Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Smash Burger recipe. This burger is all about the crispy edges and juicy interior, achieved by smashing the beef patties on a hot grill. Topped with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and melted cheddar cheese, these burgers are a delicious treat for any occasion. Simply season the ground beef, smash it on the grill, and add your favorite toppings. Perfect for family meals or gatherings with friends, this Smash Burger is sure to be a hit. Serve immediately with your choice of buns and enjoy the ultimate burger experience.
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Smash Burger recipe. This burger is all about the crispy edges and juicy interior, achieved by smashing the beef patties on a hot grill. Topped with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and melted cheddar cheese, these burgers are a delicious treat for any occasion.
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle garlic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth to the seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a smoky, slightly sweet flavor.
- 24 ounces ground beef (80/20): The perfect ratio of fat to meat for juicy burgers.
- 8 strips bacon: Cooked until crispy for added crunch and flavor.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Used for caramelizing the onions.
- 4 small onions, thinly sliced: Caramelized for a sweet and savory topping.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For greasing the grill.
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce: Adds a tangy, sweet flavor to the burgers.
- 8 slices Cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly over the hot patties.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a small bowl, stir together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Step 2:
- Portion the ground beef into 3-ounce sections and roll them into balls. You will have 8 portions.
- Step 3:
- Preheat your flat-top grill to medium. Cook the bacon until crispy, 8-10 minutes. Place on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Step 4:
- Add the butter to the grill and let it melt.
- Step 5:
- Add the onions and toss to coat in the butter. Season with about ¼ of the seasoning mixture. Toss with a spatula frequently until they wilt and begin to brown, about 8-10 minutes. Take off the heat.
- Step 6:
- Turn up the heat to high and grease the flattop with the oil.
- Step 7:
- Season the balls of meat with some of the seasoning mixture on the top.
- Step 8:
- Place the balls, seasoning side down onto the grill.
- Step 9:
- Using a piece of parchment paper and a weight, smash each ball down as thin as you can, really concentrating on the edges.
- Step 10:
- Season this side after smashing. Allow to cook until the meat looks lacey and browns around the edges, about 2 minutes.
- Step 11:
- Using a scraper, scrape under the patty and flip it over.
- Step 12:
- Brush this side with the BBQ sauce. Immediately add a slice of cheese. Continue to cook until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
- Step 13:
- For doubles, stack one patty on top of another.
- Step 14:
- Take off the grill and serve immediately with the bacon, and onions on the buns of your choice.
Serving and Storage Tips
Smash Burgers are best enjoyed fresh off the grill to savor the crispy edges and juicy center. Serve them on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, and extra BBQ sauce. To store any leftovers, wrap the patties individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the burgers in a hot skillet or on a grill to maintain their crispy texture.
Helpful Notes
For the best results, use 80/20 ground beef, as the fat content helps achieve a juicy and flavorful patty. Caramelizing the onions in butter adds a rich, sweet flavor that complements the savory beef. Using a flat-top grill or a heavy skillet is essential for getting the perfect sear on the burgers. According to expert chefs, smashing the burgers with parchment paper and a weight helps to create the thin, crispy edges that are the hallmark of a great smash burger. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and toppings to create your perfect burger.