Copycat Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger Recipe

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This Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger isn’t just food—it’s an experience. With its juicy beef patty, gooey cheese sauce, crispy onion rings, and the kick of jalapeños sandwiched perfectly in a toasty sourdough bun, it’s the kind of meal that leaves your taste buds cheering and your napkin working overtime.

How to make Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger

The Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger is a famously over-the-top cheeseburger that was originally introduced as a limited-time item in 2013 and is being brought back in 2026 for the chain’s 75th anniversary.

Ingredients

• 1 large beef patty (1/4 lb.) – Use ground beef (ideally 80/20 for juicy results), or substitute with a plant-based patty for a vegetarian twist.
• 1 sourdough sandwich bun – Toasted with butter for that perfect crispy bite.
• 2 tbsp shredded Pepper Jack cheese – For added spice and creaminess.
• 3-4 pickled jalapeño slices – A key element of its signature spicy kick.
• 2-3 onion rings – Use store-bought frozen onion rings or make them from scratch (instructions below).
• 1 tbsp white cheese sauce – Silky and indulgent! Choose queso blanco or melt mild white American cheese with cream (DIY tips below).
• Lettuce or tomato slices (if you want to tone down the spice a bit).
• A dash of your favorite burger seasoning for extra flavor.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onion Rings

1. Slice a large yellow or white onion into thick rings.
2. Dip the rings in flour, then a beaten egg mixture, and finally coat in seasoned breadcrumbs (add paprika and salt for extra flavor).
3. Fry in vegetable oil at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, then transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil. Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for a healthier option.

2. Cook the Patty

1. Season your ground beef patty with salt and pepper (or your favorite burger seasoning).
2. Heat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil or butter.
3. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes for medium doneness, or adjust the time as desired. Pro tip: Press the center of the patty slightly before cooking to keep it even.

3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. Combine 1/4 cup of shredded white American cheese or queso fresco with 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream in a small saucepan.
2. Gently heat on low, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into a smooth, pourable sauce. Add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.

4. Toast the Sourdough Bun

1. Spread a thin layer of butter on the insides of the sourdough bun.
2. Toast in a hot skillet or on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.

5. Assemble the Hot Mess Burger

1. Start with the toasted bottom half of the sourdough bun.
2. Place the cooked beef patty as the base.
3. Add a generous handful of shredded Pepper Jack cheese, letting it melt slightly.
4. Layer on the pickled jalapeño slices for heat, followed by the crispy onion rings.
5. Drizzle the warm white cheese sauce over everything—don’t worry if it gets messy; that’s the point!
6. Top it off with the other half of the sourdough bun.

Tips for Making the Perfect Hot Mess Burger

• Go heavy on the cheese sauce. It’s the defining feature! You want just the right amount of ooey-gooey messiness to make it authentic.
• Don’t skip the jalapeños. They add the spice that takes this burger to the next level. If you’re sensitive to heat, dice them finely instead of layering whole slices.
• Toast the bun to perfection. A well-toasted sourdough bun adds crunch and flavor while helping to hold all the ingredients together.
• Use freshly made onion rings. They bring a satisfying crunch to the Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger that store-bought just can’t match.
• Experiment with spice levels. If you want your Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger even spicier, consider adding a spicy aioli or sprinkling cayenne powder into the cheese sauce.

What to serve with

The Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger is a bold, indulgent, and messy masterpiece, so it’s important to pair it with sides and drinks that enhance the overall experience without overpowering its spicy, cheesy goodness.

• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw—made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy mayo-vinegar dressing—offers a cool and crunchy contrast to the burger’s hot and cheesy delight. For a spicier twist, throw in a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños.
• Grilled Vegetables: Serve charred veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob brushed with garlic butter on the side. Their smoky, slightly sweet flavors can be a great complement to the savory Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger.
• Onion Rings: While your burger already has onion rings as a topping, you can double down if you’re an onion lover by serving a plate of extra crispy onion rings. Offer them with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, spicy aioli, or even ketchup mixed with hot sauce for a kick.
• Tater Tots: Switch things up by serving crispy tater tots! These bite-sized potato treats are the perfect vessel for dipping into extra white cheese sauce or ranch.

