Ultimate Copycat Carnival Cruise Guy’s Burger Joint: The Straight-Up with a Pig Patty Recipe

For those who adore the unparalleled joy of a Carnival Cruise, one culinary stop consistently tops the list: Guy’s Burger Joint. To celebrate the sheer deliciousness of perfectly crafted burgers, we’re thrilled to share our ultimate copycat recipe for one of Guy Fieri’s most famous creations – The Straight-Up with a Pig Patty Burger! Get ready to bring the authentic Flavortown experience from the high seas right into your kitchen.

Savoring the Flavors of Fun: Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Cruise Line

Our recent voyage on the Carnival Vista reminded us just how much we crave those incredible burgers from Guy’s. They are the quintessential quick and satisfying lunch, especially after an exciting day exploring a port of call. Nestled conveniently on the Lido Deck of all Carnival 2.0 ships, Guy’s Burger Joint is more than just a place to eat; it’s a vibrant, open-air eatery that’s become a cornerstone of the Carnival dining experience. It’s truly a must-try restaurant during any cruise, offering a taste of comfort and indulgence that keeps guests coming back for more.

The allure of Guy’s Burger Joint isn’t just in the food itself, but in the entire atmosphere. The moment you step onto the Lido Deck, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling patties and crispy bacon draws you in. The cheerful buzz of fellow cruisers, the vibrant décor, and the promise of a perfectly customizable burger make it an irresistible magnet for hungry travelers. It’s where flavor meets fun, creating memories as delicious as the food.

Recreate the Iconic “Straight-Up with a Pig Patty” Burger at Home

Why wait for your next cruise to enjoy Guy Fieri’s incredible burgers? With this authentic copycat recipe, you can bring the magic of Guy’s Burger Joint right to your own kitchen. This recipe for “The Straight-Up with a Pig Patty” comes straight from the source (courtesy of Guy Fieri for Carnival Cruise Line), ensuring you capture every bit of that signature flavor profile. It’s a culinary adventure that promises to delight your taste buds and transport you back to the sunny Lido Deck.

The Authentic Guy’s Burger Joint “Straight-Up with a Pig Patty” Recipe

Total Time: 2 hr. 50 min

Prep Time: 30 min

Cook Time: 2 hr. 20 min

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

Crafting the perfect Guy’s Burger begins with selecting high-quality ingredients, from the rich ground beef to the savory bacon and the essential sauces.

• 2 heads garlic
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 12 ounces thinly sliced Applewood smoked bacon
• 32 ounces ground beef (80/20 blend is crucial for flavor and juiciness)
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 4 brioche hamburger buns, cut in half (brioche adds a delightful sweetness and soft texture)
• 1 kosher dill pickle, finely sliced
• ½ sweet onion, very finely sliced
• 1 beefsteak tomato, finely sliced
• ¼ head iceberg lettuce, finely sliced
• 2 ounces Super Melty Cheese (‘SMC’) Sauce (recipe follows)
• Donkey Sauce (recipe follows)

Super Melty Cheese (SMC) Sauce:

This creamy, dreamy cheese sauce is a game-changer, adding an irresistible gooey texture to your burger.

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Pinch grated nutmeg
• 3 ounces grated yellow American cheese (for that classic, smooth melt)

Donkey Sauce recipe:

The legendary Donkey Sauce adds a tangy, savory kick that truly sets Guy’s Burgers apart. Don’t skip this step!

• ¼ cup minced roasted garlic (use slightly less if using pre-prepared roasted garlic as its flavor is often more concentrated than fresh)
• 1 cup prepared mayonnaise
• 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon regular hot dog mustard
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 pinches ground black pepper

Instructions:

Roast Garlic:

1. Cut off the top third of the garlic heads to expose the cloves. Place each head onto a piece of foil.
2. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Fold the foil tightly to cover the garlic, creating a packet. Place into a preheated oven (around 400°F/200°C) for about 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the cloves are very soft and caramelized.
4. Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, discard the husks, and mash the softened garlic cloves into a smooth paste. Roasting the garlic mellows its sharpness and brings out a wonderful sweetness, essential for our sauces.

Make Garlic Butter:

1. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of the freshly roasted garlic with room temperature unsalted butter until well combined.
2. Season with a tiny pinch of salt.
3. Set aside in the fridge for a short period to allow it to firm up slightly, making it easier to spread on the buns. This garlic butter will infuse your buns with an extra layer of savory flavor when toasted.

