooked through. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry the chicken in batches.
* **Use a Wire Rack:** Draining the fried chicken on a wire rack allows air to circulate, keeping the crust crispy.
3. Vegetarian Whopper (Impossible or Beyond Burger)
For vegetarians or those looking to reduce their meat consumption, a veggie Whopper is a great option. You can use an Impossible Burger or Beyond Burger patty for a delicious and satisfying experience.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 Impossible Burger or Beyond Burger Patties
* 4 Sesame Seed Buns
* 1 large Tomato, sliced
* 1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced
* Iceberg Lettuce, shredded
* 4 Dill Pickles, sliced
* Mayonnaise
* Ketchup
* Mustard (optional)
* Vegetable Oil or Cooking Spray
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Veggie Patties:** Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly coat the pan with vegetable oil or cooking spray. Cook the Impossible or Beyond Burger patties according to the package directions, usually about 4-5 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly browned. If you want a flame-broiled effect, you can cook the patties on a grill.
2. **Toast the Buns (Optional):** Lightly toast the sesame seed buns.
3. **Assemble the Burgers:** Spread mayonnaise on the top bun and ketchup and mustard (optional) on the bottom bun. Layer the bottom bun with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, and pickles. Place the cooked veggie patty on top of the toppings. Finish with the top bun.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy your Vegetarian Whopper with your favorite sides, such as fries or onion rings.
**Tips for a Great Veggie Burger:**
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking veggie patties can make them dry and crumbly. Cook them just until heated through and slightly browned.
* **Use Good Quality Buns:** Just like with meat burgers, good quality buns are important for a satisfying veggie burger experience.
* **Load Up on Toppings:** The toppings are what make a Whopper a Whopper! Don’t skimp on the lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.
* **Experiment with Sauces:** In addition to mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard, try adding other sauces like sriracha mayo or a vegan aioli for extra flavor.
Side Dish Suggestions to Complete Your Burger King Feast
No burger meal is complete without some delicious sides. Here are some homemade alternatives to Burger King’s sides:
* **Homemade French Fries:** Cut potatoes into fries, toss with oil and seasonings, and bake or fry until golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, try double-frying them.
* **Onion Rings:** Slice onions into rings, dip in batter, and deep-fry until golden brown. A beer batter adds extra flavor.
* **Coleslaw:** Shred cabbage and carrots, and toss with a creamy dressing. You can customize the dressing to your liking, adding ingredients like apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, and sugar.
* **Mozzarella Sticks:** Bread mozzarella sticks and deep-fry until golden brown and gooey.
Dessert Ideas to Finish on a Sweet Note
To finish your Burger King-inspired meal, consider these dessert ideas:
* **Milkshakes:** Blend ice cream, milk, and your favorite flavorings (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry) for a classic milkshake.
* **Chocolate Chip Cookies:** Bake a batch of warm and gooey chocolate chip cookies.
* **Apple Pie:** A slice of warm apple pie is the perfect comforting dessert.
Conclusion
While keeping an eye out for Burger King’s December deals is a smart way to save money, creating your own burgers at home offers a fun, customizable, and potentially healthier alternative. By using high-quality ingredients and following these recipes, you can recreate the flavors of your favorite Burger King classics and even elevate them to a new level of deliciousness. So, whether you’re taking advantage of a Burger King promotion or firing up the grill at home, December is a great month to indulge in the timeless pleasure of a great burger. Happy cooking and happy holidays!