Burger King Royal Melts Review: Plus Delicious Recipes to Recreate the Magic at Home!
Burger King has done it again! They’ve introduced a new menu item that has everyone talking – the Royal Melts. These toasted sandwiches promise a cheesy, melty, meaty experience that’s perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a late-night craving. But do they live up to the hype? And more importantly, can you recreate that deliciousness at home? Let’s dive into a comprehensive review of the Burger King Royal Melts and explore some fantastic copycat recipes to satisfy your melt cravings whenever they strike.
## The Burger King Royal Melts: A First Look
Burger King’s Royal Melts come in three tempting varieties:
* **The Classic Melt:** Features two slices of toasted bread, layered with melted cheeses, one/two Burger King patties, and caramelized onions.
* **The Spicy Melt:** Adds a kick to the classic with jalapenos and a spicy sauce.
* **The Bacon Melt:** Elevates the classic with crispy bacon strips.
Each melt promises a combination of flavors and textures: the crispy toast, the gooey cheese, the savory beef, and the sweet caramelized onions (in the Classic and Bacon Melts), or the fiery heat of jalapenos and the spicy sauce (in the Spicy Melt). They are designed to be portable, easy to eat, and utterly delicious.
## Our Royal Melt Review: Taste, Texture, and Value
To provide a fair and comprehensive review, we sampled all three Royal Melt varieties. Here’s our breakdown:
**1. The Classic Melt:**
* **Taste:** The Classic Melt delivers on its promise of cheesy, beefy goodness. The caramelized onions provide a subtle sweetness that complements the savory patties and the rich, melted cheese. The toasted bread adds a pleasant crunch.
* **Texture:** The combination of textures is well-balanced. The soft, melty cheese contrasts nicely with the slightly crisp toast and the juicy beef patties. The caramelized onions add a slight chewiness.
* **Value:** The Classic Melt offers good value for its price. It’s a filling and satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for a quick and affordable meal.
**2. The Spicy Melt:**
* **Taste:** If you’re a fan of spice, the Spicy Melt is a must-try. The jalapenos and spicy sauce add a significant kick that will definitely wake up your taste buds. The spice doesn’t overpower the other flavors, though; you can still taste the cheese and beef.
* **Texture:** The texture is similar to the Classic Melt, with the addition of the slightly crunchy jalapenos.
* **Value:** Like the Classic Melt, the Spicy Melt offers good value. It’s a satisfying and flavorful sandwich that’s perfect for those who like a bit of heat.
**3. The Bacon Melt:**
* **Taste:** Bacon lovers rejoice! The Bacon Melt takes the Classic Melt to the next level with the addition of crispy, smoky bacon. The bacon adds a salty, savory element that complements the other flavors perfectly.
* **Texture:** The bacon adds an extra layer of crunch to the already satisfying texture of the Classic Melt.
* **Value:** The Bacon Melt is slightly more expensive than the Classic and Spicy Melts, but the addition of bacon makes it worth the extra cost.
**Overall Impression:**
Burger King’s Royal Melts are a welcome addition to their menu. They are flavorful, satisfying, and offer good value for their price. Whether you prefer the classic combination of cheese and beef, the spicy kick of jalapenos, or the smoky flavor of bacon, there’s a Royal Melt for everyone. We highly recommend giving them a try!
## Recreating the Royal Melt Magic at Home: Copycat Recipes
While the Burger King Royal Melts are convenient and delicious, sometimes you want to recreate that magic in your own kitchen. These copycat recipes will help you make your own versions of the Royal Melts, customized to your own taste preferences.
**Recipe 1: Classic Royal Melt Copycat**
**Ingredients:**
* 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, Texas toast, or brioche work well)
* 4 slices of cheddar cheese
* 4 slices of provolone cheese
* 2 Burger King patties (or homemade patties, recipe below)
* 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
* 1 tablespoon butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Burger King’s burger sauce or your favorite burger sauce
**Instructions:**
1. **Caramelize the Onions:** In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, golden brown, and caramelized (about 20-30 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of brown sugar during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
2. **Prepare the Patties:** If using pre-made Burger King patties, simply heat them according to the package directions. If making your own patties, follow the recipe below.
3. **Assemble the Melts:** Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
4. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Top each slice of bread with one slice of cheddar cheese, one Burger King patty, half of the caramelized onions, and one slice of provolone cheese.
6. Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
7. **Grill the Melts:** Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat.
