Copycat Burger King Dragon Whopper Recipe

The Burger King Dragon Whopper isn’t just another burger—it’s a bold statement packed with flavor, vibrant visuals, and a touch of heat that makes it stand out from the crowd. Inspired by the mythical fierceness of dragons, this burger combines flame-grilled perfection with a fiery, red-and-orange-marbled bun that looks like it’s been forged in flames.

How to make Burger King Dragon Whopper

The Burger King Dragon Whopper is a limited-time burger introduced by Burger King in collaboration with Universal Pictures to celebrate the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon film, premiering on June 13, 2025.

Ingredients

For the Red-and-Orange Marbled Bun:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup warm milk (for orange/red dye)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste (for color and flavor)
• 1 tsp paprika or smoked chili powder (optional for spice and color)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp softened butter
• 1 packet (7g) dry active yeast
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Food coloring (red and orange) (optional for enhanced marbling)

For the Burger Patty:

• 1 lb ground beef
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for added flame-grilled flavor)

Additional Burger Fillings:

• 2-3 slices crispy bacon
• 1 slice of American cheese
• Fresh lettuce leaves
• 2 slices ripe tomato
• Few slices of pickles
• Sliced onions (optional)
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise

Instructions

Step 1: Creating the Marbled Dragon Bun

1. Activate the yeast: Combine the warm milk, sugar, and dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, butter, activated yeast mixture, tomato paste, paprika, and enough water to form a smooth dough. Knead well for around 5-7 minutes.
3. Add natural coloring: Divide the dough into two smaller balls. In one ball, add red food coloring or paprika to enhance the fiery red color. In the other, work in orange-colored tomato mix or orange food coloring.
4. Combine for marbling effect: Flatten both doughs into sheets, layering the orange dough on top of the red dough. Roll them together to create streaks and patterns resembling flames.
5. Let it rise: Place the marbled dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let it rise for an hour or until it doubles in size.
6. Shape and bake: Divide the dough into small ball shapes (burger-sized buns), brush with egg wash, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until fluffy and golden. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Preparing the Flame-Grilled Patty

1. Season the ground beef: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Form into thick patties.
2. Grill the patties: Heat your grill or skillet to medium-high. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely charred and cooked through. For a smoky flavor, use an open flame grill.
3. Add cheese: During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of American cheese on top of each patty and let it melt.

Step 3: Assembling the Dragon Whopper

1. Toast the bun: Lightly toast the marbled buns for added flavor.
2. Layer the fillings: Start with fresh lettuce at the base, followed by sliced tomatoes, pickles, and onions.
3. Add the patty: Place your flame-grilled beef patty with melted cheese on top of the veggies.
4. Add bacon: Lay crispy bacon strips over the patty for that irresistible crunch.
5. Spread the sauces: For the signature Whopper taste, spread a mix of ketchup and mayonnaise on the top half of the bun.
6. Finish and serve: Place the top bun over the burger and serve your fiery masterpiece!

Tips to Perfect Your Dragon Whopper

• Natural Coloring: If you prefer to avoid synthetic food coloring, use ingredients like tomato paste, paprika, and turmeric for natural hues.
• Flame-Grilled Effect: To mimic Burger King’s flame-grilling, use a charcoal grill or stovetop grill pan for that smoky flavor.
• Custom Spice Level: Adjust the amount of paprika or chili powder in the dough and patty to suit your spice preference.
• Presentation Matters: The buns are the star of the dish, so make sure your marbling is vibrant for maximum visual appeal.
• Sides: Pair your Dragon Whopper with crispy mozzarella fries or spicy fries for the ultimate Burger King-inspired meal.

What to serve with

The Burger King Dragon Whopper is an adventurous twist on the classic Whopper. It often features bold, spicy flavors and unique toppings that deliver an unforgettable experience. To complement its fiery and bold taste, you’ll want to serve side dishes and beverages that either enhance or balance the spicy profile.

