Prepare to set sail on a culinary adventure as we bring the iconic flavors of Carnival Cruise Line’s Guy’s Burger Joint directly to your home kitchen! In celebration of all things delicious and perfectly grilled, we’re thrilled to share our definitive copycat recipe for one of Guy Fieri’s most legendary creations: The Straight-Up with a Pig Patty Burger. Get ready to experience the taste of the open sea and savory perfection, no cruise ship required.
Unlock the Flavor of the Sea: Guy’s Burger Joint Straight-Up with a Pig Patty Burger Recipe
Just recently, we disembarked from a fantastic voyage aboard the Carnival Vista, and as always, a significant highlight of our trip was indulging in multiple lunches at Guy’s Burger Joint. This beloved eatery is an absolute staple on every Carnival 2.0 ship, conveniently located on the Lido Deck. It’s the ultimate spot for a quick, satisfying meal after a day exploring a vibrant port of call or simply relaxing by the pool. If you’ve ever cruised with Carnival, you know Guy’s is more than just a burger joint—it’s an integral part of the fun, high-energy atmosphere that defines a Carnival vacation.
It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a destination within itself. The vibrant, casual setting, coupled with the aroma of sizzling burgers, creates an irresistible draw that keeps cruisers coming back for more, day after day. For many, a Carnival cruise isn’t complete without at least one (or five!) visits to Guy’s. We certainly count ourselves among the devoted fans!
The Iconic Straight-Up with a Pig Patty Burger
Recipe inspired by Guy Fieri, a culinary gem of Carnival Cruise Line
Recipe Details
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 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)
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 4 brioche hamburger buns, cut in half
- 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:
- 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
Donkey Sauce Recipe:
- ¼ cup minced roasted garlic (use slightly less if not pre-prepared, as its flavor is stronger 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: Cut off the top third of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place the garlic head onto a piece of foil. Drizzle generously with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Fold the foil securely around the garlic, then place it into the oven. Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden. Remove from the oven, discard the husks, and mash the tender roasted garlic into a paste.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of the freshly roasted garlic with the softened room temperature butter. Season with a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Set aside in the refrigerator to allow it to slightly firm up, making it easier to spread.
- Make Pig Patties: Place thinly sliced Applewood smoked bacon into a large pot of cold water. Set the pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the bacon is exceptionally tender and nearly falling apart, which typically takes between 1 ½ to 2 hours. Drain the bacon thoroughly and set it aside on a plate to cool completely. Once cool, divide the cooked bacon into 4 equal portions. Form each portion into a compact patty shape. Heat a cast-iron pan over high heat until smoking hot. Place each bacon patty onto the hot pan. For maximum crispiness and flat shape, press down firmly on each patty with a foil-covered brick or a heavy metal spatula. Cook until each pig patty is golden brown and incredibly crispy, about 4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
- Make SMC Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously to combine. Cook this roux over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the butter and flour form a mixture resembling wet sand. Be careful not to let it brown; the goal is to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the warmed whole milk, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Continue stirring the mixture until it thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency, usually 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the kosher salt, grated nutmeg, and grated yellow American cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is perfectly smooth and velvety. Set the Super Melty Cheese sauce aside and keep it warm until you’re ready to assemble the burgers. This recipe yields approximately 1 cup of SMC sauce.
- Make Donkey Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the prepared mayonnaise, minced roasted garlic, hot dog mustard, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk all the ingredients together until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. This recipe yields about 1 cup of Donkey Sauce.
- Make Burgers: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, approximately 8 ounces each. Form each portion into a tight, uniform ball. Season the exterior of each beef ball generously with salt. Heat the cast-iron pan (which should still retain some of the delicious bacon fat from the pig patties) over high heat. Place the seasoned beef balls into the hot pan and allow them to brown for 1 minute. Immediately after placing them, flatten each beef ball with a strong, flat metal spatula, pressing down firmly with a foil-covered brick on top to achieve a thin, consistent patty of approximately ⅓-inch thickness. Continue to press down on the burgers with the spatula as they cook. Cook until the burgers develop a deep, caramelized crust on the first side, which should take about 1 ½ minutes. Flip the burgers over and cook on the second side for 1 minute to develop a similar crust. At this point, add 2 ounces of the warm SMC Sauce onto each burger patty, then top with a slice of cheddar cheese. Pour a splash of the chicken stock and water mixture into the hot pan around the burgers, and immediately cover the burgers with a dome lid or a heat-safe bowl to trap the steam. Allow to cook for 1 minute, letting the steam melt the cheese into gooey perfection. Remove the dome and transfer the cooked burgers to a plate. Lightly brush the cut sides of the brioche buns with the prepared garlic butter. Place the buns cut-side down into the pan and toast until golden brown, about 30 seconds per side.
