Joanna Gaines Burgers and Fries Recipe

Joanna Gaines burgers and fries recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a Southern story told through every layer of flavor. With smoky beef patties, gooey cheese, and her signature Drip Jam, Joanna transforms comfort food into something unforgettable. If you love meals that mix nostalgia with bold flavor, you’ll also want to try this Big Mac Pizza recipe—it brings that same playful energy to the table.

The original Joanna Gaines burger recipe, paired with crispy garlic fries

This dish captures the spirit of front-porch summer dinners, family laughter, and that Magnolia charm we all crave. It’s the kind of meal that feels familiar but still surprises you with every bite—warm, bold, and deeply rooted in home.

Key Takeaways

Joanna Gaines burgers and fries recipe takes backyard classics to a new level with sweet-and-savory drip jam, toasted buns, and golden fries. Here’s how to make her signature comfort meal with a soulful twist.

Joanna Gaines Burgers and Fries Recipe

The Joanna Gaines burgers and fries recipe brings together bold flavor and Southern comfort. Juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and her sweet Drip Jam are stacked on toasted brioche buns. Baked fries on the side complete the meal—crisp, salty, and full of garlic flavor.

This is an easy recipe that feels like something special. You don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a skillet, a baking sheet, and a little love.

Ingredients

For the Burgers:

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 4 brioche buns
  • 4 slices cheddar or smoked gouda
  • 2 tbsp garlic aioli or mayonnaise
  • 1 cup arugula or butter lettuce
  • 1 large heirloom tomato, sliced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

For the Drip Jam:

  • 1 cup caramelized red onions
  • 1/2 cup chopped beef bacon
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (or diabetic substitute)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

For the Fries:

  • 3 large russet potatoes, sliced thin
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Flaky sea salt, to taste

Directions

Make the Drip Jam:
In a small saucepan, cook beef bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside. Add thinly sliced red onions to the same pan and cook low and slow until deeply caramelized—about 20 minutes. Add vinegar, brown sugar, cayenne, and return the beef bacon to the pan. Simmer until thick and jammy.

Prepare the Fries:
Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss thinly sliced potatoes in avocado oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Finish with chopped parsley and flaky salt.

Cook the Burgers:
Form the ground beef into four even patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet or on a grill for about 4 minutes per side, adding cheese in the final minute of cooking. Toast the brioche buns, then assemble with aioli, arugula, tomato, onion, the burger patty, and a generous spoonful of Drip Jam.

Print
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Top view of Joanna Gaines burger and fries recipe

Joanna Gaines Burgers and Fries Recipe


  • Author: Tiffany
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Joanna Gaines’ burgers and fries recipe layers seared beef, arugula, and sticky onion-bacon jam between toasted brioche buns and pairs them with crispy garlic fries for the perfect Southern comfort plate.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 4 brioche buns
  • 4 slices cheddar or smoked gouda
  • 2 tbsp garlic aioli or mayonnaise
  • 1 cup arugula or butter lettuce
  • 1 large heirloom tomato, sliced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup caramelized red onions
  • 1/2 cup chopped beef bacon
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (or diabetic substitute)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 3 large russet potatoes, sliced thin
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Flaky sea salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Drip Jam: In a small saucepan, cook beef bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside. Add red onions and cook low and slow until caramelized (about 20 minutes). Add vinegar, brown sugar, cayenne, and return bacon. Simmer until thick and jammy.
  2. Prepare the Fries: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss potatoes with avocado oil, garlic powder, and salt. Bake 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway. Finish with parsley and flaky salt.
  3. Cook the Burgers: Form four patties. Season with salt and pepper. Sear on skillet or grill for ~4 minutes per side, adding cheese in final minute. Toast buns. Assemble with aioli, arugula, tomato, onion, burger, and Drip Jam.

Notes

Feel free to swap beef bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian-friendly jam. Serve with sweet pickles or a light slaw for balance.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop, Oven
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger and fries
  • Calories: 750
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Joanna Gaines, burgers, fries, Southern, Drip Jam, comfort food

For People with Diabetes: Sugar Substitutes

Swap brown sugar in the Drip Jam for monk fruit sweetener or erythritol. Avoid honey and maple syrup.

This Joanna Gaines burgers and fries recipe quickly became a favorite in my house. It’s the kind of meal you make when you want something easy but full of flavor. I remember cooking it for the first time on a slow Sunday, and the smell of that jam had everyone wandering into the kitchen asking when dinner was ready.

If you’re craving something comforting but not too heavy, this dish hits the spot. And if you’re feeling playful, try it with my Big Mac pizza recipe for another take on a fast-food classic.

The Tradition Behind Joanna Gaines Burgers and Fries Recipe

Why You’ll Love Joanna Gaines Burgers and Fries Recipe

The Joanna Gaines burgers and fries recipe is simple, flavorful, and made for sharing. The Drip Jam adds a sweet and smoky twist that takes the burger to the next level. The fries are baked, not fried, but still crisp and golden.