Make Pig Patties:

1. To create the tender “pig patties,” place the thinly sliced Applewood smoked bacon into a large pot of cold water.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until the bacon is incredibly tender, almost falling apart – this will take 1 ½ to 2 hours. This process renders the fat and makes the bacon exceptionally soft.
3. Drain the bacon thoroughly and set it aside to cool.
4. Once cool enough to handle, divide the cooked bacon into 4 even portions and gently form each into a flat patty shape.
5. Heat a cast-iron pan over high heat until smoking hot. Place each bacon patty onto the hot pan.
6. To achieve that signature flat and crispy texture, press down firmly on each bacon patty with a foil-covered brick or a heavy, flat metal spatula.
7. Cook until golden brown and very crispy, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the pig patties from the pan and keep them warm.

Make SMC Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously to combine. Cook over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the butter and flour form a smooth paste (a roux) that resembles wet sand, without letting it brown. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
3. Slowly pour in the warmed whole milk, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens beautifully, which typically takes 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Stir in the kosher salt, grated nutmeg, and grated yellow American cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is perfectly smooth and creamy.
5. Set aside and keep warm until ready to assemble your burgers. This recipe yields approximately 1 cup of delicious SMC sauce.

Make Donkey Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the prepared mayonnaise, minced roasted garlic, hot dog mustard, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
2. Whisk all ingredients together until the sauce is completely smooth and well-incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. This yields about 1 cup of the iconic, tangy Donkey Sauce.

Make Burgers:

1. Divide the ground beef (80/20 blend is key for juicy results) into 4 equal portions, roughly 8 ounces each. Form each portion into a tight ball.
2. Season the beef balls generously all over with kosher salt.
3. Heat the same cast-iron pan (with any remaining bacon fat from the pig patties, if available, for extra flavor) over high heat. Place the seasoned beef balls in the hot pan and allow them to brown for 1 minute to start forming a crust.
4. Using a strong, flat metal spatula, flatten each beef ball into an approximately ⅓-inch thick patty. For maximum crust and flavor, press down firmly with a foil-covered brick or another heavy object on top of the spatula as it cooks. Continue to press down intermittently as the burger cooks.
5. Cook until the burgers develop a deep, caramelized crust on the first side, about 1 ½ minutes.
6. Flip the burgers over and cook on the second side for about 1 minute to develop a similar crust.
7. Quickly add 2 ounces of the warm SMC Sauce onto each patty, followed by a slice of cheddar cheese.
8. Pour a splash of the chicken stock and water mixture into the pan around the burgers, then immediately place a dome lid over the top to trap the steam. This steaming technique helps melt the cheese perfectly and keeps the burger juicy.
9. Allow to cook for 1 minute, or until the cheese is beautifully melted. Remove the dome and set the finished burger patties aside.
10. Lightly brush the cut sides of the brioche buns with the prepared garlic butter.
11. Toast the buns in the same hot pan until golden brown and lightly crispy, about 30 seconds on each side.

To Assemble:

1. Generously smear the delicious Donkey Sauce on the cut side of both the top and bottom bun halves.
2. Layer the base bun with finely sliced pickle and onion.
3. Carefully place the hot hamburger patty on top of the vegetables.
4. Crown the hamburger patty with a crispy bacon “pig patty” and an additional drizzle of SMC Sauce.
5. Top with fresh tomato slices and finely sliced iceberg lettuce for a refreshing crunch.
6. Finally, place the top half of the bun onto the burger, pressing down gently to secure all the glorious layers. Serve immediately and enjoy your taste of Flavortown!

The Phenomenon of Guy’s Burger Joint at Sea

Imagine the sheer scale of serving over 1,000 mouth-watering burgers every single day, all while cruising the sparkling Caribbean Sea. That’s the impressive reality at Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Cruise Lines. This eatery has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most popular dining options available on Carnival ships, captivating the taste buds of millions.

It’s a common sight to see eager passengers happily lining up, anticipating their fresh-made Guy’s Burger Joint burger for either lunch or dinner. The consistency in quality, combined with the energetic atmosphere, ensures that despite the lines, the experience is always worth the wait. Over a million burgers have been served since Guy’s Burgers first launched on Carnival Cruise Line, a testament to its enduring popularity and the satisfaction it brings to countless cruisers.