- To Assemble: Begin by generously spreading the Donkey Sauce on the cut side of both the top and bottom brioche bun halves. On the bottom bun, layer with fresh pickle slices and finely sliced sweet onions. Carefully place the hot hamburger patty on top of the onion layer. Crown the hamburger patty with a crispy bacon “pig patty,” followed by an extra drizzle of SMC Sauce. Finish by adding fresh tomato slices and a generous amount of finely sliced iceberg lettuce. Place the top half of the bun onto the assembled burger, pressing gently. Serve immediately with a side of Guy’s famous hand-cut fries!
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 1341
Imagine the incredible feat of serving over 1,000 mouth-watering burgers a day while sailing across the sparkling Caribbean Sea. That’s precisely the magic that unfolds daily at Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Cruise Line ships. This vibrant, complimentary dining venue has consistently ranked as one of the most popular and beloved options available to Carnival guests. It’s truly a testament to its irresistible appeal that you’ll often see eager passengers forming lines, all anticipating their turn to enjoy a fresh, perfectly crafted Guy’s Burger for lunch or dinner.
The Legacy of Flavor: How Guy Fieri’s Vision Transformed Cruise Dining
Since its inception, Guy’s Burger Joint has become a phenomenal success story, serving well over a million burgers across the Carnival fleet. The genesis of this culinary partnership is as legendary as the burgers themselves. Picture this: Guy Fieri, the Mayor of Flavortown, onboard the Carnival Splendor several years ago, where he playfully “pirated” the ship’s existing burger joint. For a memorable couple of hours, Guy took over the grill, crafting burgers exactly his way, infusing them with his signature bold flavors and fun-loving spirit. This impromptu takeover laid the groundwork for what would become one of the cruise industry’s most successful dining collaborations.
It was right there, on the Carnival Splendor, that Guy Fieri sat down and personally crafted the menu for Guy’s Burger Joint. The menu is a delightful exploration of burger possibilities, offering everything from the simple yet satisfying “Plain Jane” to the fiery “Chilius Maximus,” and of course, the fan-favorite “Pig Patty.” Beyond the core menu, guests are encouraged to unleash their inner culinary artist at the expansive toppings bar, a true highlight of the Guy’s experience. Here, you’ll find an abundance of fresh additions, from extra crispy bacon and thinly sliced onions to a vibrant array of sauces designed to perfect your burger, making each bite uniquely yours.
Every detail of Guy’s Burger Joint, from its lively decorations to the uniforms worn by the energetic staff, was personally overseen by Guy Fieri himself. The restaurant is a physical embodiment of his personality and passions. Notice the vintage Chevy signs and various car parts adorning the walls; these are a direct nod to Guy Fieri’s well-known love for classic Chevys and automobiles. Each decorative element tells a part of his personal story, creating an immersive and authentic atmosphere.
Even the surfboards, which add to the restaurant’s cool, West Coast vibe, were specially commissioned for Guy’s Burger Joint. Take a closer look, and you might notice they are all signed by world-famous surfer Kelly Slater, adding another layer of unique authenticity and personality to the space. This meticulous attention to detail extends to the tables themselves, many of which have been personally drawn on and signed by Guy Fieri. This restaurant is truly an outpouring of Guy Fieri’s heart and soul, meticulously designed to reflect his vision and passion for flavorful food and fun times. He ensured that every single piece of the restaurant experience was exactly how he envisioned it to be.
Experiencing Flavortown at Sea
On your next Carnival Cruise, make sure to keep your eyes peeled; you just might catch a glimpse of Guy Fieri himself behind the counter, flipping burgers! He’s famously known to occasionally hop aboard a ship to personally ensure that the burgers meet his high standards and taste exactly as he likes them. It’s this dedication that reinforces the commitment to quality and flavor that guests have come to expect from Guy’s Burger Joint.
