THE MOST TRUSTED COPYCAT RECIPES
THE MOST TRUSTED COPYCAT RECIPES
McDonald's Arch Deluxe copycat recipe by Todd Wilbur

McDonald's Arch Deluxe

Score: 4.55 (votes: 11)
Reviews: 11
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In 1996, McDonald's set out to target more educated taste buds in a massive advertising campaign for its newest burger creation. We watched while Ronald McDonald golfed, danced, and leisurely hung out with real-life grown-up humans, instead of the puffy Mayor McCheese and that bunch of wacko puppets. Supposedly the Arch Deluxe, with the "Adult Taste" would appeal to those dancers and golfers and anyone else with a sophisticated palate. But let's face it, we're not talking Beef Wellington here. The Arch Deluxe was just a hamburger after all, with only a couple of elements that set it apart from the other menu items. 

The big difference was the creamy brown mustard spread on the sandwich, right next to the ketchup. And you were able to order the burger with the optional thick-sliced peppered bacon. But the pitch didn't work out the way Micky D's had hoped. Sales of the Arch Deluxe were disappointing, and the Arch Deluxe was soon a Dead Food. Good thing I cloned this burger when I did. Try my McDonald's Arch Deluxe recipe below if you think you're adult enough. 

I've cloned a ton of items from McDonald's. See if I hacked your favorites here.

Source: Even More Top Secret Recipes by Todd Wilbur.

Get This

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  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown mustard (French's "Hearty Deli" is good)
  • 1 sesame seed hamburger bun
  • 1/4 pound ground beef
  • 1 slice American cheese
  • 1 to 2 tomato slices
  • 1 to 2 lettuce leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 tablespoon ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons chopped onion
Do This

1. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and the brown mustard. Set aside.

2. Grill the face of each of the buns on a griddle or frying pan over medium heat.

3. Roll the ground beef into a ball and pat it out until it's approximately the same diameter as the bun.

4. Cook the meat on a hot griddle or frying pan for about 5 minutes per side, or until it's done. Be sure to lightly salt and pepper each side of the patty.

5. Build the burger in the following order, from the bottom up:

On bottom bun

ketchup

beef patty

American cheese slice

1 to 2 tomato slices

lettuce

On top bun

mayo

mustard

onions


6. Slap the top onto the bottom and serve hot.


Makes one burger.

Tidbits: If you can find thick-sliced pepper bacon in your supermarket, you can add it to the burger just as you could at the restaurant chain. Cut one slice in half after cooking and place the slices next to each other onto the bottom bun before adding the beef patty.

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Reviews
Amber
Mar 29, 2014, 22:00
I have been craving one of these for a long time! I worked at McD's for three years as a kid and loved this sandwich. This was a great recipe. I substituted the brown mustard for Grey Poupon's Deli mustard and it was spot on!
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I'm Todd Wilbur, Chronic Food Hacker

For over 30 years I've been deconstructing America's most iconic brand-name foods to make the best original copycat recipes for you to use at home. Welcome to my lab.

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