Description

Welcome to the delicious world of burgers! Today, we're diving into a classic American favorite that takes the humble hamburger to extraordinary new heights: the Bacon BBQ Smash Burger. This dish is a bold celebration of flavors, textures, and aromas that brings together juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, gooey melted American cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce, all nestled between soft and toasted burger buns. Just envision the sizzling sound of the beef hitting the hot skillet and the irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen.

The smash burger technique is key here, where the patties are pressed down to create a beautifully caramelized crust. Each bite bursts with juicy meatiness, while the complementary toppings add layers of flavor that make this burger truly special. Perfect for backyard barbecues, casual cookouts, or a cozy dinner at home, it's a recipe that will impress your friends and family without requiring a culinary degree.

This dish is simple enough for novice cooks while still exciting for seasoned grill masters, striking the ideal balance between comfort food and culinary adventure. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to treat your taste buds to a smoky, savory experience that you won’t soon forget!

Ingredients

• Before you embark on your burger-making journey, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
• For the Burgers:
• Ground beef (80/20) - 2 lbs
• American cheese slices - 8
• Burger buns (brioche or sesame) - 4
• Bacon strips - 8, cooked until crispy
• For the Seasoning and Toppings:
• BBQ sauce - 1/2 cup
• Butter - 2 tbsp (for buns)
• Salt and pepper - to taste
• Optional Enhancements:
• While the classic version of this burger is mouthwatering as it stands, feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are some suggestions:
• - Spiced Up Meat: Enhance the ground beef mix with garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite burger seasoning.
• - Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for a unique cheese experience.
• - Toppings Galore: Consider adding pickles, grilled onions, jalapeños, or even a fried egg for an extra kick.
• - Alternative Sauces: Swap out the BBQ sauce for sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or even a garlic aioli for a different flavor profile.

Preparation Method

Ready to get cooking? Let's walk through the process of making these mouthwatering Bacon BBQ Smash Burgers.

First, start by dividing your ground beef into portions. For each burger patty, shape the ground beef into 2 oz balls. If you’re using a kitchen scale, it's incredibly easy to get the measurements just right. You should aim for about eight beef balls for this recipe.

Next, you'll want to prepare your cooking surface. A cast-iron skillet is the best choice for this recipe, as it retains heat exceptionally well and helps create that perfect crust on your burgers. Preheat your skillet to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get a good sear but not so hot that the burgers burn too quickly.

Once the skillet is ready, carefully add the beef balls to the pan, leaving enough space between them to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of searing. Now it’s time to use your trusty spatula! Smash each meatball flat into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. The goal here is to encourage the Maillard reaction—this allows for that beautiful caramelized crust, enhancing flavor and texture.

As you smash each patty, season generously with salt and pepper. This is where a significant amount of flavor comes through, so don’t be shy! Cook the patties for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know they are ready to flip when the edges start turning a nice brown color, and you can easily slide a spatula underneath.

Once the patties have developed that gorgeous crust, it’s time to flip them over. After flipping, add 1 slice of American cheese onto each patty. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more! Cover the skillet with a lid for 1 to 2 minutes to help the cheese melt thoroughly. While you’re waiting, the aroma of bubbling cheese and sizzling beef should start making your mouth water!

Now it's time to toast the buns. Take your burger buns and spread a little butter on the insides. You can do this in the same skillet after removing the patties or in a separate pan. Place the buns butter-side down on the skillet and toast them until they are a lovely golden brown. This simple step adds flavor and ensures your bun holds up beautifully against the juicy burger.

Once everything is cooked and ready, it’s time to assemble your burgers. On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place one cheesy beef patty. Then, take your crispy bacon strips and layer them on top—who doesn’t love the sound of bacon crackling? Drizzle your favorite BBQ sauce generously over the bacon and burger. Add the top bun to finish it off and give yourself a moment to admire your creation.

For a truly dramatic presentation, serve the burgers open-faced on a platter. You can drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce for those who like extra flavor.

Tips and Conclusion

If you have leftovers (which is a rare occurrence with these beauties), store the uneaten patties and toppings separately in airtight containers. To reheat, place the patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, and toast the buns again briefly for that delightful crunch. For an easy side dish, consider whipping up a simple coleslaw or potato salad – both pair incredibly well with these BBQ smash burgers!
As you take that first mouthwatering bite of your Bacon BBQ Smash Burger, you’ll understand why this recipe deserves a special place in your cooking repertoire. The blend of flavors gives a nostalgic nod to backyard barbecues while allowing you to explore your culinary creativity. Each mouthful is a juicy experience filled with crispy textures from the bacon and the lovely tang of the BBQ sauce, making it impossible to resist reaching for another bite.

Whether you’re enjoying this meal with friends at a summer cookout or savoring it solo on a relaxing evening, there’s no denying the comfort and satisfaction this dish brings. If you loved this recipe, don't stop here! Explore our collection of gourmet recipes or check out our tips for perfecting your own burger creations. Don’t forget to share your homemade Bacon BBQ Smash Burger experience on social media! Let’s keep the love for cooking alive as you share not just this recipe, but also your passion for culinary adventures.