The Flavortown Origin Story: Guy Fieri’s Vision

The inception of Guy’s Burger Joint is as colorful as Guy Fieri himself. Picture this: Fieri, on a Carnival Splendor cruise some years ago, decided to “pirate” the ship’s existing burger joint. For a few spontaneous hours, Guy took over the grill, crafting burgers his way and injecting his signature “Flavortown” energy into the experience. It was during this impromptu session that he sat down on the Carnival Splendor and conceptualized what would become the beloved Guy’s Burger Joint menu.

Guy Fieri’s personal touch extends far beyond the menu. He meticulously oversaw every detail, from the vibrant decorations to the staff’s uniforms, ensuring the restaurant embodied his unique style. Take a closer look, and you’ll notice vintage Chevy signs and various car parts adorning the walls – a nod to Fieri’s well-known passion for classic automobiles. Each element contributes to an immersive, fun-loving atmosphere that reflects a piece of his life. Even the custom surfboards hanging proudly were designed specifically for Guy’s Burger Joint, rumored to be signed by world-famous surfer Kelly Slater, adding another layer of cool to this casual eatery.

Beyond the “Straight-Up”: Exploring Guy’s Diverse Menu

While “The Straight-Up with a Pig Patty” is a fan favorite, Guy’s Burger Joint offers a diverse menu to satisfy every craving. You can opt for the simple yet delicious “Plain Jane,” dive into the spicy goodness of the “Chilius Maximus,” or explore other creative combinations. The beauty of Guy’s lies not only in its core offerings but also in its unparalleled topping bar, a true Flavortown playground. Here, you’ll find an abundance of fresh, high-quality options to customize your burger exactly how you like it.

Want more bacon? Pile it on! Craving extra onions, jalapeños, or mushrooms? They’re all there. The topping bar is a testament to customization, offering everything from classic condiments to unique Guy Fieri-inspired creations. There’s also a wide variety of sauces available, beyond the famous Donkey Sauce, allowing you to craft a burger that’s uniquely yours. Suggestions are even provided for making specialty burgers like the “She-Devil” (spicy!), “The Swine-N-Dine” (extra porky!), or the “Crunchilicious,” ensuring endless flavor possibilities.

The Unforgettable Experience: From Line to Last Bite

One of our most memorable dining experiences on the Carnival Breeze began at Guy’s Burger Joint. My companion, John, couldn’t wait and had his first burger even before the ship had pulled out of the dock! We dropped our bags in our room and headed straight up for a “Ringer Burger”—a cheesy delight topped with a crispy onion ring and Guy’s Bourbon Brown Sugar Sauce. Several reliable sources had proclaimed it the best burger on the menu, and John was certainly not disappointed with his taste-testing mission.

John made it his personal mission to sample as many of Guy’s various burgers as possible during our cruise, ensuring each one lived up to the legendary standard. He was consistently amazed by the crew’s ability to produce thousands of burgers daily, maintaining such incredible flavor and quality, all while keeping lines moving smoothly. Even with thousands of guests on the Carnival Breeze, there was rarely a significantly long wait for these fantastic burgers. The lively and efficient crew at Guy’s always managed the crowd with a smile, often sharing laughs and banter, making the waiting time part of the fun. This personal touch and high-quality service truly highlight Guy Fieri’s heart and soul infused into every aspect of this restaurant.

Have you tried the Ringer Burger? Are you ready to take a bite out of this flavor-packed creation?

The menu at Guy’s Burger Joint is extensive, with plenty of playful names and combinations. I recall my dad, before our cruise, asking if we were going to get some “S.M.C.” or “L.T.O.R.” on our Guy’s Burgers. Initially confused, I soon learned he had been researching the menu! It was quite amusing to hear John confidently order his burger, casually throwing out “SMC’s” and asking for “Donkey Sauce,” not to mention the “Rojo Ring” to top it off. These fun acronyms and unique toppings truly define the Guy Fieri experience.

Beyond the food, the shaded seating area conveniently located near Guy’s Burger Joint offers a perfect retreat. You can comfortably watch the lively activities on the pool deck without direct sun exposure, all while enjoying the serene view of the ocean passing by. This area is thoughtfully decorated with vibrant surfboards, maps, and other thematic elements that perfectly complement the Guy’s Burger Joint vibe. It evokes a cool, chill California feel, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely and satisfying lunch at sea.

Don’t Forget the Fries!

No Guy’s Burger Joint experience is complete without their legendary hand-cut fries! Make sure you grab a generous serving with your burger. We’re not sure what magic they work to make these fries so incredibly delicious, but trust us, you’ll be savoring every single golden, crispy bite. HELLO YUM!

