Ultimate Smash Burger Bacon Cheddar
A gourmet burger that combines juicy beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, enhanced with a chipotle kick, perfect for any occasion.
Ingrédients
Burger Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend) Use high-fat content for juiciness.
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled Make sure to cook until crispy.
- 1 minced chipotle pepper in adobo Adds a smoky kick.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing For the drizzle.
- 4 hamburger buns or Texas toast Choose based on preference.
- Bacon grease, as needed for cooking For added flavor and greasing the grill.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside, along with the minced chipotle pepper.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Carefully fold in the crumbled bacon and minced chipotle, ensuring you don’t over-mix to keep the meat tender.
Shaping Patties
- Gently shape the mixture into four loose balls without compressing them too much. Place the balls on a plate and chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.
Cooking
- Preheat a flat top grill or heavy skillet over high heat and lightly grease the cooking surface with bacon grease.
- Once the grill is hot, place each ball onto the surface and smash each one down firmly for about 10 to 15 seconds, creating thin, crispy edges. Season the exposed side lightly with salt and pepper.
- Allow the patties to cook undisturbed for 60 to 90 seconds until a crust forms on the bottom.
- Flip the patties, add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each, splash a little water around the patties, and cover briefly with a lid to help the cheese melt.
- While the burgers cook, whisk together the ranch dressing and smoked paprika in a separate bowl.
- Toast the hamburger buns or Texas toast on medium heat until golden and crisp.
Assembly
- Build the burgers by placing the cheesy patties onto the toasted buns and drizzle the smoky ranch dressing generously over them. Serve immediately.
Notes
Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For freezing, wrap cooked patties tightly and freeze for up to three months.