Copycat Whataburger Mushroom Swiss Burger Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’re excited about biting into a freshly made Whataburger Mushroom Swiss Burger. The melty Swiss cheese, perfectly grilled mushrooms, and creamy au jus sauce all come together to create a masterpiece that’s hard to forget. But what if I told you that you could skip the drive-thru and recreate this iconic burger right at home?

How to make a Whataburger Mushroom Swiss Burger

The Whataburger Mushroom Swiss Burger is a limited-time offering that returned to the menu on April 1, 2025, after a three-year hiatus, celebrating the chain’s 75th anniversary. This burger features two grilled all-beef patties, melted Swiss cheese, a generous portion of grilled mushrooms, and a creamy au jus sauce, all served on a toasted bun.

Ingredients

For the Burger:

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably a blend of chuck and sirloin for flavor and juiciness)
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese
• 4 burger buns (toasted)
• Salt and pepper (for seasoning)

For the Grilled Mushrooms:

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or button work well)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Au Jus Sauce:

• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional toppings:

• Lettuce (optional if you want to customize further)
• Caramelized onions (optional for extra sweetness)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grilled Mushrooms

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
2. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Stir occasionally until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside in a small bowl.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Au Jus Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and heavy cream. Cook while stirring consistently, ensuring the sauce thickens slightly (around 3-5 minutes).
3. Add salt and pepper to taste, then remove from the heat. Let the sauce cool slightly before using.

Step 3: Cook the Burger Patties

1. Divide your ground beef into 4 equal portions and form them into patties. Aim for a slightly larger diameter than the burger buns, as they will shrink during cooking.
2. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Season the patties generously with salt and pepper, then cook on each side for 3-4 minutes (adjust for your preferred doneness).
3. During the final minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each patty and cover the skillet briefly to melt the cheese.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

1. On the same pan or skillet, toast the burger buns lightly until golden brown. This adds flavor and helps the bun hold up against the juicy ingredients.

Step 5: Assemble the Burger

1. Spread a generous layer of the creamy au jus sauce on the bottom and top halves of the bun.
2. Place the beef patty with melted Swiss cheese on the bottom bun.
3. Add a scoop of the grilled mushrooms on top of the patty.
4. Add any optional toppings (lettuce or caramelized onions), then place the top bun to finish the burger.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite sides (fries, onion rings, or a simple salad) for the full restaurant-style experience!

Tips to Perfect Your Mushroom Swiss Burger

• Meat Selection: Use freshly ground beef or a high-quality blend for maximum flavor. To keep the patties tender, avoid overhandling them while forming them.
• Mushroom Varieties: For more depth of flavor, consider using shiitake or portobello mushrooms.
• Toasting the Buns: Don’t skip this step—it prevents sogginess and adds a nice texture.
• Sauce Consistency: If your au jus sauce feels too thick, add a splash of beef broth to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute to thicken.
• Customization: While this version stays true to the classic Whataburger style, feel free to add toppings like bacon, avocado, or jalapeños for a personal twist.

What to serve with

The Whataburger Mushroom Swiss Burger is a rich and indulgent dish that pairs perfectly with sides that complement its savory flavors.

1. Classic Burger Sides

a) Crisp French Fries:

French fries are the quintessential sidekick to any Whataburger Mushroom Swiss Burger. Choose your favorite style—shoestring, steak fries, or crinkle-cut—and season them with salt or garlic powder for flavor.

How to Make:

• Peel and cut russet potatoes into your preferred thickness.
• Soak the slices in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
• Deep fry or oven bake them until golden and crisp.

Tip: Serve the fries with a dipping sauce such as ketchup, ranch, or chipotle mayo to complement the burger’s richness.

b) Onion Rings:

Crispy onion rings add a slightly sweet and crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the soft, juicy Whataburger Mushroom Swiss Burger.

How to Make:

• Slice onions into ¼-inch rings and dip them in a batter made of flour, egg, and milk.
• Coat with breadcrumbs and fry until golden brown.

Tip: Serve with a side of zesty aioli or BBQ sauce.

c) Sweet Potato Fries:

For a healthier option, sweet potato fries offer a slightly sweet flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the burger’s savory profile.

How to Make:

• Slice sweet potatoes into thin strips, coat them lightly with olive oil, and season with paprika.
• Bake them at 425°F until crisp, flipping halfway through the cooking time.

Tip: Pair sweet potato fries with cinnamon-honey dip or spicy mayo for extra flair.

