Krabby Patty Recipe – What’s the Secret Formula?

Ever wondered what the Krabby Patty secret formula really is? This homemade Krabby Patty recipe brings the iconic burger to life with a juicy beef patty, signature seasoning, and that famous secret sauce. It’s fun to make, packed with flavor, and tastes just as legendary as it sounds. Get ready to flip the ultimate Bikini Bottom-inspired burger—no fry cook certification required.

Krabby Patty Recipe – Unlock the Secret Formula at Home

We’ve all seen the SpongeBob gummy Krabby Patties, but this recipe brings the real thing to life—complete with a juicy burger, signature seasoning, and a homemade sauce that’s as close to the Krabby Patty secret formula as it gets. Whether you're making it for a fun weeknight meal or a backyard cookout, this burger is packed with flavor and guaranteed to make any SpongeBob fan smile.

These Krabby Patties come together easily with simple ingredients and a quick cooking method. You’ll mix the beef with just the right blend of spices, whip up a tangy secret sauce, and build your burger with all your favorite fixings. The result is a perfectly cooked, tender patty that tastes like it came straight from the Krusty Krab. Trust me—kids (and adults) go wild for these every time.

Ingredients

Making krabby patties is somewhat of an art form, and you'll want to make sure you use every single one to make this secret recipe. 

Here's what you'll need to make the perfect krabby patty burger:

• 1.25lb. lean ground beef
• 1 ½ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese

For the Aioli, or secret sauce:

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ¾ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning

And to complete the krabby patties:

• 4 burger buns with sesame seeds
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 2 pickles, sliced
• 4 leaves of butter lettuce 
• Mustard and ketchup, as desired

How To Make Krabby Patties (Step-By-Step)

Step 1: Make the aioli

Combine the mayonnaise with Old Bay Seasoning in a small bowl. Once they're fully mixed, set the sauce aside.

Step 2. Make the patties

 In a large bowl, add the ground beef, Old Bay Seasoning, and salt. Mix thoroughly until everything combines, then shape the mixture into four burger patties.

Step 3. Cook the krabby patties

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side or until they're cooked through. 

Step 4: Cut out the cheese

After the patties are cooked through, using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the cheese. Place the cheese stars on top of the hot patties and let the cheese melt for 30 seconds.

Step 5: Assemble the krabby patties

Spread the aioli from the first step over the bottom half of the buns. Place the hamburgers on top, followed by lettuce, onions, tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and pickles. Close it with the top bun, serve, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Best Krabby Patty

• Mix the meat thoroughly—but don’t overwork it. Whether you're using a spoon or your hands (gloves on if you prefer), make sure the seasoning is fully distributed throughout the ground beef. Mixing just until combined helps the patties stay tender instead of dense.
• Shape the patties with care. Form your burger patties evenly—about ½ inch thick—and press a small indent in the center with your thumb. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle.
• Use star-shaped cheese for the full Krabby Patty effect. In true Bikini Bottom style, Krabby Patties come with a slice of star-shaped cheese. You can cut regular American or Swiss cheese into a star shape using kitchen shears or a cookie cutter—or keep it simple with a classic square slice.
• Don’t skip the sauce—it’s the secret formula. The seasoned aioli (aka your secret sauce) ties everything together. It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with flavor. If you're short on time, plain mayo or tartar sauce will work, but the full sauce recipe is what really gives it Krusty Krab vibes.
• Want some heat? Add hot sauce to the special sauce. For a spicy Krabby Patty, mix a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne into the aioli. It gives the burger a kick without overpowering the classic flavor.
• Toast your buns for texture. A quick toast on a skillet or grill adds that extra layer of crunch and prevents the bun from getting soggy once you add your patty and sauce.
• Assemble with intention. The cartoon version is all about layers—lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, patty, cheese, and sauce. Layering everything in the right order ensures each bite hits all the right notes.

What To Serve With Krabby Patties

Krabby patties served with a side make the perfect meal! Below are some of my favorite side dishes to pair with a delicious krabby patty:

• McDonald's French Fries - Crispy, salty, and golden, these fries give off total fast food energy.
• Mac and cheese without milk - Creamy and rich without needing dairy on hand.
• Taco Bell Nacho Fries - Spicy, seasoned, and made for dipping.
• Air Fryer Potato Wedges - Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and super easy to make.

FAQS About This Krabby Patty Recipe

What is a Krabby Patty made of?

A krabby patty is made of seasoned ground beef and homemade aioli for the secret sauce. It's then assembled with hamburger buns, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and pickles.

What is the correct Krabby Patty ingredient order?

According to the show, the classic order is: bottom bun, secret sauce, patty, lettuce, cheese, onion, tomato, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and then the top bun. Following this build helps recreate the cartoon look and flavor profile.

What does a Krabby Patty taste like? 

It's savory, juicy, and full of flavor, thanks to the seasoned beef and the rich, creamy sauce. It’s slightly sweet, a little tangy, and totally crave-worthy—basically, everything you want in a burger.

Is a Krabby Patty real or made up?

While Krabby Patties are fictional, this recipe is a real-world version inspired by the show. It's as close as you can get to unlocking the Krabby Patty secret formula at home. Making it at home is everything you wished you could do as a kid! 

Can I make this with a different protein?

Yes! You can swap the beef for turkey, chicken, or a plant-based patty and still use the same toppings and sauce. The flavors work well with all kinds of proteins.

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