Copycat Burger King BBQ Brisket Whopper Recipe

There’s something about that first bite into a Burger King BBQ Brisket Whopper that sticks with you. It’s not just the flame-grilled patty or the smoky brisket nestled on top, it’s the way it all melts together in layers of sauce, crunch, and char. I had one on a hot summer afternoon, windows down, fingers sticky with barbecue and a napkin too small to keep up. I remember thinking, “This isn’t just a burger. It’s a moment.”

Now you can make it at home, without the drive-thru line or wondering if your local BK has it back in stock. This copycat Burger King BBQ Brisket Whopper captures that meat-forward magic, pairing smoky slow-cooked brisket with a tangy golden BBQ sauce, all tucked into the familiar structure of a Whopper. It’s tall. It’s juicy. It’s sweet, smoky, crunchy, and somehow still balanced.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan recreating a limited-time favorite or just craving a double-meat burger with real smokehouse flavor, this one’s worth the effort. It’s a backyard showstopper and weeknight indulgence all in one.

How to make Burger King BBQ Brisket Whopper

To make your own Burger King BBQ Brisket Whopper, you’ll be building from the bottom up, just like they do. That means you’ll need two proteins: a classic flame-grilled patty and some slow-cooked brisket that’s pulled and sauced. Add crispy fried onions, pickles, fresh tomato and lettuce, plus a creamy mayo topper and a golden BBQ sauce that hits sweet, tangy, and a little smoky.

You’ll want to plan ahead for the brisket. It’s the soul of this copycat, and while it’s tempting to rush it, low and slow really is the way. Once that’s done, the rest comes together fast, especially if you prep your sauces and veggies ahead of time. The golden BBQ sauce can be made days in advance and used on anything grilled.

Stacking order matters more than you’d think. There’s a reason the BK build works: sauce goes up top to coat the veggies, crispy onions sit below to keep their crunch, and brisket is layered between cheese and patty to keep everything juicy. Trust the architecture.

Nutrition facts (per 1 sandwich)

Calories: 1010
Total Fat: 65g
Saturated Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 70g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 44g
Sodium: 1810mg

Ingredients (4 servings)

For the brisket:

2 pounds beef brisket (flat cut)
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup apple cider vinegar (for wrapping)

For the golden BBQ sauce:

⅓ cup yellow mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
2 drops liquid smoke (optional)
Pinch of cayenne (optional)

For crispy onions:

1 large yellow onion, sliced thin
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup flour
¼ cup cornstarch
½ teaspoon salt
Oil for frying

For the burgers:

4 sesame seed burger buns
4 Whopper-style beef patties (¼ lb each)
4 slices American cheese
¼ cup mayonnaise
8 dill pickle chips
8 slices fresh tomato
4 leaves iceberg lettuce

Tools you’ll need

Smoker or oven
Cast iron skillet or grill pan
Mixing bowls
Sharp knife
Mandoline (for onions, optional)
Blender or whisk (for BBQ sauce)
Frying pan or deep fryer
Tongs
Sheet pan and foil
Spatula

Instructions

1. Smoke the brisket
   Rub the brisket with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Place it in a smoker or 300°F oven. Cook for 4 to 5 hours, or until the internal temp reaches 200°F. Wrap with foil and apple cider vinegar during the last hour. Let it rest for 1 hour, then shred with forks.
2. Make the golden BBQ sauce
   In a bowl or blender, combine mustard, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, tomato paste, garlic and onion powders, paprika, liquid smoke, and cayenne. Whisk until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
3. Fry the crispy onions
   Soak onion slices in buttermilk for 10 minutes. Mix flour, cornstarch, and salt in another bowl. Dredge the onions in flour mixture, then fry in hot oil (350°F) for 1 to 2 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels.
4. Grill the patties
   Form or thaw four quarter-pound beef patties. Grill over high heat or in a cast iron pan until flame-kissed and cooked through (about 3–4 minutes per side). Add American cheese during the last minute.
5. Toast the buns
   Lightly toast the burger buns on a hot skillet or grill until just golden.
6. Assemble the burgers
   Spread mayo on the top bun. Layer lettuce and tomato on top of that. Drizzle golden BBQ sauce over the veggies. On the bottom bun, place the grilled patty with melted cheese. Add a generous spoonful of pulled brisket, followed by crispy fried onions and pickle chips. Top with the upper bun.
7. Serve immediately
   Eat while hot, juicy, and slightly messy, just like it should be.

Tips

Let your brisket rest. It sounds obvious, but a rested brisket will shred better and hold more moisture.

Don’t skip the golden BBQ sauce. It’s a huge part of what makes the Burger King BBQ Brisket Whopper taste like the real deal. If you prefer store-bought, try mixing equal parts mustard and BBQ sauce with a splash of vinegar.

Build the burgers in the exact order for best flavor layering. Putting the brisket below the cheese helps it stay in place.

Make extras of the crispy onions. They’re irresistible and go fast — I always end up snacking before the burgers are even stacked.

What to serve with

Fresh and crunchy

Try a tangy slaw with green cabbage, lime, and a bit of jalapeño. Or go for pickle spears and fresh cucumber salad to offset the richness.

Comforting treats

Crinkle-cut fries or seasoned potato wedges are the classic route. A buttery ear of corn on the cob with smoked salt also pairs beautifully.

Savory counterpoints

Baked beans with molasses, a simple macaroni salad, or even a roasted red pepper hummus dip on the side will round out the meal without stealing the spotlight.

Variations

Make it spicy: Add jalapeño slices or a smoky chipotle mayo for a heat-forward twist.

Make it a double: Double the patties for a meat-lovers version, but you’ll need a wider bun to handle the heft.

Make it mini: Use slider buns, smaller patties, and brisket portions for party-friendly Burger King BBQ Brisket Whopper sliders.

Make it Tex-Mex: Swap pickles for pickled jalapeños and add a dash of cumin to the BBQ sauce.

Ingredient substitutes

Brisket: Use chuck roast if brisket’s hard to find. Just cook it the same way, low and slow.

Golden BBQ sauce: Sub yellow mustard with Dijon for a tangier finish. No tomato paste? Ketchup works in a pinch.

Crispy onions: Can’t fry? Use store-bought fried onions (like French’s) for crunch without the cleanup.

American cheese: Swap for cheddar or Monterey Jack if you prefer something sharper or milder.

Burger buns: Brioche buns work great if you want something a little more buttery, but try to keep the sesame seeds if you’re aiming for that BK feel.