2. Creative Side Dishes

a) Loaded Potato Wedges:

For a heartier option, potato wedges topped with cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions will enhance the indulgent flavors of the Whataburger Mushroom Swiss Burger.

How to Make:

• Roast seasoned potato wedges in the oven—top with shredded cheese, cooked bacon bits, and chopped green onions. Finish by broiling to melt the cheese.

b) Coleslaw:

A refreshing coleslaw adds tanginess and crunch to balance the burger’s creamy au jus sauce.

How to Make:

• Shredded cabbage and carrots with a dressing made of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and a hint of mustard. Toss. Chill before serving.

Tip: Use purple cabbage for visual appeal and added nutrition.

c) Side Salad:

A light salad can provide a fresh, vibrant contrast to the richness of the burger. Opt for greens with crispy toppings like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and croutons.

Suggested Dressing: Ranch or balsamic vinaigrette complements the burger best.

d) Mac and Cheese:

This is an ultimate comfort food pairing, especially well if you’re serving the burger to kids or at a casual dinner. Choose a creamy or baked mac and cheese recipe for maximum appeal.

Tip: To complement the mushrooms in the burger, add a small sauté of mushrooms to the mac and cheese.

3. Dipping Sauces

Having a variety of dipping sauces alongside your burger and sides can make the meal feel more interactive and indulgent. Here are some ideas for flavorful sauces:

• Spicy Sriracha Mayo: Adds heat and compliments the burger’s creaminess.
• Garlic Aioli: A rich, garlicky sauce for fries and onion rings.
• Truffle Ketchup: Elevates even simple fries with an earthy flavor.
• Honey Mustard: Sweet with a little tang—a great pairing for wedges or onion rings.

4. Drinks

a) Milkshakes: A classic milkshake is always a top choice. Choose a creamy vanilla, chocolate, or Oreo milkshake to complete the diner-style vibe of the Mushroom Swiss Burger meal.

Tip: A blended coffee milkshake can balance the burger’s richness with bold flavors.

b) Soda or Soft Drinks: Carbonated drinks like Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, or root beer are perfect for cutting through the burger’s meaty and cheesy flavors. They also provide that nostalgic fast-food vibe.

c) Beer:

For an adult-friendly combo, a cold beer pairs incredibly well with the savory burger. Here are some pairing suggestions:

• Stout or Porter: Enhance the richness of the mushrooms and au jus.
• IPA: The hoppy bitterness cuts through the creaminess.
• Amber Ale: Offering a malt-forward flavor that pairs nicely with Swiss cheese.

d) Iced Tea or Lemonade: If you’re looking for something light, drinks like iced tea (sweetened or unsweetened) or fresh lemonade are refreshing options that balance the meal’s richness.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re looking to recreate a Whataburger Mushroom Swiss Burger at home but need ingredient substitutes, below are some suggestions:

1. Beef Patty

• Turkey Patty: For a leaner option.
• Chicken Patty: For a different flavor profile.
• Veggie Burger: Using ingredients like black beans or lentils for a vegetarian option.
• Portobello Mushroom: Use as a patty for an intense mushroom flavor and a vegan/vegetarian alternative.

2. Swiss Cheese

• Provolone Cheese: Similar in texture and mildness.
• Gruyère Cheese: Offers a richer, nutty flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For a milder, creamier melt.
• Vegan Cheese: Plant-based cheese that melts, like those made from coconut oil or nuts.

3. Mushrooms

• Portobello Mushrooms: For a meatier texture.
• Cremini Mushrooms: Smaller but flavorful, akin to white button mushrooms.
• Canned Mushrooms: If fresh mushrooms are unavailable.
• Zucchini or Eggplant: This is for a different texture and taste.

4. Creamy Au Jus Sauce

• Beef Gravy: Thicker but offers a similar beef flavor.
• Mushroom Gravy: Complements the mushroom theme, especially for vegetarians.
• Soy Sauce-Based Sauce: Mixed with some cornstarch and seasonings for a beef-like umami flavor.
• Vegan Mushroom Sauce: Made with mushroom broth and cashew cream for a non-dairy option.

5. Bun

• Whole Wheat Bun: For a healthier option.
• Gluten-Free Bun: For those avoiding gluten.
• Brioche Bun: For a richer flavor.
• Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb alternative.

Final Thoughts

Now you’re ready to recreate the iconic Whataburger Mushroom Swiss Burger in your kitchen. The combination of juicy beef patties, creamy Swiss cheese, savory mushrooms, and the rich au jus sauce is sure to impress—and maybe even rival the original you love! 

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• Homemade 7th Street Burger Recipe