Bold Smash Burger with Bacon

This ultimate smash burger with bacon and cheddar is designed to bring that perfect balance of bold smoky flavors and crispy texture to your kitchen. It’s all about nailing that iconic flat top grill technique that locks in juiciness while creating irresistibly crispy edges. This recipe is ideal when you want a restaurant-quality burger experience that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

I first made this on a weekend when craving something substantial and now it’s become a go-to whenever friends come over because everyone loves that crispy edge and cheesy melt combination

Ingredients

• Ground beef: One pound of 80/20 ensures juicy and flavorful patties thanks to the right fat content
• Bacon: Four slices of cooked and crumbled bacon bring smoky crunch and depth, choose thick-cut for best texture
• Chipotle pepper: One minced chipotle pepper in adobo adds smokiness and heat, adjust to taste but be cautious as it can be spicy
• Garlic powder: One teaspoon gives an aromatic base without overpowering the beef
• Salt and pepper: Seasoned generously to highlight the beef’s natural flavor, fresh coarse salt is best
• Cheddar cheese: Four slices for melty sharpness that pairs perfectly with bacon
• Buns: Four hamburger buns or Texas toast, opt for sturdy bread that can hold up to juicy patties
• Ranch dressing: Half a cup mixed with smoked paprika makes a creamy smoky drizzle that complements the burger
• Smoked paprika: One teaspoon adds subtle warmth and smoke, try Spanish smoked paprika if available
• Bacon grease: Used for cooking to intensify flavor, save from frying bacon or substitute with butter for a milder taste
• Optional ingredients: Ranch seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, or BBQ beef rub to customize the flavor profile

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Flavors Together:

Mix the ground beef in a large bowl with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the crumbled bacon and minced chipotle pepper and fold everything gently to combine without overworking the meat. Be delicate to ensure tender patties.

Shape and Chill:

Divide and loosely shape the mixture into four balls. Chill them in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to help them keep their shape during cooking. This step is crucial for preventing the patties from falling apart when smashed.

Heat Up the Grill:

Preheat your flat top grill or cast iron griddle to high heat. Once hot, season the surface lightly with reserved bacon grease to add flavor and prevent sticking.

Smash and Season:

Place each ball of beef on the hot surface and immediately smash down firmly with a heavy spatula or press. Hold the pressure for 10 to 15 seconds to create those crispy, craggy edges. Lightly season the exposed side with salt and pepper while cooking for about 60 to 90 seconds without moving. Avoid flipping too soon.

Flip and Melt Cheese:

Turn over the patties and quickly top each with a slice of cheddar cheese. Add a splash of water around them and cover briefly to steam the cheese, ensuring even melting without drying out the meat.

Toast the Bread:

Meanwhile, toast your hamburger buns or Texas toast on a medium heat zone until golden and slightly crisp for a perfect contrast to the juicy patty.

Assemble and Dress:

Stack the melted cheese burger onto the toasted bun and drizzle the smoky ranch sauce made by whisking ranch dressing with smoked paprika over the top for an irresistible finish. Serve hot with crispy fries or tangy slaw.

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Storage Tips

You can store cooked burger patties in the refrigerator for up to five days by wrapping them tightly in foil or placing them in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the cooked patties for up to five months and thaw completely before reheating. Avoid assembling burgers before storing to keep buns from getting soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have chipotle peppers, smoked paprika alone can provide good smokiness, or try a dash of liquid smoke for depth. For those avoiding pork bacon, turkey bacon works though the smoky bacon flavor will be milder. You can swap cheddar with other melting cheeses like American or pepper jack for a different twist.

Serving Suggestions

This burger shines when paired with classic crispy fries or a fresh crunchy slaw to offset the richness. Pickles add a nice tangy bite and sliced red onions add crunch and bite. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a simple mixed green salad and baked potato wedges.

Cultural Context

Smash burgers originated as a practical technique in American diners to increase the surface area of the patty for maximum caramelization and texture. Adding bacon and chipotle brings a smoky southwestern flair that elevates the classic while staying true to the roots of bold, hearty flavors beloved in American grilling culture.

Pro Tips

• Make sure to use fresh bacon grease for cooking to boost flavor and prevent sticking
• Do not skip chilling the meat balls to ensure your patties hold together and smash properly
• Use a heavy flat spatula or press for smashing to create thin crispy edges like restaurant burgers

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of beef blend works best for smashing burgers?

An 80/20 ground beef blend provides optimal fat content for juicy, flavorful patties that crisp beautifully when smashed.

→ Why is chilling the formed balls important before cooking?

Chilling helps the patties maintain their shape during the smashing process, preventing them from falling apart on the grill.

→ How do you achieve crispy edges on smash burgers?

Pressing the meat firmly and immediately on a very hot flat top grill creates that signature thin, crispy crust on each patty.

→ What role does bacon grease play in cooking?

Using bacon grease adds rich, smoky flavor and helps prevent the patties from sticking to the grill surface.

→ How is the cheddar cheese melted evenly on the burgers?

A splash of water and covering the patties briefly steams the cheese, ensuring it melts smoothly without drying out.

→ Can I substitute Texas toast for the buns?

Yes, toasting Texas toast adds a buttery, sturdy base that complements the smoky, juicy burger perfectly.