What Comes on a Famous Star with Cheese?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

First introduced in 1982, the Famous Star with Cheese is a classic menu item from Carl's Jr. and its sister chain, Hardee's. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of what comes on a Famous Star with Cheese, from the bun to the signature sauce, revealing the components that make it a beloved burger.

Quick Summary

The Famous Star with Cheese is a charbroiled beef patty with melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, mayo, and Carl's Jr.'s special sauce on a toasted bun.

Key Points

Charbroiled Patty: The Famous Star with Cheese features a signature smoky, all-beef charbroiled patty.
Melted American Cheese: A classic slice of American cheese is melted directly onto the patty.
Fresh Toppings: It comes loaded with fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, sliced onions, and tangy dill pickles.
Secret Special Sauce: The burger is known for its distinct special sauce, often replicated as a mix of mayo, ketchup, and relish.
Seeded Bun: All components are held together on a toasted sesame seed bun, providing a nutty flavor and sturdy texture.
Standard Components: The full list includes a charbroiled beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, sliced yellow onions, dill pickles, Special Sauce, and mayonnaise on a seeded bun.

A Closer Look at the Famous Star with Cheese

For decades, the Famous Star with Cheese has been a cornerstone of the Carl's Jr. and Hardee's menus. Known for its flame-grilled flavor, fresh vegetables, and distinctive sauces, this burger offers a compelling combination that keeps customers coming back. While the core recipe remains consistent, minor variations can be found between the chains and their regional menus, all contributing to its iconic status in the fast-food world.

The Foundational Ingredients

At the heart of the Famous Star with Cheese are several key components that form its classic flavor profile.

The Charbroiled Beef Patty

Unlike many fast-food competitors, Carl's Jr. is known for its charbroiled, all-beef patties. This cooking method imparts a signature flame-kissed, smoky flavor that is central to the burger's taste. The patty is cooked to a juicy finish, creating a rich and satisfying base for the toppings. The single Famous Star features one patty, while the Double Famous Star doubles the beefy goodness.

The Melted American Cheese

A slice of classic American cheese is melted over the hot patty, adding a creamy, savory layer that perfectly complements the charbroiled beef. The cheese provides a smooth, gooey texture that is essential for any great cheeseburger.

The Seeded Bun

The entire assembly is served on a toasted sesame seed bun, which adds a nutty, slightly crunchy texture that holds all the ingredients together. The toasting of the bun gives it a sturdy structure and warm flavor. Hardee's versions may use a potato bun.

Fresh and Tangy Toppings

What truly elevates the Famous Star is its array of fresh and tangy toppings, providing a crunchy, vibrant contrast to the rich meat and cheese.

Crisp Lettuce: A layer of fresh green lettuce adds a cool, crisp element.
Juicy Tomato: Sliced, ripe tomatoes provide a fresh and slightly acidic flavor.
Sliced Onions: Sliced yellow onions deliver a sharp, aromatic bite that cuts through the richness.
Dill Pickles: Sliced dill pickles introduce a salty, briny kick that is a hallmark of a classic burger.

The Signature Sauces

Two creamy sauces tie the Famous Star together, with one being particularly secretive.

Creamy Mayonnaise: A layer of mayonnaise on one of the buns adds a smooth, fatty texture and rich flavor.
Special Sauce: This proprietary condiment is what makes the Famous Star's flavor so distinctive. Copycat recipes suggest it's a blend of ketchup, mayonnaise, and sweet relish. The tangy, slightly sweet flavor is a key part of the burger's identity.

Comparison Table: Famous Star with Cheese vs. Western Bacon Cheeseburger


Ingredient	Famous Star with Cheese	Western Bacon Cheeseburger	Flavor Profile	Note
Patty	Charbroiled All-Beef	Charbroiled All-Beef	Smoky, beefy	Core ingredient
Cheese	Melted American Cheese	Melted American Cheese	Creamy, savory	Similar cheese
Bun	Toasted Seeded Bun	Toasted Seeded Bun	Classic, nutty	Can differ by location
Lettuce	Yes	Yes	Fresh, crisp	Both include fresh produce
Tomato	Yes	Yes	Juicy, acidic	Both include fresh produce
Onion	Yes, Sliced	Yes, Sliced	Sharp, aromatic	Both include fresh produce
Pickles	Yes, Dill	No	Salty, tangy	Distinct Famous Star element
Bacon	No	Yes, Two Strips	Smoky, salty	Western Bacon exclusive
Onion Rings	No	Yes	Crispy, savory	Western Bacon exclusive
Special Sauce	Yes	No	Tangy, creamy	Famous Star signature
Mayonnaise	Yes	No	Creamy, rich	Standard Famous Star topping
BBQ Sauce	No	Yes, Tangy	Sweet, smoky	Western Bacon signature

Variations Across the Chains

While Carl's Jr. and Hardee's offer the same fundamental burger, slight differences can emerge. For instance, Hardee's website mentions a Quarter Pound 100% Angus beef patty and a potato bun for their Famous Star versions, depending on the promotion or regional standard. The introduction of the Beyond Famous Star also added a plant-based option for those seeking a meat-free alternative, showcasing the brand's willingness to adapt.

Conclusion: The Sum of its Delicious Parts

Ultimately, the Famous Star with Cheese is more than just a list of ingredients. It's a harmonious combination of textures and flavors, from the smoky charbroiled patty and melted cheese to the crisp lettuce and signature tangy special sauce. Every element works together to create a satisfying and memorable fast-food classic. This careful balance is what has cemented its place as an iconic burger on the menus of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's for decades.

Carl's Jr. Famous Star with Cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

The burger is topped with melted American cheese, which adds a creamy and savory flavor that complements the charbroiled beef patty.

While the exact recipe is a trade secret, copycat recipes suggest the special sauce is a blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet relish, giving it a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.

Yes, sliced dill pickles are a standard topping on the Famous Star with Cheese, providing a salty, briny kick.

While the base ingredients are very similar, there can be minor differences. Hardee's has offered a version with an Angus beef patty and on a potato bun, whereas Carl's Jr. standard uses a seeded bun.

Yes, Carl's Jr. has introduced variations over time. A notable one is the Beyond Famous Star, which features a plant-based patty for a meat-free option.

A Famous Star has a single charbroiled beef patty, while a Super Star features two charbroiled beef patties and two slices of cheese, making it a bigger, more substantial burger.

Yes, most fast-food restaurants, including Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, allow for customization. You can ask to have specific toppings, such as onions or pickles, removed from your order.