Crispy Ultimate Bacon Cheddar Smash Burger
A quick and easy smash burger recipe featuring crispy edges, smoky bacon, and melty sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 burgers (serves 3) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 soft hamburger buns (brioche recommended)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or high-smoke-point oil
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, mayo, mustard
- Optional seasonings: smoked paprika, garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until scorching hot. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and let it shimmer.
- Cook the thick-cut bacon slices in the skillet until crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels. Keep the bacon grease in the pan.
- Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions (about 3 oz / 85g each). Gently roll into loose balls without packing tightly.
- Season each beef ball with salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking.
- Place 2 beef balls at a time on the hot skillet. Using a spatula, press down firmly to flatten them to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness. Hold pressure for 10 seconds without moving them.
- Cook the patties untouched for 2-3 minutes until edges turn golden and crispy. Flip carefully.
- Immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty after flipping. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Toast the buns lightly in the skillet using the bacon grease.
- Assemble the burgers by layering the bottom bun with a patty, two slices of crispy bacon, optional toppings, and the top bun.
- Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, crispy edges. Press firmly and hold for 10 seconds to create a crust. Toast buns in bacon grease for extra flavor. For gluten-free, use lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns. Avoid moving patties too soon to ensure crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 45
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: smash burger, bacon cheddar burger, crispy burger, quick burger recipe, easy dinner, bacon burger, cheddar cheese, skillet burger