If you’re craving a burger that hits every note—from crispy edges and juicy beef to melty cheese and smoky bacon—you’ve landed in the right place. This Irresistible Smash Burger with Crispy Bacon and Melty Cheese Recipe comes packed with bold flavors and textures that make every bite feel like a celebration. Perfectly seasoned patties, sweet caramelized onions, that unbeatable crunch from bacon, and gooey cheddar combine to feel like a cozy, delicious hug for your taste buds. It’s a simple recipe that delivers a gourmet burger experience right in your own kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward but impactful ingredients—each one chosen to bring out the best in your smash burger. From the juicy 80/20 ground beef base to the smoky bacon and melty cheddar, every element adds something special to create a balanced and unforgettable burger.
- 24 ounces ground beef (80/20): Perfect for juicy, flavorful patties with crispy edges every time.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors; sea salt brings a nice little pop.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick; fresh ground is best for brightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Deepens the savory profile; fresh minced garlic works if you prefer.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Balances the beef with a subtle aroma and sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a hint of smokiness; regular paprika is a fine substitute.
- 8 strips bacon: For that crunchy texture and smoky, salty flavor explosion.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Helps caramelize onions to a rich golden brown.
- 4 small onions, thinly sliced: Sweetens deliciously as they cook; yellow onions shine here.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Prevents sticking and ensures a perfect sear on the grill.
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce: Elevates the whole flavor profile with a tangy, smoky kick.
- 8 slices Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that creamy, dreamy finish.
How to Make Irresistible Smash Burger with Crispy Bacon and Melty Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Create the Seasoning Blend
Start off by mixing the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. This blend is going to infuse the beef with layers of flavor, ensuring your patties have that irresistible savory kick.
Step 2: Shape Your Beef
Divide your ground beef into eight 3-ounce balls. Roll them gently to maintain their texture—overworking the meat can make your burger dense, so keep it light and easy for juicy results.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Heat your flat-top grill to medium and add your bacon strips. Fry them for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re wonderfully crispy. Once done, drain them on paper towels to soak up excess grease but keep all that crunch and smoky goodness.
Step 4: Caramelize the Onions
Add the butter to the grill and let it melt, filling your kitchen with rich, buttery aroma. Toss in your thinly sliced onions, season lightly with some of your seasoning blend, and stir gently until they soften and turn a luscious golden brown. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes and is where the sweetness shines.
Step 5: Get Ready to Smash
Turn your grill heat up to high and brush the surface with vegetable oil. This prevents sticking and creates those perfect crispy edges everyone loves in a smash burger.
Step 6: Season the Beef Balls
Sprinkle the remaining seasoning blend evenly over your beef balls. This second layer of seasoning ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 7: Press and Cook
Place the beef balls on the hot grill and let them sit for a moment. Then, using parchment paper and a weight, press each ball down firmly until it’s thin, focusing on spreading the edges out so they get extra crispy and lacey. This technique is the magic behind the “smash” in smash burger!
Step 8: Flip and Finish
Season your newly flattened patties one more time, then cook until the edges turn a beautiful dark brown, about 2 minutes. Use a scraper to flip, brush the top side with BBQ sauce, and immediately place a slice of cheddar on each patty. Let the cheese melt and the sauce bubble for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 9: Stack and Serve
For an extra indulgent burger, layer a second cheesy patty on top of the first. Then, remove from the grill and assemble right away, piling on your crispy bacon and sweet caramelized onions between your favorite buns for the full Irresistible Smash Burger with Crispy Bacon and Melty Cheese Recipe experience.
How to Serve Irresistible Smash Burger with Crispy Bacon and Melty Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
The classic way to crown these burgers is with crispy bacon and caramelized onions, but feel free to add fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, or even pickles for extra crunch and freshness. A little extra BBQ sauce on the side can never hurt when you want to dip or drizzle!
