Description

This Irresistible Smash Burger recipe combines crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and caramelized onions on a toasted bun for a mouthwatering burger experience. Perfect for fans of bold flavors and juicy patties, this recipe shows you how to create thin, crispy-edged burger patties smashed on a hot grill, layered with smoky bacon and tangy BBQ sauce for a truly unforgettable homemade burger.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Burger Patties

1 pound Ground Beef (80/20) (For a leaner option, ground turkey can be used.)
1 teaspoon Salt (Kosher salt can improve texture.)
1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground is best for bold flavor.)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic can be used as a substitute.)
1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Optional if using fresh onions as topping.)
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Regular paprika can be used as a substitute.)
1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (High smoke point oils like canola work best.)

For the Toppings

4 slices Crispy Bacon (Omit for a vegetarian-friendly version.)
1 small Onion (sliced) (Red onions or shallots for milder taste.)
2 tablespoons Butter (Can substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free version.)
4 slices Cheddar Cheese (American cheese offers a classic experience.)
4 tablespoons BBQ Sauce (Use smoky variety or homemade for personal touch.)
4 buns Burger Buns (Toasted buns are recommended for serving.)

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Instructions

Prepare the seasoning: In a bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika thoroughly to create a flavorful spice mix for the patties.
Portion the meat: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions, each about 3 ounces, to ensure evenly sized thin patties ideal for smashing.
Cook the bacon: Preheat your flattop grill or griddle to medium heat and cook the bacon slices for 8 to 10 minutes until they reach crispy perfection; then set aside.
Caramelize the onions: Melt butter on the grill, add the sliced onions, season lightly with a pinch of salt, and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the onions become soft and caramelized.
Heat the grill for patties: Increase the grill temperature to high and grease the surface lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and develop crust.
Season and smash the patties: Sprinkle each beef portion with the prepared seasoning. Place each ball on the hot grill, cover with parchment paper, and using a heavy spatula or a burger press, smash the patties down into thin, even discs.
Grill the patties: Cook the smashed patties for about 2 minutes until the edges become crispy and browned. Flip each patty carefully to the other side.
Add BBQ sauce and cheese: Immediately brush the flipped patties generously with BBQ sauce and top each with a slice of cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt as the patties finish cooking, which should take another 1 to 2 minutes.
Assemble the burgers: If desired, stack two patties for a double burger. Place the patties on toasted burger buns, top with crispy bacon slices and caramelized onions, then serve hot.

Notes

Use parchment paper when smashing to prevent sticking and help achieve a perfectly thin patty.
You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner burger option.
To make the recipe vegetarian, omit bacon and use vegetarian cheese slices.
To toast buns, place them cut-side down on the grill or skillet until golden and crisp.
For enhanced smoky flavor, use smoked paprika and a smoky BBQ sauce.
Adjust the seasoning amounts based on personal taste preferences.