Whataburger has introduced a new limited-time offering to satisfy burger lovers’ cravings. The Bacon Steakhouse Double brings a steakhouse-inspired flavor profile to the iconic Texas-based fast food chain’s menu. This hearty burger features two 100% beef patties, melted aged cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, fried onions, and tangy steak sauce on a toasted bun.
The Bacon Steakhouse Double is available at participating Whataburger locations through June 30, 2024. It combines classic steakhouse elements with Whataburger’s signature style, offering customers a unique twist on the traditional burger experience. The addition of crispy fried onions provides a crunchy texture contrast to the juicy beef patties and savory bacon.
This new menu item builds on Whataburger’s history of successful limited-time offerings. The Bacon Steakhouse Double shares similarities with a past favorite, the Chophouse Cheddar burger, but distinguishes itself with the addition of crispy fried onions instead of raw ones. This subtle change adds a new dimension to the flavor profile and texture of the burger.
The Origin of the Steakhouse Burger
Whataburger’s Steakhouse Burger emerged as a premium offering, blending classic flavors with innovative ingredients. This burger represented a new direction for the Texas-based chain, showcasing their commitment to evolving menu options.
Concept and Creation
The Steakhouse Burger concept was born from Whataburger’s desire to elevate their burger offerings. It aimed to capture the essence of a high-end steakhouse experience in a fast-food setting. The development team focused on selecting premium ingredients to create a distinctive taste profile.
Key components included a 100% beef patty, crispy onion strings, and a creamy peppercorn sauce. These elements combined to deliver a rich, savory flavor reminiscent of steakhouse cuisine.
Whataburger introduced the Steakhouse Burger as a limited-time offer, generating excitement among customers. The launch date of June 30 marked a significant moment in the chain’s product innovation timeline.
Whataburger’s Culinary History
Whataburger’s journey in culinary innovation spans decades. The company started in 1950 as a single burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. Over time, it expanded its menu beyond basic burgers to include a variety of options.
The introduction of specialty items like the Bacon Steakhouse Double demonstrated Whataburger’s adaptability to changing consumer tastes. This burger featured two beef patties, bacon, and steakhouse-inspired toppings.
Whataburger’s commitment to quality ingredients remained consistent throughout its history. The company sourced local produce and maintained strict standards for beef quality. This dedication to ingredients played a crucial role in the development of premium offerings like the Steakhouse Burger.
Ingredients and Flavors
The Whataburger Steakhouse Burger combines premium ingredients to create a bold, savory flavor profile. Key components include beef patties, smoky bacon, and crispy fried onions, all brought together with tangy steak sauce.
Exploring the Key Components
At the heart of the Steakhouse Burger are two fresh, 100% beef patties. These are topped with melted aged cheddar cheese, providing a rich, sharp flavor. Smoky bacon adds a salty, umami taste. Crispy fried onions contribute a satisfying crunch and sweet caramelized notes.
The burger’s signature element is its tangy steak sauce. This condiment adds a complex flavor, balancing sweetness, acidity, and savory elements. All ingredients are nestled between a toasted bun, which offers a slight crispness on the outside while remaining soft inside.
Sourcing of Ingredients
Whataburger emphasizes quality in its ingredient sourcing. The beef patties are made from 100% pure beef, with no fillers or additives. The company works with select suppliers to ensure consistent quality and flavor.
The aged cheddar cheese is sourced from reputable dairies, allowing time for the cheese to develop its sharp flavor profile. Bacon is carefully selected for optimal smokiness and texture. The crispy fried onions are prepared in-house, ensuring freshness and the right level of crunch.
Whataburger’s commitment to quality extends to its buns, which are baked fresh and delivered to restaurants regularly. The steak sauce recipe is proprietary, crafted to complement the burger’s other components perfectly.
Nutritional Information
The Whataburger Steakhouse Burger packs a hearty punch in terms of calories and macronutrients. It contains several key ingredients that impact its nutritional profile.
Calories and Macronutrients
The Whataburger Steakhouse Burger contains approximately 1,050 calories. This burger provides a significant amount of protein, with about 58 grams per serving.
The fat content is high, around 68 grams, with saturated fat making up about 25 grams. Carbohydrates total around 60 grams.
Sodium levels are notable, with the burger containing roughly 1,900 mg. This accounts for about 83% of the recommended daily intake.
Dietary Considerations
The Steakhouse Burger is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans due to its beef patties and bacon. It contains gluten from the bun and dairy from the cheddar cheese.
For those watching their cholesterol intake, this burger provides approximately 175 mg. The high fat and sodium content may be a concern for individuals with heart health issues or hypertension.
Those following a low-carb diet should note the burger’s substantial carbohydrate content. People with dairy sensitivities may need to request the burger without cheese.
The Steakhouse Experience
Whataburger’s Bacon Steakhouse Double brings the upscale steakhouse vibe to fast food. The burger combines premium ingredients with careful presentation to evoke a high-end dining experience.
Ambiance and Presentation
The Bacon Steakhouse Double arrives wrapped in sleek packaging, mimicking the reveal of a covered dish at a fine restaurant. Upon unwrapping, customers are greeted with a visually striking burger. Two beef patties gleam with melted aged cheddar cheese. Crispy fried onions add height and texture, while smoky bacon peeks out from beneath.
A drizzle of tangy steak sauce completes the picture, reminiscent of gourmet steak preparations. The lightly toasted bun provides a neutral backdrop, allowing the premium ingredients to shine. This careful arrangement elevates the burger from a simple fast food item to a more refined culinary creation.