Side Dishes
This burger loves compañĂa. Try pairing it with seasoned fries, crispy onion rings, or a fresh kale salad to balance the richness with a little crunch and greenery. Coleslaw is also a fantastic side that complements the smokiness and sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn these burgers into sliders for parties or serve them open-faced on toasted artisan bread. You can also go bunless and serve over a bed of greens for a low-carb option, keeping all the flavor and satisfaction intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any burgers left, wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining much of that fresh-cooked goodness.
Freezing
This Irresistible Smash Burger with Crispy Bacon and Melty Cheese Recipe can be frozen before assembly. Store cooked patties and bacon separately in freezer bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat to crisp up the edges again, and warm bacon gently in the microwave or a pan. Toast the buns lightly, then assemble and enjoy as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! American, Swiss, or pepper jack all work beautifully and melt well. Each offers a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
What if I don’t have a flat-top grill?
No worries! You can use a heavy skillet or cast iron pan on your stove. It will still give you great searing and allow you to press the patties effectively.
Is it okay to use leaner ground beef?
You can, but 80/20 is ideal because the fat content helps keep the patties juicy and forms those signature crispy edges. Leaner beef might end up drier.
How do I prevent the patties from sticking to the grill?
Coat the grilling surface with vegetable oil and make sure it’s fully hot before adding the beef. Resist flipping too soon to allow a crust to form, which naturally releases the patty from the surface.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap butter for olive oil when caramelizing onions and use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. Your burger will still be packed with flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistible Smash Burger with Crispy Bacon and Melty Cheese Recipe is truly one of those classic comfort foods that never gets old. It’s approachable, fun to make, and absolutely delicious every single time. If you’re ready to make a burger that your friends and family rave about, then dive into this recipe and enjoy the magic of perfect smash burgers with crisp bacon and that gorgeous cheese melt. You’ll be glad you did!
Print
Irresistible Smash Burger with Crispy Bacon and Melty Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 double-stack burgers)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Irresistible Smash Burger recipe features juicy, crispy-edged beef patties topped with crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and sweet caramelized onions. Cooked on a flat-top grill, these flavorful burgers are seasoned with a smoky spice blend and finished with a tangy BBQ sauce for a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any burger lover.
Ingredients
Burger Patties and Seasoning
- 24 ounces ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 slices Cheddar cheese
Toppings
- 8 strips bacon
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 small onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Make the seasoning blend: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to create a flavorful seasoning mix that will enhance the beef.
- Form the beef balls: Divide the ground beef into eight equal 3-ounce portions and gently roll each into balls without overworking the meat, preserving juiciness.
- Cook the bacon: Preheat a flat-top grill to medium heat. Fry the bacon strips until they are crispy, about 8-10 minutes, then transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Caramelize the onions: Add butter to the grill and allow it to melt. Toss in the thinly sliced onions, season lightly with some of the spice blend, and cook while stirring occasionally until the onions are golden brown and sweet, about 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare the grill for searing: Increase the grill temperature to high and brush the surface with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and ensure perfect searing.
- Season the beef balls: Sprinkle the remaining seasoning blend evenly over the beef balls, coating all sides for maximum flavor.
- Place and smash the patties: Position the seasoned beef balls on the hot grill and let them rest briefly. Using parchment paper and a pressing weight, smash each ball down to thin patties, focusing on creating crispy edges.
- Season and cook the patties: Lightly season the smashed patties again. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the edges are dark and lacy, indicating a crisp exterior.
- Flip and add cheese: Use a scraper to carefully flip each patty. Brush with BBQ sauce and immediately top with cheddar cheese slices. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional double stack: For extra indulgence, layer a second cheese-topped patty on each bottom patty as desired.
- Assemble and serve: Remove the patties from the grill. Build your smash burgers by piling crispy bacon and caramelized onions on toasted buns, then adding the smashed beef patties. Serve hot for an unforgettable burger experience.
Notes
- Use parchment paper when smashing the patties to prevent sticking and to create even, thin shapes.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to taste, especially salt and spices.
- For a smokier flavor, consider smoked paprika or adding a dash of liquid smoke to the ground beef mixture.
- Butter caramelized onions can be made ahead and reheated before assembling burgers.
- Choose high-quality cheddar for best melting and flavor results.
