When we asked Paquette to name his favorite burger from Chili’s, he picked the chain’s new Big Smasher. To recreate it at home, you need American cheese, diced red onion, shredded lettuce, pickles, and Thousand Island dressing, he said.
After trying and ranking all of Chili’s burgers, we also asked how to recreate our personal favorite, the Alex’s Santa Fe burger, which comes with avocado, pepper jack cheese, red onion, jalapeños, tomato, pickles, cilantro, and the chain’s spicy Santa Fe sauce.
“The key to recreating that flavor profile at home is roasted jalapeños,” Paquette said. “While you’re grilling your burgers, grill a jalapeño or two and use those to top your burger. You can also mix them with some ranch to create a sauce that’s similar, but not exact, to our Santa Fe sauce.”
“Another easy hack would be to pick up some fresh-made guacamole from the deli counter at the grocery store to top your burger, or you can use fresh sliced avocado on top,” he continued.
