🍔 Five Guys-Inspired Burger
This is an independent, inspired-by recreation of the Five Guys style: two hand-formed, fully-cooked griddled patties on a soft bun, loaded with whatever toppings you love. Five Guys' actual approach is proprietary; we recreate the profile — the double griddled patties, the grilled onions and mushrooms, and the pile-it-high generosity.
What the original is known for
Five Guys is known for two hand-formed griddled patties, cooked-through and juicy, plus a long list of free toppings piled generously — grilled onions and mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, pickles, jalapeños, and more. Abundance and customization are the point.
🧾 Five Guys-Inspired Burger — Recipe Card
From I Love Hamburger — ilovehamburger.com · Inspired-by recipe, not affiliated with Five Guys.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb (680g) ground beef, 80/20 chuck
- 4 soft hamburger buns
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (for grilling)
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (for grilling)
- Toppings bar: lettuce, tomato, pickles, raw onion, jalapeños, ketchup, mustard, mayo
- 1 tbsp neutral oil, for the griddle
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- On a griddle over medium heat, cook the sliced onion and mushrooms with a pinch of salt until soft and browned, 8–10 minutes. Set aside.
- Divide the beef into 8 loose, hand-formed patties (two per burger). Don't overwork them.
- Griddle the patties over medium-high heat about 3 minutes per side until well browned and cooked through to 160°F (71°C) internal — this style is cooked well, not pink.
- Melt a slice of American cheese over one patty of each pair in the last minute.
- Toast the buns on the griddle. Build with grilled onions, mushrooms and any toppings you like (see assembly). Serve hot.
🍖 The patty
Two hand-formed, medium-thin patties per burger, griddled until fully cooked and juicy. They're not smashed paper-thin — they're loose, rough-formed rounds with plenty of browned surface.
🥫 The sauce
Five Guys leans on free toppings and condiments rather than one signature sauce, so set out ketchup, mustard and mayo and let everyone build their own. A little of our classic burger sauce works well too.
🍔 How to assemble
- Bottom bun → your choice of condiments → double cheese-topped patties.
- Pile on grilled onions and mushrooms, then lettuce, tomato, pickles and jalapeños to taste.
- Crown with the top bun and serve immediately — this one is meant to be overstuffed.
🔁 Substitutions & variations
- Make it a single-patty "little burger" with just one patty.
- Skip the mushrooms if you're not a fan — grilled onions alone still capture the style.
- Add bacon for a loaded version.
- For gluten-free, use a GF bun and skip the bun toasting fat if shared.
Burger HQ Picks Recommended Tools for This Recipe
Heavy-Duty Stainless Smash Burger Press
A flat, weighty press is the difference between a real lacy-edged smash burger and a sad steamed puck. Round, broad face for full patty contact.
Check price →Instant-Read Digital Meat Thermometer
Pulls a reading in 2–3 seconds so you can hit 160°F on ground beef every time without cutting into the patty and losing juices.
Check price →Pre-Seasoned 12" Cast Iron Skillet
Holds screaming-hot heat for the deep, even crust that makes a steakhouse-style burger. Lasts a lifetime.
Check price →Outdoor Gas Flat-Top Griddle
A big flat top cooks a dozen smash burgers at once with room for onions and buns. The backbone of burger night for a crowd.
Check price →Thin Flexible Stainless Turner (Smash Spatula)
A stiff, thin, bevelled edge slides under the crust and scrapes up every bit of the browned fond instead of tearing the patty.
Check price →Steakhouse Burger Seasoning Blend
For nights you do not want to measure. Salt-forward with garlic, onion, and pepper — exactly what a burger wants.
Check price →Stainless Grill Accessory Kit
Long tongs, a wide spatula, and a basting brush so you are not fighting your own tools over a hot grill.
Check price →As an affiliate site, I Love Hamburger may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the real Five Guys recipe?
No. This is an independent, inspired-by recipe. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Five Guys, and their process is proprietary. We recreate the profile — double griddled patties and a big pile of toppings.
Why are the patties cooked all the way through?
This style is known for fully-cooked, juicy patties rather than a pink center. Two medium-thin patties stay juicy even when cooked through because you get flavor from the browned crust.
What toppings should I put out?
The signature is choice: grilled onions and mushrooms plus lettuce, tomato, pickles, raw onion, jalapeños, and ketchup/mustard/mayo. Set them all out and let people customize.