Customer Reactions
Many diners express surprise at the burger’s substantial size and weight. The combination of double patties, bacon, and fried onions creates a hearty meal that satisfies even robust appetites. Customers often note the interplay of flavors and textures.
The crispy fried onions and smoky bacon offer a satisfying crunch, contrasting with the juicy beef patties. The tangy steak sauce cuts through the richness, while the aged cheddar adds depth. Some patrons report feeling like they’re indulging in a steakhouse splurge, despite the fast-food setting.
The burger’s ability to evoke a more upscale dining experience has garnered positive feedback from those seeking a quick yet premium meal option.
Menu Variations
Whataburger offers diverse options to cater to different appetites and preferences. The menu includes size variations and alternative items beyond their signature burgers.
Size Options
Whataburger’s Bacon Steakhouse Double comes in two sizes. The regular version features two beef patties, while the Jr. size is perfect for smaller appetites. Both sizes include melted aged cheddar, smoky bacon, crispy fried onions, and tangy steak sauce on a toasted bun.
Customers can customize their burgers by adding or removing toppings. This flexibility allows for over 36,000 possible combinations, ensuring everyone finds their ideal flavor profile.
Alternative Menu Items
Beyond burgers, Whataburger’s menu boasts a variety of options. WhataWings, a popular choice, are available in different flavors and quantities. These crispy chicken wings offer a tasty alternative for those seeking non-beef options.
The menu also includes chicken sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items. The Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit is a fan favorite, blending sweet and savory flavors. For health-conscious diners, lighter options like grilled chicken sandwiches and side salads are available.
Whataburger regularly introduces limited-time specials, keeping the menu fresh and exciting for returning customers.
Preparation and Cooking Technique
Whataburger’s Steakhouse Burger combines quality ingredients with precise cooking methods. The process involves grilling juicy beef patties and carefully assembling the burger components.
Grilling the Patties
Whataburger uses a flat-top grill to cook their burger patties evenly. The cooks place the beef patties on the hot surface and employ a technique called “smashing.” This involves pressing down on the patty with a spatula during the initial cooking phase.
The smashing technique creates a caramelized crust on the patty’s exterior while locking in juices. Each patty cooks for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
The grill’s consistent heat ensures uniform cooking across all burgers. This method results in patties with a flavorful sear and juicy interior.
Assembling the Burger
Once the patties are grilled to perfection, the assembly process begins. Whataburger toasts the buns to add a crispy texture and enhance flavor. The bottom bun receives a layer of creamy steak sauce.
Next, the cooks place the hot beef patties on the bun. Melted cheddar cheese tops the patties, followed by crispy fried onions for added crunch. Smoky bacon strips are then carefully arranged on top.
The final touch is the placement of the toasted top bun. This careful layering ensures that each bite contains a balanced mix of flavors and textures. The result is a Steakhouse Burger that combines savory beef, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and crunchy onions in every mouthful.
Customer Engagement and Marketing
Whataburger employs strategic promotional campaigns and maintains an active social media presence to connect with customers. These efforts showcase new menu items and foster brand loyalty through targeted messaging and interactive content.
Promotional Campaigns
Whataburger regularly launches promotional campaigns to generate excitement around new offerings. The introduction of the Steakhouse Burger on June 30 exemplifies their approach to product launches. This limited-time item is promoted through in-store signage, television commercials, and digital advertisements.
Whataburger’s loyalty program, Whataburger Rewards, plays a key role in their promotional strategy. Members earn points on purchases and receive exclusive offers, encouraging repeat visits. The program also provides valuable customer data for targeted marketing efforts.
Seasonal promotions, such as holiday-themed menu items, help maintain customer interest throughout the year. These campaigns often incorporate regional flavors and ingredients to appeal to local tastes.
Social Media Presence
Whataburger maintains an active presence across major social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Their content strategy focuses on showcasing menu items, sharing customer stories, and engaging with followers through polls and contests.
The brand’s social media team responds promptly to customer inquiries and feedback, demonstrating a commitment to customer service. User-generated content, such as photos of customized orders, is frequently shared to highlight the brand’s emphasis on personalization.
Whataburger leverages social media influencers to expand its reach and connect with younger audiences. Collaborations with local personalities and food bloggers help generate buzz around new menu items and promotions.
Purchasing and Ordering
Whataburger offers multiple convenient options for customers to purchase and enjoy their Steakhouse Burger. The ordering process is designed to be straightforward and efficient, catering to different preferences.
In-Store Experience
Visiting a Whataburger restaurant provides a classic fast-food experience. Customers can place their order at the counter, where friendly staff are ready to assist. The menu is clearly displayed, making it easy to select the Steakhouse Burger and any desired customizations.
Wait times are typically short, as Whataburger prides itself on quick service. Many locations offer drive-thru options for added convenience. The in-store atmosphere is welcoming, with clean seating areas for those who prefer to dine in.
Online and Mobile Orders
Whataburger embraces technology to enhance customer convenience. Their mobile app and website allow for easy online ordering of the Steakhouse Burger. Customers can customize their order, select pickup times, and even save favorite combinations for future use.
The app offers a user-friendly interface, making the ordering process quick and efficient. Payment can be made securely through the platform. Curbside pickup and delivery options are available in many locations, providing flexibility for customers.
Online ordering also allows for easy tracking of rewards points, which can lead to free menu items after multiple visits.