8. **Serve:** Cut the melts in half and serve immediately. If desired, add a touch of burger sauce before serving.
**Homemade Burger Patty Recipe (for Classic Melt):**
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor and juiciness)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
2. **Form Patties:** Divide the mixture into two equal portions and form them into patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging during cooking.
3. **Cook the Patties:** Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through to your desired level of doneness. For medium doneness, the internal temperature should reach 145°F.
4. **Rest the Patties:** Let the patties rest for a few minutes before adding them to the melts.
**Recipe 2: Spicy Royal Melt Copycat**
**Ingredients:**
* Same as the Classic Royal Melt, plus:
* 1/4 cup pickled jalapeno slices, drained
* 2 tablespoons spicy mayo or sriracha mayo
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Classic Melt:** Follow steps 1-4 of the Classic Royal Melt recipe.
2. **Add Jalapenos and Sauce:** Top each slice of bread with one slice of cheddar cheese, one Burger King patty, half of the caramelized onions, and half of the jalapeno slices. Drizzle with spicy mayo.
3. Top with one slice of provolone cheese.
4. Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
5. **Grill the Melts:** Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. **Serve:** Cut the melts in half and serve immediately.
**Recipe 3: Bacon Royal Melt Copycat**
**Ingredients:**
* Same as the Classic Royal Melt, plus:
* 4 slices of cooked bacon, crispy
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Classic Melt:** Follow steps 1-4 of the Classic Royal Melt recipe.
2. **Add Bacon:** Top each slice of bread with one slice of cheddar cheese, one Burger King patty, half of the caramelized onions, and two slices of cooked bacon.
3. Top with one slice of provolone cheese.
4. Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
5. **Grill the Melts:** Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. **Serve:** Cut the melts in half and serve immediately.
## Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Royal Melt
* **Choose the Right Bread:** The bread is a crucial element of the Royal Melt. Opt for a sturdy bread that can hold up to the fillings without getting soggy. Sourdough, Texas toast, and brioche are all excellent choices.
* **Use Quality Cheese:** The cheese is what makes the Royal Melt so delicious. Use a good quality cheddar and provolone cheese for the best flavor and meltability. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well, so it’s best to grate your own.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When grilling the melts, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will lower the temperature and prevent the bread from browning evenly. Cook the melts in batches if necessary.
* **Use a Lid (Optional):** If you’re having trouble getting the cheese to melt completely, try covering the skillet with a lid for a few minutes. This will trap the heat and help the cheese melt faster.
* **Experiment with Fillings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings to create your own unique Royal Melt variations. Try adding different types of cheese, vegetables, or sauces.
* **Burger Sauce:** If you like a burger sauce with a tangy kick, try mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and a pinch of pickle relish.
## Variations and Customizations
The beauty of making your own Royal Melts at home is that you can customize them to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Cheese Variations:** Try using different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack. You can also use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Add different vegetables, such as sliced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or sauteed mushrooms.
* **Sauce Variations:** Experiment with different sauces, such as pesto, aioli, or barbecue sauce.
* **Meat Variations:** Use different types of meat, such as grilled chicken, pulled pork, or sliced ham.
* **Add a Fried Egg:** Top your Royal Melt with a fried egg for an extra boost of protein and flavor.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Replace the beef patties with grilled portobello mushrooms or veggie burgers for a vegetarian-friendly option.
## Serving Suggestions
Royal Melts are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
* **French Fries:** A classic pairing for burgers and melts.
* **Onion Rings:** Another popular side dish that complements the savory flavors of the Royal Melt.
* **Salad:** A light and refreshing side to balance out the richness of the melt.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy and tangy side that adds a nice contrast to the cheesy, meaty flavors of the Royal Melt.
* **Soup:** A warm and comforting side that’s perfect for a cold day.
## Conclusion: Royal Melts – A Winner, Whether Bought or Homemade!
Burger King’s Royal Melts are a satisfying and delicious addition to their menu, offering a tasty combination of cheesy, meaty goodness in a convenient and portable package. Whether you opt for the Classic, Spicy, or Bacon Melt, you’re sure to find a flavor that you love. But even better, recreating these melts at home is easy and allows for endless customization to suit your personal preferences. So, whether you’re grabbing a Royal Melt on the go or whipping up a batch in your kitchen, you’re in for a treat!
So, go ahead and try the Burger King Royal Melts for yourself! And if you’re feeling adventurous, try one of our copycat recipes and create your own signature Royal Melt masterpiece. Happy melting!