Ingredients Substitutes

Not all ingredients are always readily available when you’re recreating a restaurant dish at home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pull it off!

1. Beef Patty Substitutes

a. Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner, lighter alternative.

b. Plant-Based Burger: Use a plant-based or veggie patty for a vegetarian version. Brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger mimic the juicy texture and flavor of beef.

c. Portobello Mushrooms: For a low-carb or vegan twist, use large Portobello mushroom caps as the “patty.” Grill or sauté them for a savory, umami-packed base for a burger.

2. Sourdough Bun Substitutes

a. Brioche or Burger Buns: If sourdough isn’t accessible, substitute with brioche buns for a buttery richness or regular sesame-topped burger buns for a classic touch.

b. Gluten-Free or Lettuce Wraps: For gluten-free eaters, use gluten-free hamburger buns or wraps.

c. Artisan Bread: Other bread options like ciabatta or whole-grain bread can provide a chewy texture close to sourdough. Slice bread to a bun-like thickness and toast to make it sturdier.

3. Pepper Jack Cheese Substitutes

a. Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is a great alternative if you prefer a milder cheese. It melts well and brings creamy richness without the spice.

b. Monterey Jack Cheese: If you want the same creamy texture of Pepper Jack but without the heat, go with plain Monterey Jack.

c. Vegan Cheese: For a dairy-free burger, opt for plant-based cheeses. Look for brands with good meltability, such as Daiya or Violife.

4. Jalapeño Substitutes

a. Pickled Banana Peppers: Banana peppers are milder than jalapeños but still bring a similar tangy kick.

b. Fresh Chili Peppers (Adjust Heat): For a spicier substitute, go for serrano chilis. For milder heat, poblano peppers or Anaheim chilis work beautifully.

c. Bell Peppers: If you’re not a fan of spice at all, thin slices of grilled or sautéed bell peppers can add sweetness and texture to your burger without the heat.

d. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes or Hot Sauce: Skip peppers altogether and drizzle hot sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a controlled level of spiciness.

5. Onion Ring Substitutes

a. Crispy Fried Onions: If making onion rings isn’t an option, top your burger with crispy fried onions that you can buy prepackaged at the store. They provide crunch and a similar onion-forward flavor.

b. Sautéed Onions: For a softer texture, caramelize sliced onions in butter or oil over medium-low heat until golden brown. While not as crispy, they bring a rich sweetness and depth of flavor.

c. Raw Red Onion or Shallots: Thin slices of raw red onion or shallots can add crunch and tangy sharpness if you prefer to skip frying altogether.

6. Cheese Sauce Substitutes

a. Shredded Cheese Melt: Instead of making a cheese sauce, simply add more shredded cheese (Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or cheddar) on top of the patty and let it melt while cooking.

b. Store-Bought Queso or Cheese Dip: Ready-made queso blanco or nacho-style cheese dip works perfectly as a quick replacement.

c. Homemade Cream Sauce: Create a simple substitute by mixing heavy cream or milk with your choice of grated cheese and heating until smooth. You can add seasonings like garlic powder and cayenne for a spicy touch.

d. Vegan Cheese Sauce: For a dairy-free version, blend cooked potatoes and carrots with nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, and non-dairy milk until creamy. This creates a satisfying cheesy flavor without using animal-derived ingredients.

7. Burger Seasoning Substitutes

a. Salt and Pepper Blends: If you don’t have pre-made pattie seasoning, a simple combination of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper works great.

b. DIY Seasoning: Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin to create a seasoning with smoky, slightly spicy undertones.

c. Marinades: For added flavor, marinate your patties briefly in a mixture of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar, along with spices, before cooking.

Final Thoughts

When serving your homemade Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger, aim to balance the explosion of flavors in the burger with sides and drinks that complement it.

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