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Bob’s Big Boy Burger

Bob’s Big Boy Burger

Recipe Book: Hamburgers

The Big Boy burger is the original double-deck hamburger, created by Bob Wian in 1937. It features two thin beef patties, a three-layer bun, lettuce, American cheese, and a special sauce (often called Thousand Island dressing or red relish). It inspired other famous double-deck burgers like McDonald's Big Mac.

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Cooking for
4 people

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    Big Boy Special Sauce

    Burger Components

    Preparation

    1

    Step 1

    For the Big Boy Special Sauce: Mix 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tbsp drained relish, 1 tsp buttermilk, 1 tbsp Heinz chili sauce, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, a dash of salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Refrigerate.

    2

    Step 2

    Prepare two thin beef patties (originally 1/4 pound fresh ground beef, later 1/5 pound frozen).

    3

    Step 3

    Toast a three-layer bun (sesame seed bun or plain bun).

    4

    Step 4

    Assemble the burger: Place one beef patty on the bottom bun layer, top with a slice of American cheese, shredded lettuce (1½ ounces), and special sauce. Add the middle bun layer, then the second beef patty, more lettuce, and special sauce. Finish with the top bun layer.

    5

    Step 5

    If using a plain bun, include pickles.

    Notes

    The Big Boy hamburger was created by Bob Wian in February 1937, starting as an improvisation for a customer.
    It was originally called 'the special' and intended to look 'ridiculous, like a leaning tower'.
    The Big Boy hamburger inspired other double-deck hamburgers, including McDonald's Big Mac, Burger Chef's Big Shef, and Burger King's Big King.
    Original specifications included a quarter pound (4 ounces) of fresh ground beef, later reduced to a fifth of a pound for frozen patties.
    Bun specifications were exacting: bottom section 1½ inches high, center section ¾ inches.
    The condiment used was often simply referred to as 'special sauce' chainwide.
    Wian used a sesame seed bun, while Frisch's used a plain bun and included pickles.

    Recipe By

    Recipe By

    Big Boy - Bob Wian

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