Bacon - Swiss Buttery Smashed Jack

Product Details & Review

The Bacon & Swiss Buttery Smashed Jack

In the evolving world of fast food, there is a constant battle to bridge the gap between quick-service convenience and sit-down restaurant quality. With the introduction of the Bacon & Swiss Buttery Smashed Jack™, Jack in the Box has firmly planted its flag in the premium burger territory. This isn't just another menu item; it is a culinary experience designed for those who appreciate the finer details of a well-constructed burger.

Priced at $9.99 and packing 800 calories, this burger promises an indulgence that goes beyond the standard fare. From the cooking technique of the beef to the specific choice of condiments and bun, every element has been curated to deliver maximum flavor. In this detailed review, we will explore what makes the Bacon & Swiss Buttery Smashed Jack™ a must-try item, breaking down its ingredients, flavor profile, and nutritional context.

What is a "Smashed" Jack?

Before diving into the specific flavors of this burger, it is essential to understand the concept of the "Smashed" patty. Unlike traditional fast-food patties that are often pre-formed and frozen, a smashed burger focuses on texture and crust.

The ¼ lb. smashed patty used in this burger is pressed firmly onto the hot grill. This technique increases the surface area of the meat touching the heat, creating a phenomenon known as the Maillard reaction. The result is a patty with a deeply savory, caramelized, and crispy exterior, while locking in the juices on the inside. When Jack in the Box calls this a "Smashed Jack," they are promising a texture that is superior to the standard fast-food burger—more intense beef flavor with a satisfying crunch on the edges.

Flavor Profile: Decadence in Every Bite

The Bacon & Swiss Buttery Smashed Jack™ is defined by its richness. The name itself gives away the secret to its success: Butter.

The Garlic Herb Butter Infusion

The standout feature of this burger is the melted garlic herb butter. As the smashed patty comes off the grill, it is topped with this aromatic compound butter. As it melts, it seeps into the nooks and crannies of the beef, infusing the meat with notes of roasted garlic and savory herbs. This technique is often used in high-end steakhouses, and bringing it to a drive-thru menu elevates the entire flavor profile.

The Double Bacon Experience

Bacon lovers will find double the satisfaction here. First, you have the physical strips of hickory smoked bacon, which provide the necessary saltiness and crunch. But the innovation lies in the sauce: Bacon Mayo. Instead of standard mayonnaise, this burger uses a mayo infused with smoky bacon flavor. This ensures that even in bites where you might miss a piece of bacon strip, the smoky essence is still present in the creamy sauce.

Cheese and Bun

To balance the savory intensity of the beef and bacon, Jack in the Box opted for Natural Swiss Cheese. Swiss cheese has a milder, nuttier flavor compared to American cheese. It melts beautifully without overpowering the garlic butter, adding a creamy texture that binds the ingredients together.

Finally, the vessel for this masterpiece is a Signature Brioche Bun. Brioche is an egg-based bread, known for being slightly sweeter, fluffier, and richer than standard white buns. Its sturdy structure is necessary to hold up against the juices of the smashed patty and the melting garlic herb butter without becoming soggy.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the premium components that justify the price point of the Bacon & Swiss Buttery Smashed Jack™.

• The Meat: A new, ¼ lb. smashed beef patty. The quarter-pound weight (pre-cooked) ensures a substantial serving of protein.

• The Fat & Flavor: Melted garlic herb butter is the key differentiator here, acting as a natural flavor enhancer.

• The Crisp: Hickory smoked bacon strips.

• The Cheese: Slices of Real Swiss Cheese (Natural Swiss).

• The Sauce: Bacon Mayo—a savory twist on a classic condiment.

• The Bread: A premium, buttery Brioche Bun.

Nutritional Overview: Understanding the 800 Calories

The Bacon & Swiss Buttery Smashed Jack™ is listed at 800 Calories. For many diners, this number represents a significant portion of their daily intake, so it is important to understand where these calories come from.

