The buttery jack is a popular burger offered by Jack in the Box restaurants. It features a beef patty topped with garlic herb butter, melted cheese, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions on a buttery bakery bun. The combination of ingredients results in a juicy and savory burger. Many customers love the buttery jack for its rich flavor and tender beef patty. However, some wonder what type of sauce is used on the buttery jack to give it that signature taste. This article will investigate the buttery jack’s sauce in more detail.
Ingredients in the Buttery Jack Sauce
According to the Jack in the Box website, the buttery jack contains the following sauce ingredients:
- Mayonnaise – A creamy condiment made from egg yolk, oil, vinegar, and lemon juice.
- Mustard – Adds a tangy, spicy flavor.
- Ketchup – A sweet, tomato-based sauce.
- Relish – Chopped pickled cucumbers provide crunch.
- Onion powder – Dehydrated, ground onion adds flavor.
- Garlic powder – Dehydrated, ground garlic provides a subtle garlicky taste.
- Paprika – A spice made from ground dried peppers.
- Extracts of spices and flavorings – Help boost the sauce’s taste.
These ingredients are combined and whisked together to form the unique buttery jack sauce. The creamy mayonnaise serves as the base while the mustard, ketchup, and relish add tangy flavors. Onion and garlic powders infuse an aromatic quality. Paprika and other spice extracts enhance the overall flavor profile.
Purpose of the Buttery Jack Sauce
The buttery jack sauce serves multiple purposes:
- Adds moisture – The sauce helps keep the burger tender and juicy.
- Provides flavor – The blend of condiments and spices gives the buttery jack its signature zesty taste.
- Binds ingredients – The sauce keeps the butter, patties, cheese, and toppings together.
- Accents the butter – The tangy sauce complements the richness of the garlic herb butter.
- Prevents dryness – The mayonnaise-based mixture prevents dryness.
Without the sauce, the butter and beef patty would likely be too rich and heavy on their own. The buttery jack sauce provides the moisture, seasoning, and acidity to create balance. It brings all the components together harmoniously in each bite.
Buttery Jack Sauce Ingredients vs. Signature Sauce Ingredients
| Buttery Jack Sauce | Jack in the Box Signature Sauce |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | Soybean oil |
| Mustard | Water |
| Ketchup | Distilled vinegar |
| Relish | Sugar |
| Onion powder | Salt |
| Garlic powder | Mustard seed |
| Paprika | Onion powder |
| Spice extracts | Spices |
While both sauces contain onions and spices, the buttery jack sauce has a higher mayonnaise and mustard content. The signature Jack sauce uses more sugar and includes mustard seeds. This accounts for the subtle differences in tanginess, creaminess, and sweetness.
Pairing Options for the Buttery Jack
The buttery jack pairs well with several dipping sauce options:
- Chipotle sauce – The smoky spiciness complements the burger.
- Ranch – Cool and creamy, ranch contrasts with the buttery jack.
- BBQ sauce – Sweet and tangy, BBQ sauce accentuates the burger’s flavor.
- Honey mustard – The blend of sweet honey and zesty mustard cuts through the butter and cheese.
- Buffalo sauce – Fiery and vinegar-based, it counters the burger’s richness.
The buttery jack also pairs nicely with Jack in the Box curly fries or onion rings. The crispiness stands up well to the juicy burger. Milkshakes, either chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry, make great buttery jack companions when you want something sweet.
Nutritional Information for the Buttery Jack
Here are the nutritional facts for a standard buttery jack sandwich from Jack in the Box:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 810 |
| Total Fat | 45g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Trans Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 155mg |
| Sodium | 1710mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 41g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Protein | 39g |
As a high calorie sandwich with generous amounts of fat and sodium, the buttery jack should likely be enjoyed occasionally as a treat. Selecting smaller sizes or skipping high-calorie add-ons like bacon can help reduce the calorie content.
History of the Buttery Jack
Jack in the Box first introduced the buttery jack in December 2020 as a limited time offering. It quickly became one of their most popular specialty burgers. The fast food chain decided to keep the buttery jack as an ongoing menu item due to its success.
Some key facts about the history of the buttery jack:
- Jack in the Box food scientists developed the buttery jack sauce recipe specifically for this burger.
- The buttery jack was tested in select regional markets before its nationwide launch.
- In 2021, an even richer version called the bacon buttery jack was introduced with bacon topping.
- A promotional chicken buttery jack with a chicken patty briefly appeared on menus in early 2022.
- The original beef buttery jack remains the most popular form of the burger.
The buttery jack’s delicious combination of flavors and textures seems to have won over Jack in the Box fans. It has fast become a contemporary classic menu item.
How to Order a Buttery Jack
Ordering a buttery jack at Jack in the Box is easy:
- Choose a burger size – The buttery jack is available in small, regular, or large.
- Select bun type – You can order the burger on a sesame seed bun or signature sourdough.
- Pick cheese – American cheese comes standard but pepper jack or Swiss can be requested.
- Add bacon (optional) – Bacon can be added for extra cost.
- Choose addons – Tomatoes, mushrooms, and extra sauces are some add-on options.
- Specify combo or a la carte – Make it a combo meal with fries and a drink.
- Place order at counter or drive-thru – Give name and payment.
- Check order for accuracy – Make sure it matches what you ordered.
Being aware of customization options like cheese and bacon allows you to tailor the buttery jack to your preferences. With its signature buttery taste, the buttery jack is sure to satisfy your burger cravings.
Copycat Buttery Jack Sauce Recipe
To recreate the distinctive flavor of the buttery jack sauce at home, try making this copycat recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
- 1⁄2 tsp onion powder
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp paprika
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- Dash of black pepper
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and whisk together until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Refrigerate in an airtight container.
- Spread atop beef patties with butter and cheese to replicate the buttery jack.
This easy 5-minute sauce can be made in bulk. It keeps well for up to 1 week refrigerated. The mixture of condiments and spices gives a close approximation of the Jack in the Box special sauce.
Conclusion
With its decadent garlic herb butter and unique signature sauce, the buttery jack has fast become a popular menu item at Jack in the Box. Its distinctive combination of flavors and textures make every bite a fulfilling experience. Understanding the sauce ingredients and customization options allows you to fine-tune the buttery jack to your preferences. While high in calories, enjoying this indulgent burger in moderation can be part of an overall balanced diet. The next time you visit Jack in the Box, consider satisfying your cravings with this modern classic.