Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger Recipe
If you’re a burger lover who dreams of that perfect combination of juicy beef, melty cheese, and crave-worthy garlic flavor, the Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger is about to become your new obsession. Inspired by the iconic diner classic, this burger delivers everything you love — ultra-thin, crispy-edged patties, a double layer of American cheese, and a rich garlic buttered bun that sets it apart from every other burger out there. Whether you’re recreating a favorite drive-thru memory or simply craving a mouthwatering homemade treat, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger is how simple the ingredient list is — yet every item plays a crucial role in the final bite. These basics are the secret to that irresistibly savory, garlicky, cheesy goodness.
- Ground Beef (1 lb, 80/20 chuck blend preferred): The fat content is key for flavor and those legendary crispy edges.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the natural beefy flavors and seasons every bite.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mellow heat and enhances the burger’s savory notes.
- American Cheese (4 slices): Melts into creamy perfection and gives the burger its classic diner feel.
- Hamburger Buns (4): Soft, pillowy buns are the vessel for all that deliciousness.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Used for toasting the buns, making them irresistibly rich and crispy.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses both the butter and buns with bold garlic flavor.
- Garlic Spread or Garlic Butter (2 tablespoons, for buns): The secret weapon for that signature garlicky punch.
- Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds creaminess and tang if you love a saucy burger.
- Minced Onion (1 tablespoon, optional): For a little crunch and extra savory kick.
- Dill Pickle Slices (optional): Bring a pop of acidity to cut through the richness.
How to Make Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger
Step 1: Shape the Burger Patties
Start by dividing your ground beef into eight equal portions. Don’t overwork the meat — just shape each portion gently into small, loose balls. This helps keep the patties tender and juicy, and when you smash them on the griddle, they’ll form those famous crispy edges that make a Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger so special.
Step 2: Sear and Smash for Crispy Edges
Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Place two beef balls onto the skillet at a time, then use a sturdy spatula to press them down super thin. Season immediately with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side — you’re looking for lacy, caramelized edges and a juicy center. This is the signature look and taste of the Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger.
Step 3: Double Up on Cheese and Stack
Top each sizzling patty with a slice of American cheese as soon as you flip them. Once the cheese starts to melt, stack two patties together to form a glorious double cheeseburger. The heat will fuse everything together, making each bite wonderfully gooey and flavorful.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter and Toast the Buns
In a small bowl, mix the butter and garlic powder. Slather this garlic butter mixture on the insides of your hamburger buns. Place them, cut side down, onto your skillet or griddle and toast until golden and fragrant. This step is what gives the Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger its mouthwatering garlicky aroma and that irresistible crispy bite.
Step 5: Assemble Your Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburgers
Spread a little extra garlic spread or garlic butter on the top buns for an extra punch of flavor. If you’re a fan of a saucy burger, add a swipe of mayonnaise, a sprinkle of minced onion, or a few dill pickle slices. Place your double patty stacks on the bottom buns, cap them with the garlic-toasted tops, and get ready to enjoy burger bliss.
How to Serve Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a few simple garnishes. Extra minced onions add a fresh, savory crunch, while a couple of dill pickle slices bring a welcome tang. If you like, a quick sprinkle of chopped parsley or a light dusting of garlic powder on top of the bun adds a bit of diner flair.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with crispy shoestring fries or crinkle-cut fries — just like at Steak and Shake. A side of creamy coleslaw or a handful of potato chips also pairs perfectly. For a true diner experience, serve your Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger with a thick, frosty milkshake or an icy root beer float.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your burgers high on a wooden board with a little bowl of extra garlic butter for dipping. Or stack them on a tray lined with checkered wax paper for that retro, roadside-diner look. For parties, cut the burgers into quarters and skewer with toothpicks — they’ll be the hit of any gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger leftovers, store the patties and buns separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the buns from getting soggy and the beef from drying out. Leftovers are best enjoyed within two days for maximum flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked burger patties for up to a month. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each patty in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s best to freeze the buns separately or use fresh buns when serving.
Reheating
To reheat your Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger patties, pop them onto a hot skillet for a minute or two on each side — this helps restore their crispy edges and juicy center. Toast the buns fresh with a little more garlic butter for that just-made flavor. Assemble and enjoy as if they were made right now!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While American cheese is classic for that melty, diner-style finish, you can swap in cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack if you prefer a different flavor or want to add a bit of kick.
What’s the secret to getting crispy burger edges?
The magic lies in both the fat content of the beef (80/20 is ideal) and really smashing the patties thin on a hot griddle. Don’t be shy with the spatula — thin patties plus high heat equals those irresistible crispy edges.
Can I make the garlic butter in advance?
Yes! Prepare the garlic butter mixture up to a week ahead and store it in the fridge. You can even double the batch — it’s fantastic on grilled veggies, corn, or baked potatoes too.
Are there gluten-free options for the buns?
Definitely. You can use any gluten-free hamburger buns you like, or even serve the Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger on lettuce wraps for a lighter, lower-carb option.
Can I grill the burgers instead of using a skillet?
You can, but to achieve the authentic Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger experience, a flat surface like a griddle or cast iron skillet works best. That’s how you get maximum browning and those signature crispy bits.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a burger night upgrade, the Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger is a must-try. It’s simple, packed with bold flavor, and so much fun to make at home. Grab your skillet, gather your friends or family, and enjoy a diner classic right at your own table!
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Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger recipe recreates the iconic nosh with perfectly thin, crispy-edged double patties layered with melted American cheese and a rich garlic butter toast. Juicy, flavorful, and quick to prepare, it’s a nostalgic American classic elevated with a savory garlic twist, perfect for an indulgent homemade burger experience.
Ingredients
Beef Patties
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 chuck blend preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 tablespoon minced onion (optional)
- Dill pickle slices (optional)
Buns & Toppings
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic spread or garlic butter (for buns)
Instructions
- Prepare and shape patties: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and loosely shape each into small balls to ensure the patties cook thin and evenly.
- Cook patties: Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place 2 beef portions on the hot surface, press down firmly with a spatula to flatten into thin patties, then season with salt and black pepper. Cook each side for 1–2 minutes until edges are crispy and centers are fully cooked.
- Stack patties with cheese: Immediately top each cooked patty with a slice of American cheese, then stack two patties to create a double cheeseburger with melty, layered cheese.
- Prepare garlic butter for buns: In a small bowl, mix butter and garlic powder thoroughly to create garlic butter. Spread this mixture on the inside of each hamburger bun.
- Toast buns: Place the buns cut side down on the skillet or griddle and toast until the surfaces are golden and crisp, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Assemble burgers: Spread additional garlic spread or garlic butter on the top bun halves. Optionally, add mayonnaise, minced onion, or dill pickle slices for extra tang and crunch. Place the double cheeseburger patties on the bottom buns and cap with the toasted, garlicky tops. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For authentic Steak and Shake flavor, press patties very thin and cook quickly to get crispy edges.
- Garlic butter spread can be store-bought from deli sections or easily made by combining softened butter with garlic powder and parsley.
- Optional toppings like mayo, minced onions, or pickles add extra flavor but can be omitted for a simpler burger.
- Use a cast iron skillet or griddle for best heat distribution and crispiness.
- This recipe yields four hearty double cheeseburgers perfect for family meals or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg