Jack in the Box’s Sourdough Jack has existed for almost 30 years. The combination of a beef patty, hickory smoked bacon, tomato, melted Swiss-style cheese, mayo, and ketchup on toasted sourdough bread is a satisfying savory bomb of a sandwich. But I believe I’ve tasted something better that uses the chain’s sourdough — the Sourdough Smashed Jack.
The menu item features a smashed beef patty, American cheese, pickles, grilled onions, and Jack’s Boss Sauce on toasted sourdough bread. It’s basically a Classic Smashed Jack, but with the brioche bun swapped for sourdough bread. There’s also a version that comes with a second patty and bacon.
My taste buds were tantalized by the Sourdough Smashed Jack because they enjoyed the tasty Boss Sauce, which isn’t a new condiment and debuted with the original Smashed Jack. Although the classic version came out in January, I missed tasting it because it quickly sold out. But when it came back on the menu, I was distracted by newer, younger products, so I just got around to trying a Smashed Jack now.
Anyhoo, back to the sauce. It’s the primary reason why the Sourdough Smashed Jack tastes excellent. Its sweet and tangy flavor is “secret sauce”-like, and it’s enhanced by the onions and pickles. The orange cheese slice helped prevent the pickles and onions from falling out and gave the burger a welcome savory kick. As for the beef patty, I think it was smashed, or maybe it’s just thin, but it didn’t have the crispy edges that smashed burgers are known for. Although its meatiness comes through, I kind of wish this had a second patty. The sourdough bread was buttery, but like I’ve experienced with other menu items that feature it, it doesn’t have a notable flavor.
Jack in the Box Sourdough Smashed Jack is one savory, tangy, and tasty boss of a sandwich, thanks to that Boss Sauce. But I imagine it’s not that different tasting than the equally priced Classic Smashed Jack.
Purchased Price: $9.79
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 690 calories. No other nutritional numbers are available on the Jack in the Box website or app.
That looks delish!! I wish we still had a Jack in the Box around here.
Meh, this seemed like an overpriced big cheeseburger to me and the smashing was barely noticeable. I’ll take the Sourdough Jack over this any day.