Description
This irresistible Smash Burger recipe delivers crispy-edged, juicy patties layered with melty cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and sweet caramelized onions, all sandwiched between toasted buns. Perfect for burger lovers seeking that perfect balance of smoky, savory, and buttery flavors made on a flattop grill.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Patty Seasoning
- 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)
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20) (For a leaner option, ground turkey can be used)
- 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)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (High smoke point oils like canola work best)
- 4 tablespoons BBQ Sauce (Use smoky variety or homemade for personal touch)
- 4 buns Burger Buns (Toasted buns are recommended for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare seasoning mix: In a bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to season the ground beef evenly.
- Divide the beef: Split the ground beef into 8 equal portions, approximately 3 ounces each, for thin smash patties.
- Cook the bacon: Preheat your flattop grill to medium heat. Place bacon slices on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until crispy and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Caramelize the onions: Melt butter on the same grill, add the sliced onions, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for about 8-10 minutes over medium heat until softened and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Prepare the grill for patties: Increase the grill temperature to high and grease with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and to achieve a perfect crust.
- Form and smash patties: Season each beef portion with the prepared seasoning mix. Place each portion on the hot grill. Using parchment paper and a heavy weight or spatula, smash the beef down into thin patties to get crispy edges.
- Grill the patties: Cook the patties for about 2 minutes until the edges become crispy and brown. Flip each patty carefully using a spatula.
- Add sauce and cheese: Once flipped, brush the cooked side with BBQ sauce and immediately top with a slice of cheddar cheese to melt while finishing cooking on the grill.
- Assemble burgers: Stack two patties if you prefer double burgers. Place the cheesy patties on toasted buns, then add crispy bacon slices and caramelized onions on top. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Use parchment paper when smashing the patties to prevent sticking and make smashing easier.
- For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey but expect less juiciness.
- American cheese melts more smoothly if you want an even creamier texture.
- Toast your buns on the grill after cooking patties for enhanced flavor and texture.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use plant-based cheese alternatives.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and add fresh garlic or onion for stronger flavor profiles.
