Copycat 7th Street Burger Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered, “How can I make the 7th Street Burger at home?” the answer is simple: smash patties, buttered buns, melty cheese, and a tangy sauce. This copycat 7th Street Burger recipe walks you through every step so you can bring that NYC smash-burger flavor straight to your kitchen.

I’ll admit, I didn’t nail it on my first try. My first batch of patties stuck to the pan, and the onions were more burnt than caramelized. But after a couple of experiments (and yes, a messy stovetop), I’ve cracked the code. Let’s dive in.

What Makes the 7th Street Burger Legendary?

The 7th Street Burger isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. What sets it apart?

• Thin beef patties are smashed on a hot griddle until the edges turn crispy.
• Gooey layers of American cheese that melt perfectly.
• Caramelized onions and tangy pickles for contrast.
• Soft brioche buns, toasted with salted butter.
• And of course, the special house sauce, creamy, tangy, with just the right kick.

That combination is why it’s become a NYC staple and why copycat recipes have blown up online.

Ingredients & DIY Copycat Ratios

Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect homemade 7th Street Burger:

• Ground beef (80/20 blend): 1 lb, divided into 4–5 small balls
• Brioche buns: soft and buttery
• American cheese: 1 slice per patty (don’t swap this, it’s part of the magic)
• Onions: caramelized until golden brown
• Pickles: thinly sliced for tang
• Butter: for toasting buns
• House sauce: mayo (½ cup), ketchup (2 tbsp), mustard (1 tbsp), sweet relish (1 tbsp), garlic powder (½ tsp), smoked paprika (½ tsp)

Optional add-ons: ghost pepper sauce for spice, lettuce for crunch, or double-stacking for extra indulgence.

Step-by-Step Smash Burger Guide

Patties & Smash Technique

Form small, loose beef balls (about 3 oz each). Heat a cast-iron skillet until it’s almost smoking. Place a beef ball, cover with parchment paper, and smash it flat with a sturdy spatula or burger press. Hold for 10 seconds. Don’t overthink it; messy edges are what make those crispy bits.

Caramelized Onions & Bun Prep

Low and slow wins here. Cook sliced onions in butter for 20 minutes until sweet and golden. While that’s happening, butter your brioche buns and toast them in the same skillet until golden brown. Pro tip I picked up on Reddit: toasting the buns right after cooking onions gives them an extra boost of flavor.

Saucing, Assembly & Tips

Once patties are smashed, season with salt and pepper, then flip after 2 minutes. Add cheese immediately so it melts. Stack patty + cheese + onion + pickle. Spread the sauce generously on both buns. Assemble and press lightly.

That’s it, you’ve got yourself a proper copycat 7th Street Burger.

Side Upgrade: Loaded Fries & Bun Upgrade

Want the full experience? Recreate 7th Street’s loaded fries.

• Fry a batch of crispy French fries.
• Top with ground beef crumbles, melted cheese, onions, and drizzle with extra house sauce.

And if you’re ambitious, bake your own brioche buns at home. It’s not necessary, but when I tried it once, the extra buttery flavor took the burger from “copycat” to “chef’s kiss.”

Sauce Variations & Heat Options

The sauce is the secret weapon. But you can mix it up:

• Classic House Sauce: mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish
• Spicy Sauce: add ghost pepper hot sauce or cayenne
• Smoky BBQ Twist: replace ketchup with BBQ sauce

If you’re like me and sometimes want an extra kick, the ghost pepper version delivers heat without overpowering the burger.

Why This DIY Version Wins

I’ve read competitor recipes, and here’s what I noticed: one nails the smash technique, another lists ingredients, but neither ties it all together with loaded fries, sauce swaps, or practical hacks. This recipe does.

And here’s the kicker, it’s approachable. You don’t need a fancy flat-top grill. I’ve made this in a cast-iron skillet on my old gas stove, and it worked like a charm. Sometimes, I even wrap the finished burger in parchment for 2 minutes (like the pros do) so it holds together better.

FAQs – Secret Menu, Calories & Allergy Info

Q: What’s on the 7th Street Burger secret menu?
Some locals swear by the “triple smash” or swapping pickles for jalapeños. It’s not official, but hey, experimenting is half the fun.

Q: How many calories are in a 7th Street Burger?
A single smash burger (bun, patty, cheese, sauce) clocks in around 600–700 calories. A double easily pushes it closer to 1,000.

Q: What allergens should I watch for?
Gluten (buns), dairy (cheese, sauce), and eggs (mayo in sauce) are the big ones. If you need to adjust, try lettuce wraps, vegan cheese, or egg-free mayo.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Swap beef for a plant-based patty and keep everything else the same. You’ll still get that smashed, crispy texture.

Conclusion

Making the 7th Street Burger at home is easier than you think. With simple ingredients, the right smash technique, and a tangy house sauce, you’ll be biting into a burger that tastes just as good, if not better, than the one in NYC.

And honestly? Once you’ve made this version, you may never crave a store-bought burger again. Just be warned: after you share these with friends or family, you’ll be on burger duty forever.