The Ultimate Big Burger and Copycat Coleslaw: Your Essential 4th of July Grilling Guide
Prepare for a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds sing and your jaw drop! This isn’t just any burger; it’s a monumental creation, affectionately known by several grand titles: The Big Mama, The Big Bang, and The Big Kahuna. Each name tells a part of its story – ‘Big Mama’ for its generous size, ‘Big Bang’ perfectly capturing the celebratory spirit of the 4th of July, and ‘Big Kahuna’ echoing a memorable Hawaiian burger experience. This burger is more than just big; it’s an incredibly satisfying, flavor-packed masterpiece that truly lives up to its legendary status.
Indeed, this burger is so substantial that a standard toothpick simply won’t suffice to keep its glorious layers intact. As you can see, a sturdy chopstick is required to secure this magnificent monster! Don’t be surprised if, like me, you find yourself resorting to a fork and knife. Attempting to manage this towering creation with bare hands might just earn you a few bewildered stares. But trust me, the deliciousness makes the unconventional dining experience entirely worth it, transforming a meal into a memorable event.
Creating a burger of this caliber is an art form. It’s about more than just cooking a patty; it’s about building a symphony of flavors and textures that tantalize with every bite. The juicy, corn-fed ground beef patties are the heart of this creation, grilled to perfection and topped with melted pepper jack cheese that adds a delightful kick. But the true magic lies in the carefully selected toppings, each contributing to the overall grandeur of the “Big Kahuna.” We aim for a balance of fresh, savory, and tangy elements to ensure every mouthful is an explosion of taste.
We’ve meticulously crafted this recipe to ensure maximum flavor and enjoyment, making it ideal for your summer grilling sessions or special occasions like the 4th of July. From the crispy hickory-smoked bacon to the creamy avocado slices, every ingredient plays a vital role. The toasted buns are non-negotiable – a crucial step to prevent them from becoming soggy under the weight of this epic burger, especially with all its juicy contents. A generous smear of Thousand Island dressing provides that classic, tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the savory components. Dive into the detailed recipe below and prepare to conquer your own Big Mama, Big Bang, Big Kahuna Burger!
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The Big Mama, Big Bang, Big Kahuna Burger
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5 from 1 review
Category: Sandwich, Entree
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 7 oz. (each) corn-fed ground beef patties
- 2 slices thick-cut, hickory smoked bacon, fully cooked until browned
- pepper jack cheese slices
- large hamburger buns, TOASTED (if not, the buns turn to mush!)
- Thousand Island dressing
- dill pickles (hamburger slices)
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- tomato, sliced
- onion, sliced
- lettuce
- ketchup and mustard
Instructions
- Grill the burgers, seasoned the way that you prefer. Ensure they reach your desired level of doneness, whether it’s medium-rare for a juicy center or well-done for a firmer texture.
- During the last 30 seconds of grilling, place pepper jack cheese slices on top of each burger patty. This short time ensures the cheese melts perfectly without dripping off the burger onto the grill, creating a beautiful, gooey layer.
- Toast the large hamburger buns until lightly golden and firm. This is a crucial step to prevent them from becoming soggy under the burger’s substantial toppings and helps them stand up to the moist ingredients.
- Generously spread Thousand Island dressing on the inside of both the top and bottom toasted buns. This adds a sweet and tangy element that truly ties all the flavors together.
- Begin assembling your masterpiece by layering fresh lettuce leaves and thinly sliced onions on the bottom bun. These provide a crisp foundation and a delightful aromatic crunch.
- Carefully place the cheese-topped burger patty on top of the lettuce and onions.
- Next, add the thick-cut, hickory-smoked bacon. Ensure it’s fully cooked and crispy for the best texture and flavor, adding a smoky depth to the burger.
- Complete your towering creation by layering on the fresh tomato slices, tangy dill pickles (hamburger slices work best for even distribution), and creamy avocado slices. Each of these fresh elements contributes vital texture and flavor.
- Gently close up the burger. If it’s as big as ours, consider wrapping it tightly with wax paper or foil to help hold it together, or insert a sturdy chopstick right through the middle for structural support. Serve immediately with your favorite sides!
Every epic burger deserves an equally legendary sidekick, and for us, that’s a perfectly prepared coleslaw. This isn’t just any coleslaw; it’s a beloved copycat recipe from a famous chicken restaurant, a secret shared widely across the internet. After trying it ourselves, we can attest that the flavor is almost indistinguishable from the original. Numerous online reviews and comments confirm its remarkable similarity, making it a must-try for any coleslaw enthusiast. Its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet profile perfectly balances the richness of the Big Kahuna burger, offering a refreshing contrast that completes the meal.
The Best Copycat Coleslaw Recipe
This recipe creates a substantial amount of coleslaw, perfect for feeding a crowd at your 4th of July barbecue or for enjoying leftovers throughout the week. If you’re cooking for a smaller gathering, feel free to halve the recipe and adjust the dressing accordingly. The key to its irresistible taste lies in the finely chopped ingredients and the harmonious blend of the creamy, tangy dressing. Make sure to prepare it in advance, as allowing it to chill for several hours or even overnight truly lets the flavors meld and deepen, resulting in that iconic taste you know and love.
Coleslaw Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage, finely chopped (this makes a ton of cole slaw, so you might want to divide this recipe in half)
- 1/2 cup finely shredded carrots (I often double this for extra color and sweetness)
- 2 Tbsp. minced onion
Coleslaw Dressing:
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 whole milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. white vinegar
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
Coleslaw Instructions:
Combine all the finely chopped cabbage, shredded carrots, and minced onion in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least several hours, or ideally, overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld. This chilling period is essential for achieving the perfect taste and texture. Serve chilled alongside your favorite grilled dishes.
The 4th of July at our home is a cherished tradition of simplicity and joy. It’s not about elaborate gourmet meals or complicated preparations, but rather about savoring classic American comfort food. A simple grilling of these incredible burgers and/or hot dogs, paired with our fresh, tangy coleslaw, creates the perfect summer feast. Add a tall, cold glass of iced tea, and you have a meal that embodies the laid-back, festive spirit of the holiday. This effortless approach allows us to truly relax and immerse ourselves in the celebration.
This approach allows us to focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with loved ones, enjoying the warmth of the summer evening, and appreciating the freedoms we celebrate. There’s a profound beauty in the simplicity of a perfectly grilled burger, the satisfying crunch of homemade coleslaw, and the sweet refreshment of iced tea. These dishes are more than just food; they are an integral part of our holiday ritual, steeped in tradition and designed for shared enjoyment. It’s the taste of summer, freedom, and gratitude all rolled into one delightful meal, creating memories that last a lifetime.
After our delicious meal, we settle back, eyes to the sky, to watch the dazzling fireworks light up the night. It’s a moment of collective awe and reflection, a time when we feel a deep sense of gratitude for this wonderful country and the freedoms we enjoy. The crackle of the fireworks, the laughter of family and friends, and the lingering taste of a fantastic meal make for unforgettable memories. This cherished tradition reminds us of the simple pleasures and profound significance of the 4th of July, a holiday truly close to our hearts.
From our kitchen to yours, we wish you a day filled with delicious food, joyful company, and heartfelt appreciation. May your celebration be as grand and satisfying as our Big Kahuna Burger!
Happy 4th of July!
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The Big Mama, Big Bang, Big Kahuna Burger