Description
This irresistible smash burger recipe features juicy, crispy-edged beef patties layered with melty cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and sweet caramelized onions. Perfectly seasoned and cooked on a flat-top grill, these burgers boast a rich, smoky flavor accented by a tangy BBQ sauce, making them an ultimate comfort food indulgence for burger lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Burger Patties
- 24 ounces ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 slices Cheddar cheese
Toppings and Additional Ingredients
- 8 strips bacon
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 small onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare seasoning blend: In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to create a flavorful seasoning mix for the beef and vegetables.
- Form beef balls: Divide the ground beef into eight 3-ounce balls, rolling them gently to maintain shape without compacting them too tightly to keep the patties juicy.
- Cook bacon: Preheat your flat-top grill to medium heat. Fry the bacon strips on the grill for about 8-10 minutes until crispy. Transfer cooked bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Caramelize onions: Add butter to the grill and let it melt completely. Toss in the thinly sliced onions and season lightly with some of the seasoning blend. Stir occasionally and cook for 8-10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and sweet.
- Prepare grill for searing: Increase the grill temperature to high and lightly coat the surface with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and promote a perfect sear on the patties.
- Season beef balls: Sprinkle the remaining seasoning blend evenly over the beef balls, ensuring every piece is well-coated for enhanced flavor.
- Place beef balls on grill: Position the seasoned beef balls on the hot grill and let them rest momentarily to begin cooking.
- Smash the patties: Using parchment paper and a heavy weight or spatula, press each beef ball down firmly until flattened thin. Focus on pushing out the edges to create a crispy, lacy texture.
- Cook first side: Season the smashed patties again briefly and cook them until the edges turn dark and lacy, approximately 2 minutes, creating a caramelized crust.
- Flip and add cheese & sauce: Using a scraper, flip each patty over. Immediately brush the top with BBQ sauce and top with a slice of Cheddar cheese. Cook an additional 2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Build double stacks: If desired, layer a second cooked patty atop the first, repeating the cheese and sauce application for a double-stacked burger packed with flavor.
- Assemble and serve: Remove the patties from the grill. Serve them hot, piled high with crispy bacon and caramelized onions on your favorite buns for an unforgettable smash burger experience.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal juiciness and flavor.
- Parchment paper helps prevent the patties from sticking to the pressing weight.
- Customize your BBQ sauce to suit your personal taste preference.
- For crispier edges, press the patties thin and cook on a very hot flat-top or cast iron skillet.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the melted cheese and sizzling bacon at their best.