While a detailed macronutrient table (grams of fat, protein, carbs) varies slightly, we can infer the nutritional structure based on the ingredients:

1. High Fat Content: A significant portion of the 800 calories comes from healthy and savory fats. The combination of the beef tallow, garlic herb butter, bacon, Swiss cheese, and bacon mayo creates a high-fat profile. This is what makes the burger so satiating and flavorful.

2. Protein Rich: With a quarter-pound beef patty, bacon, and cheese, this item is a high-protein option. It provides substantial energy and muscle-repairing amino acids, likely ranging between 40g to 50g of protein (estimated based on similar items).

3. Carbohydrates: The Brioche bun contributes the majority of the carbohydrates. Brioche is denser than standard buns, contributing to the calorie count but also providing the fuel needed for energy.

Dietary Considerations:

• Sodium: Like most premium fast-food items involving bacon and cheese, this burger is likely high in sodium.

• Keto/Low Carb: If you are following a Keto lifestyle, ordering this burger without the bun (and perhaps asking for it lettuce-wrapped) would make it a "dirty keto" friendly meal, as it is high in fat and protein while eliminating the carbs from the brioche.

Price and Value Proposition

At an average price of $9.99, the Bacon & Swiss Buttery Smashed Jack™ is one of the more expensive individual items on the menu. Is it worth it?

The "Premium" Argument When you pay $9.99 for this burger, you are paying for quality ingredients that are typically reserved for "fast-casual" restaurants (like Shake Shack or Five Guys) where burgers often cost $12 or more. The use of a Brioche bun, garlic herb butter, and a specific "smashed" cooking technique requires more effort and higher food costs than a standard cheeseburger.

Comparison Compared to a standard Jumbo Jack, this is a significant upgrade in texture and flavor complexity. If you are looking for a quick snack, the price might seem high. However, if you are looking for a dinner-quality burger that rivals sit-down restaurants, the $9.99 price tag offers competitive value.

Allergen Information

Transparency is key for safety. The Bacon & Swiss Buttery Smashed Jack™ contains the following allergens:

• Milk: Present in the Swiss cheese, garlic herb butter, and the brioche bun.

• Eggs: Present in the Bacon Mayo and the brioche bun.

• Soy: Often found in seasonings and sauces.

• Wheat: The primary ingredient in the Brioche Bun.

Please note: Due to the shared cooking environment in fast-food kitchens, cross-contamination is possible.

Conclusion: A Decadent Treat

The Bacon & Swiss Buttery Smashed Jack™ is a bold statement from Jack in the Box. It moves away from the "fast and cheap" stereotype and leans heavily into "rich and flavorful."

This burger is not for the faint of heart—or those on a strict low-calorie diet. It is an indulgence. The combination of the crispy smashed patty, the aromatic garlic herb butter, and the double-punch of bacon (strips and mayo) creates a symphony of savory flavors that is hard to beat.

If you find yourself at Jack in the Box and want to treat yourself to something that feels handmade and gourmet, the Bacon & Swiss Buttery Smashed Jack™ is the item to order. It delivers on its promise of being buttery, cheesy, and undeniably delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does the Bacon & Swiss Buttery Smashed Jack cost? The average price for the burger is $9.99, though prices may vary by location and state.

How many calories are in the Bacon & Swiss Buttery Smashed Jack? The burger contains 800 calories.

What sauce is on the Bacon & Swiss Buttery Smashed Jack? This burger features a unique Bacon Mayo, which adds a creamy, smoky flavor, alongside melted garlic herb butter.

Is the patty different from a regular Jumbo Jack? Yes. This burger uses a ¼ lb. smashed patty, which is cooked differently to create crispy edges and a juicier center, compared to the standard patties.

Does the Bacon & Swiss Buttery Smashed Jack come as a combo? Yes, you can order the Bacon & Swiss Buttery Smashed Jack™ Combo, which typically includes fries (or curly fries) and a drink.

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is approximate. Ingredients and menu items may vary by location and are subject to change. Prices mentioned are average estimates for the USA.