Bbq Bacon Smash Burger Recipe

Cook 4 bacon slices until crisp. Drain on paper towels and finely chop once cooled. Reserve a small pinch for garnish if desired.

In a bowl combine 1 lb ground Angus beef, chopped cooked bacon, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with your hands just until combined — avoid overworking the meat to keep burgers tender.

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions for thin smash patties (about 4 oz each) or 2 portions for larger patties. Form loose balls, handling minimally.

Preheat

Heat a cast-iron griddle or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot (about 5 minutes). Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and spread to coat.

Place one meat ball on the hot griddle and immediately press down firmly with a metal spatula or burger press to a thin patty (~1/4-inch thick). Season the top with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. Repeat, leaving space between patties. Work in batches if needed.

Cook without moving 2–3 minutes until deeply browned and edges are crisp. Flip and add a small pat (about 1/2 tablespoon) of butter to the top of each patty to melt in while the second side cooks, 1–2 minutes more for doneness. If using extra patties, stack or cook additional patties the same way.

If you want cheese melted on top in addition to the cheese mixed into the patty, add an extra thin slice of cheddar after flipping and cover the pan briefly (30–45 seconds) to melt.

While patties cook, in a separate skillet over medium heat cook 4 slices Applewood smoked bacon until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Lightly toast burger buns: melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter (or use same skillet) and toast cut sides of buns 30–60 seconds until golden.

On the bottom bun place lettuce (if using) and any pickles. Put one or two smash patties on top (if you used two patties per burger, stack them). Spoon about 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce over the patties.

Top with two slices of the cooked Applewood smoked bacon and an onion ring. If you reserved chopped bacon for garnish, sprinkle a pinch over the sauce for extra bacon flavor.

Place the top bun and serve immediately while hot and juicy.

To add an extra patty: cook an additional patty the same way and stack on the burger. Price note: extra patty typically priced at +3.99 each.