One of our absolute favorite dining spots on the Carnival Breeze was, without a doubt, Guy’s Burger Joint. My partner, John, wasted no time and had his very first burger there even before the ship had pulled out of the dock! We barely dropped our bags in our cabin before heading straight up to the Lido Deck, eager to try a “Ringer Burger.” For those unfamiliar, the Ringer Burger is a tantalizing creation featuring a juicy patty, melted cheese, and a crispy onion ring, all topped with Guy’s signature Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce. We had heard from a few very reliable sources that this was quite possibly the best burger on the entire menu, and we were certainly not disappointed.
As you can imagine, John was absolutely thrilled to take on the delicious “task” of taste-testing this burger, and many others. On day one, he declared his mission: to visit Guy’s Burger Joint multiple times throughout the cruise, solely to ensure that each burger maintained the same incredible flavor and quality as the last. I’m fairly certain his ultimate goal was to try every single type of burger on Guy’s menu during our time at sea! He consistently expressed his amazement at how the crew managed to produce such a massive volume of burgers daily, keeping thousands of cruisers happy while consistently delivering such amazing flavor and top-notch quality. Even with thousands of people onboard the Carnival Breeze, the lines for Guy’s Burgers were surprisingly efficient and never overly long. The dedicated crew at Guy’s truly knows how to manage a crowd with speed and a smile, ensuring everyone gets their fantastic burger as quickly as possible. The crew themselves were incredibly fun and always shared a laugh or two with us each time we joined the line.
So, what do you think of the Ringer Burger? Are you ready to take a bite out of this incredible creation?
Guy’s Burger Joint boasts not only an exceptional menu of signature burgers but also an absolutely “killer” toppings bar. This is where the magic of customization truly comes alive! You can personalize your burger with an incredible array of multiple types of sauces and exciting extras. The Toppings Bar even features helpful suggestions directly from Guy Fieri himself, offering creative ways to spice up your burger and elevate its flavor profile. Ever thought about making a “She-Devil” burger with a fiery kick, or perhaps a “Swine-N-Dine” for ultimate porky goodness? How about a “Crunchilicious” for added texture? The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about making your burger uniquely yours.
The menu at Guy’s Burger Joint is full of personality and unique lingo. Before we even embarked on our cruise, we were chatting with my parents, and my Dad, having done his research, asked if we were going to load up our Guy’s Burgers with some “S.M.C.” or “L.T.O.R.” I admit, I was initially a bit confused, wondering if he had lost his mind with all the cruise excitement! It turns out he had been diligently reading about Guy’s Burger Joint and its distinctive menu. It was quite amusing to listen to John confidently order his burger, throwing out a few “S.M.C.’s” (Super Melty Cheese) and specifically asking for the famous “Donkey Sauce.” And let’s not forget the “Rojo Ring” to top it all off… a true insider’s experience!
Adding to the appeal of Guy’s Burger Joint is the fantastic, shaded seating area conveniently located right nearby. This spot offers the perfect vantage point to take in all the exciting happenings on the pool deck without having to bake in the direct sun. Plus, you can simultaneously watch the serene ocean waters glide by, creating a wonderfully relaxing dining experience. This particular seating area is thoughtfully decorated with colorful surfboards, intriguing maps, and a ton of other unique decorations that perfectly capture the essence of Guy’s Burger Joint. With its laid-back, “chill California vibe,” this area is truly the ideal spot for enjoying a delicious, unhurried lunch during your cruise vacation.
A crucial piece of advice for anyone visiting Guy’s Burger Joint: absolutely make sure you get the hand-cut fries with your burger! HELLO YUM! I’m still not entirely sure what magical process they employ to make these fries so incredibly amazing, but let me tell you, I savored every single one. They are the perfect crispy, salty accompaniment to any of Guy’s legendary burgers.
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Additional Carnival Cruise Inspired Recipes
Craving more flavors from your favorite cruise line? Explore these other fantastic Carnival-inspired recipes:
- Carnival Cruise Tiramisu Recipe
- Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini
- Caribbean Manhattan Recipe
- Carnival Chocolate Melting Cake
- Spirit of Kentucky Bourbon Milkshake
- Mocha Chocolate Getaway Cocktail
Don’t forget to check out all of the Carnival Cruise drink recipes we have shared for more sip-worthy inspiration!