An image from an episode of The Simpsons.
Today marks a cheerful tribute to fans of the longest-running American animated family. On Simpsons Day, many fans celebrate by revisiting favorite lines, moments, and dishes from the show. Among the most talked-about treats is a famously indulgent burger inspired by Krusty the Clown’s restaurant—an over-the-top creation that fans love to recreate at home as a playful homage to Homer, Bart, and the rest of the clan. It’s a recipe that invites a little mischief in the kitchen and plenty of nostalgia for the yellow-tinted world of Springfield.
Though it’s tempting to keep this burger limited to special occasions, the dish shines whenever someone wants a bold, comforting meal. The process starts with a rich, tangy sauce that forms the flavor backbone, followed by hearty beef patties assembled with savory add-ins. The result is a burger that feels both familiar and indulgent, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo while binging classic episodes.
for the sauce:
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Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons)
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Sugar (2 tablespoons)
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Mustard (1 tablespoon)
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Honey (2 tablespoons)
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Fried tomatoes (350 ml)
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Ketchup (150 ml)
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Salt (1 tablespoon)
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Garlic powder (1 tablespoon)
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Hot pepper (1 tablespoon)
for hamburger
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Ground beef (half a kilo)
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Bacon strip
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Sliced cheddar cheese
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Sliced York ham
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Mayonnaise
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Mozzarella cheese
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Onion
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Hamburger bread
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Begin with the sauce. In a bowl, combine all the listed ingredients over medium heat. Stir thoroughly so every component blends evenly and the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom.
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When the sauce thickens and all flavors are well married, which usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes, remove it from heat and set it aside.
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Next, assemble the hamburger. In a bowl combine the ground beef, chopped bacon, a few slices of cheddar, garlic, onion, salt, and a few spoonfuls of the prepared sauce. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
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Divide the mixture into two equal portions and shape each into a classic patty form.
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Spread a little bacon in a pan and cook until the fat renders. Then fry the patties. When one side shows a good sear, flip them and place mozzarella on top so it melts into the meat, adding a creamy finish.
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Prepare the bread base. Hamburger buns work best, though any sturdy bun can serve as the vessel for this indulgence.
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Spread mayonnaise on the cut sides of the buns.
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Apply a spoonful of the prepared sauce to the bottom half.
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Place a slice of cheddar on the sauce, then set a patty on top.
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Top with York ham and a strip of bacon for extra savoriness.
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Repeat these layering steps (except the first) to stack the ingredients further if desired.
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Cover everything with the upper bun, which has also been spread with mayonnaise to seal the flavors.
Simpsons enthusiasts often use this dish as a fun tribute during marathons or themed gatherings. It’s a flavorful statement that brings a little TV history to the dining table and invites fans to relive iconic moments from the show while enjoying a hearty, comforting meal. The result is a burger that’s as rich in taste as it is in pop culture charm, ideal for pairing with an ice-cold beverage or a soda and celebrating the mischievous spirit of Homer and the entire Simpsons universe on Simpsons Day.