Get ready for a delicious treat with Thrilled Foodie Smash Burgers! These burgers are juicy, flavorful, and make dinner feel like a special occasion.
Cooking them is a blast, too! Just smash those patties on the hot grill, and watch them sizzle. Trust me, the crispy edges and juicy middle are irresistible!
I love serving them with melted cheese and your favorite toppings. It’s a fun and tasty way to spice up burger night with friends and family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use an 80/20 blend for a juicy burger. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat can work, but keep in mind the cooking time might vary.
Onions: Caramelized onions add a sweet touch. If you’re short on time, sautéed onions can be a quicker substitute, but they won’t have the same sweetness. I love making extra caramelized onions to use in other dishes!
Cheese: Goat cheese adds a creamy tang. Feta is similar and a bit firmer. If you prefer another flavor, try cheddar, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a different twist.
Buns: Brioche buns are my favorite for their soft texture. If you’re avoiding gluten, look for gluten-free buns or even lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
How Do You Get the Perfect Smash on Your Burgers?
Getting that perfect smash is key to juicy, flavorful burgers! It’s all about the technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is very hot before you smash. This helps create crispy edges quickly.
- Once you place the beef ball in the skillet, smash it down firmly but gently. You want a thin patty, but not a complete mush.
- Let it cook without moving it for 2-3 minutes. This not only develops flavor but helps it sear nicely.
- Flip it carefully, and don’t press down on the patty after this. You want to retain those juices inside!
By following these steps, you’ll achieve that golden brown crust while keeping the inside moist and delicious. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Thrilled Foodie Smash Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Buns:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or sesame-topped)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup caramelized onions (slow cooked until golden and sweet)
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or lettuce leaves, for garnish
For the Spicy Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or your favorite hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10-15 minutes of cooking. Overall, you can have delicious Thrilled Foodie Smash Burgers ready in just about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Skillet:
Start by preheating a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. This ensures your burgers will get that nice sear!
2. Make the Spicy Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sriracha, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This zesty sauce will amp up the flavor of your burgers. Set it aside for now.
3. Shape the Patties:
Loosely form the ground beef into 4 equal-sized balls. Remember not to overwork the meat – you want to keep it tender and juicy.
4. Toast the Buns:
Take the butter and lightly butter the insides of your hamburger buns. Place them in the hot skillet and toast until they are golden brown. Once toasted, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
5. Smash the Patties:
Place one beef ball on the hot skillet and immediately smash it down firmly using a spatula or a burger smasher to create a thin patty. Season it generously with salt and pepper.
6. Cook the Patties:
Let the patties cook without moving them for about 2-3 minutes until crispy edges form. Then, carefully flip them over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they’re fully cooked through.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Take the bottom toasted bun and spread a generous layer of crumbled goat cheese. Add some fresh parsley or your choice of lettuce to give it a nice crunch. Place the hot smash burger patty right on top.
8. Add the Sauce:
Spoon a good amount of the spicy mayo sauce over your burger patty for that creamy kick!
9. Top It Off:
Add a hearty amount of caramelized onions on top of the sauce, then complete your burger with the toasted top bun.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Thrilled Foodie Smash Burgers immediately with your favorite sides such as fries or chips. Dive in and enjoy the incredible blend of flavors with every bite!
This recipe encapsulates the joy of a smash burger: juicy patties, creamy and spicy sauce, tangy cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and fresh greens all snugly tucked into a soft golden bun. Happy cooking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based options for a lighter or vegetarian version. Just note that cooking times may vary depending on the meat you choose, so be sure to check for doneness.
How Do I Make Caramelized Onions Quickly?
For faster caramelized onions, slice them thinly and cook on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Adding a pinch of sugar can help speed up the caramelization process, bringing out a sweet flavor!
Can I Make Smash Burgers on the Grill Instead of a Skillet?
Yes, you can grill your smash burgers! Preheat your grill to high, then smash the patties directly on the grill grates. Just ensure you don’t flip them too soon to achieve that perfect crust.
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat the patties in a skillet to retain their juiciness, and assemble the burgers fresh just before eating.