It’s a meal that feels homemade but tastes like something from a diner you never forget. Every bite is warm, juicy, and full of comfort.

Who It’s For

This recipe is for anyone who wants an easy but special dinner. It’s great for families, weeknight meals, or casual gatherings. Even picky eaters will love how classic it tastes.

When to Make It

Make it on a Friday night, at a cookout, or anytime you want something satisfying without a lot of effort. The Joanna Gaines burgers and fries recipe is a crowd-pleaser that works year-round.

Pair it with a carrot ribbon salad or high protein ranch dip for a full plate.

Side view of Joanna Gaines burger with Drip Jam
Stacked with flavor—this burger brings bold Magnolia-style comfort

What to Serve with Hamburgers and French Fries

The Joanna Gaines burgers and fries recipe makes a hearty main dish, but a good side takes it from casual dinner to full Southern spread. You don’t need anything fancy—just fresh, flavorful extras that balance the richness of the burger.

A crisp side salad is always a good idea. I love pairing it with my carrot ribbon salad. It’s light, bright, and cuts through the sweetness of the Drip Jam. You could also toss together some arugula with lemon juice and olive oil for something even quicker.

If you’re craving something creamy, a good mac and cheese is a classic burger partner. Joanna’s version uses elbow pasta and a cheddar blend, but you can make your own twist using sharp gouda or gruyère for deeper flavor. I’ll often bake mine with a crunchy topping if I’m serving guests.

For a cozy, simple option, a baked potato with chives makes a great swap for fries or an extra side. You can prep it while your fries roast.

Other easy ideas?

  • Sliced dill pickles or bread-and-butter chips
  • Grilled corn on the cob with lime and sea salt
  • High protein ranch dip for dipping fries or raw veggies
  • Roasted green beans or asparagus
  • Classic coleslaw with apple cider vinegar

When I serve the Joanna Gaines burgers and fries recipe for a group, I like to set everything out family-style. That way, everyone can build their own plate and go back for seconds without feeling shy. It’s all about ease, comfort, and making people feel at home.

Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese Recipe

This mac and cheese is creamy, simple, and deeply comforting. It’s meant to be baked—golden on top, soft and cheesy inside. Joanna keeps it classic, and so do we.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups whole milk (warm)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for heat
  • Optional: 1/2 cup shredded gouda or gruyère for added depth
  • Topping: 1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Boil the macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in warm milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add cheddar (and other cheese, if using), stirring until melted and smooth.
  4. Fold in the drained pasta and mix until evenly coated.
  5. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
  7. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Tip:

For added protein and flavor, mix in chopped beef bacon before baking.

A full Southern comfort plate—rich, creamy, and crave-worthy

FAQs

Do Chip and Joanna Gaines own a restaurant?

Yes, they do. Chip and Joanna Gaines own Magnolia Table, a popular restaurant in Waco, Texas. It serves Southern breakfast and lunch favorites inspired by Joanna’s home cooking. While the restaurant isn’t open for dinner, many of its most-loved recipes—like the Joanna Gaines burgers and fries recipe—are shared through her cookbooks and Magnolia Network episodes, so fans can recreate them at home.

Does Joanna Gaines have a mac and cheese recipe?

Yes, Joanna Gaines has a baked mac and cheese recipe that’s become a fan favorite. It uses elbow pasta, cheddar cheese, milk, and butter for a creamy texture and rich flavor. The dish is baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a great side for family meals and works especially well with the Joanna Gaines burgers and fries recipe, giving you the full comfort food experience.

Did Joanna Gaines have a cooking show?

She did, and she still does. Joanna Gaines is the host of Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines, which airs on the Magnolia Network. The show features her favorite family recipes, cooking techniques, and stories from her life in Waco. It’s where she first shared the Gaines Brothers Burgers—the recipe that inspired this article. Her warm, approachable style makes the show feel like you’re cooking alongside her.

Are Joanna Gaines recipes good?

Yes, Joanna Gaines’ recipes are known for being both approachable and flavorful. They often feature classic ingredients with a Southern twist. Recipes like her mac and cheese, biscuits, or the Joanna Gaines burgers and fries recipe are easy to follow and well-tested. People love them because they feel homemade, comforting, and full of heart. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, her dishes are satisfying and reliable.

Conclusion

The Joanna Gaines burgers and fries recipe is more than just a meal—it’s comfort, tradition, and flavor on one plate. Whether you serve it with mac and cheese, a crisp salad, or roasted potatoes, it’s the kind of food that brings people to the table and keeps them there.

If you try it, let me know how it turned out—or share your own twist. And if you’re craving more soul-filled dinners, check out my steak and mashed potatoes recipe next.

Come hang out with me on Facebook and Pinterest—I’d love to see your creations!

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