1. Side Dishes

a. Fries

• Classic French Fries: A timeless pairing that provides balance to the bold flavors of the Burger King Dragon Whopper.
• Curly Fries: Add a fun and textured twist with seasoned curly fries.
• Sweet Potato Fries: These can provide a hint of sweetness to counteract the heat of the Burger King Dragon Whopper.

b. Onion Rings: The crunch of onion rings accompanied by their mild sweetness works beautifully with the spiciness of the Burger King Dragon Whopper.

c. Mozzarella Sticks: Cheesy, gooey mozzarella sticks offer a creamy contrast to spicy flavors, making them a delightful partner for the burger.

d. Jalapeño Poppers: For those who can handle even more heat, jalapeño poppers complement the Dragon Whopper’s fiery theme. The cheesy filling can also soothe some of the spice.

e. Side Salad: A simple lettuce and tomato salad or a coleslaw can provide refreshing, cool relief to the overall meal.

f. Spicy Nuggets or Wings: Staying true to the spicy theme, offering spicy chicken nuggets or wings can amplify the heat for thrill-seekers.

2. Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A classic cooling sauce to balance the heat.
• Blue Cheese Sauce: Offers a bold alternative with a creamy texture.
• Buffalo Sauce: For those who want more spice with every bite.
• Spicy Mayo: Mirrors the heat in the Dragon Whopper.
• Honey Mustard: The slight sweetness and tang can provide needed contrast.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Burger King Dragon Whopper is a bold, spicy variation of the classic Whopper. It features ingredients that create unique flavors, such as fiery sauces, flavorful toppings, and smoky touches. If you’re attempting to recreate or modify the Dragon Whopper at home, it’s important to consider substitutes for each ingredient in case they are unavailable or if you wish to customize the taste.

1. Burger Patty

The base of the Whopper is a flame-grilled beef patty, but there are several alternatives to suit different dietary preferences or tastes:

Beef Patty Substitute:

• Use pre-seasoned ground beef shaped into patties. Add liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flame-grilled flavor.
• Substitute with grilled plant-based patties like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger for a vegetarian alternative.
• Opt for a turkey or chicken burger for a leaner meat option.

2. Spicy Sauce

The Dragon Whopper features a spicy, fiery sauce (like sriracha mayo or hot chili sauce). If unavailable:

Spicy Sauce Substitute:

• Combine mayonnaise with sriracha or any hot sauce.
• Substitute with chipotle mayo, peri-peri sauce, or spicy garlic chili sauce.
• For a unique twist, mix Greek yogurt or sour cream with cayenne pepper and paprika.

3. Special Jalapeño Cheese

This burger often includes jalapeño-flavored cheese or spicy melted cheese slices.

Jalapeño Cheese Substitute:

• Use standard pepper jack cheese or Monterey Jack cheese if jalapeño cheese is unavailable.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese with chopped jalapeño.
• Alternatively, use processed cheese slices with spicy chili additions.

4. Jalapeños

Jalapeños contribute a sharp, spicy crunch to the Dragon Whopper.

Jalapeño Substitute:

• Use fresh or pickled banana peppers for a milder flavor.
• Serrano peppers are a spicier alternative to jalapeños.
• Roasted red peppers or diced chili peppers can offer heat with a smoky flavor.
• If spice isn’t preferred, use bell peppers for a crunchy texture.

5. Lettuce

Crisp iceberg lettuce is a standard topping in the Whopper lineup.

Lettuce Substitute:

• Use romaine lettuce, which provides a stronger crunch and slightly bitter flavor.
• Spring greens for a softer texture.
• Shredded cabbage can add a crunchier texture suitable for the bold flavors.

6. Tomatoes

Slices of fresh tomato bring juiciness and mild sweetness to the burger.

Tomato Substitute:

• Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, concentrated flavor.
• Roasted tomatoes for a smoky addition.
• Thin slices of cucumbers can be used for freshness if tomatoes are unavailable.

7. Pickles

Tangy pickles add zest and cut through the heat of the Dragon Whopper.

Pickle Substitute:

• Use dill pickle slices or bread-and-butter pickles for sweetness.
• Replace with pickled jalapeños or pickled onions for an extra kick.
• Fresh cucumber slices for a subtle crunch without tang.

8. Bun

The traditional Whopper bun is soft and slightly sweet.

Burger Bun Substitute:

• Use potato buns, brioche buns, or sesame seed buns for similar textures.
• Whole wheat burgers for a healthier option.
• Lettuce wraps or cauliflower buns are great for low-carb or gluten-free diets.

Final Thoughts

By following this Burger King Dragon Whopper recipe, you’ll bring the magic of the Dragon Whopper straight into your kitchen, complete with bold flavors and fiery visuals.

More Burger King Recipes:

• Copycat BK Stacker Sauce Recipe