More Carnival Cruise Culinary Delights

If you’ve enjoyed recreating Guy’s Burger Joint at home, be sure to explore more of Carnival’s beloved recipes to extend your cruise culinary journey:

• Carnival Cruise Tiramisu Recipe
• Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini
• Caribbean Manhattan Recipe
• Carnival Chocolate Melting Cake
• Spirit of Kentucky Bourbon Milkshake
• Mocha Chocolate Getaway Cocktail

Check out all of the Carnival Cruise drink recipes we have shared for more liquid delights!

Carnival Cruise Guy’s Burger Straight-Up with a Pig Patty Burger

How to make a Carnival Cruise Guy’s Burger Straight-Up with a Pig Patty Burger from scratch.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Tammilee Tips

Ingredients

• 2 heads Garlic
• Olive Oil
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened
• 12 ounces thinly sliced Applewood smoked bacon
• 32 ounces Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
• 8 slices Cheddar Cheese
• ¼ Cup low-sodium chicken broth mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 4 Brioche hamburger buns
• 1 kosher dill pickle, finely sliced
• ½ sweet onion, very finely sliced
• 1 beefsteak tomato, finely sliced
• ¼ head iceberg lettuce, finely sliced

For Super Melty Cheese (SMC) Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Pinch grated nutmeg
• 3 ounces grated yellow American cheese

For Donkey Sauce:

• ¼ cup minced roasted garlic
• 1 cup prepared mayonnaise
• 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon regular hot dog mustard
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 pinches ground black pepper

Instructions

Roast Garlic:

1. Cut off the top third of the garlic head to expose cloves. Place onto a piece of foil. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fold foil to cover then place into oven for about 1 hour 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, discard husks and mash.

Make Garlic Butter:

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of the roasted garlic with room temperature butter. Season with salt. Set aside in the fridge to slightly firm up.

Make Pig Patties:

1. Set a large pot of cold water over high heat and add the bacon. Bring to a boil and cook until the bacon is very tender and almost falling apart, 1 ½ to 2 hours. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. Set a cast-iron pan over high heat. Divide the bacon into 4 even portions and form into a patty. Place each on the grill. Press down with a foil-covered brick to squash the bacon flat. Cook until golden and very crispy – about 4 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

Make SMC Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, add the butter and set over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt, then sprinkle with the flour and stir with a whisk. Cook over low heat until the butter and flour combine into a mixture, like wet sand. Once combined, stir for 1 to 2 minutes to cook the flour (but without adding color).
2. Pour in the milk slowly, whisking to combine. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens up, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the salt, nutmeg and cheese and stir until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth. Set aside and keep warm until ready to use. Yield: 1 cup.

Make Donkey Sauce:

1. Mix mayonnaise, roasted garlic, mustard, Worcestershire, salt and pepper together until smooth. Yield: about 1 cup.

Make Burgers:

1. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (8 ounces each) and form into 4 tight balls. Season all over with salt. Place in pan (which still has some of the bacon fat on it) and allow to brown for 1 minute. Then flatten with a strong, flat metal spatula – press down with a foil-covered brick on top of it, as well. Flatten to approximately ⅓-inch thickness and continue to press down with the spatula as it cooks.
2. Cook until the burgers develop a crust on the first side, 1 ½ minutes. Flip over and cook on the second side to develop a crust on that side, 1 minute. Add 2 ounces SMC Sauce and top with a slice of cheese.
3. Add a splash of the chicken stock and water mixture to the pan and immediately place a dome lid over the top of the burger to trap the steam. Allow to cook for 1 minute and allow the cheese to melt then remove the dome and set burger aside. Brush the cut sides of the buns lightly with the garlic butter. Toast the buns in the pan until golden, about 30 seconds on each side.

To Assemble:

1. Smear the Donkey Sauce on the cut side of both bun halves. Layer the base with pickle slices and onions. Top with the hamburger patty. Top with a bacon “pig patty” and SMC Sauce. Top with tomato slices and lettuce. Place the top half of the bun on top.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Carnival Cruise Guy’s Burger Straight-Up with a Pig Patty Burger

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1704 (Calories from Fat 1341)

% Daily Value*

Fat 149g 229%

• Saturated Fat 62g 388%

Cholesterol 293mg 98%

Sodium 866mg 38%

Potassium 1082mg 31%

Carbohydrates 35g 12%

• Fiber 3g 13%
• Sugar 8g 9%

Protein 54g 108%

Vitamin A 1423IU 28%

Vitamin C 20mg 24%

Calcium 415mg 42%

Iron 7mg 39%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.