Seared Smash Burger with Bacon & Cheese | Arteflame

Introduction

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a loose ball of beef hits a screaming hot surface. The immediate sizzle, the aroma of rendering fat, and the promise of that lacy, deep-brown crust define the perfect burger experience. This Ultimate Smash Burger with Bacon and Cheese captures that nostalgic diner vibe right in your own backyard. It is juicy, messy in the best way possible, and packed with smoky, savory goodness that makes your mouth water before the first bite.

Why I Love This Dish

I turn to this recipe whenever I need a guaranteed win. It is faster than ordering takeout and tastes infinitely better. The beauty lies in the smashing technique, which creates maximum surface area for the Maillard reaction—that fancy term for delicious browning. It’s a low-effort meal that delivers high-impact flavor, making it perfect for spontaneous family dinners or hosting friends on the patio.

Tips for Success

• Keep it Cold: Keep your ground beef refrigerated until the very last second. Cold fat hitting a hot surface is the secret to a juicy interior.
• Loose Pack: Do not overwork the meat. Form the balls loosely so the texture remains tender rather than dense like a hockey puck.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different profile, swap the American cheese for a slice of sharp Cheddar or Swiss. For a non-red meat option, ground turkey (93/7 blend) works, provided you use plenty of butter or oil on the griddle to compensate for the lower fat content.

Ingredients

For the Smash Burgers

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
• 4 slices American cheese
• 4 burger buns
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for the griddle)

For the Bacon

• 8 slices thick-cut bacon

Optional Toppings

• Sliced pickles
• Sliced onions
• Lettuce
• Ketchup, mustard, or preferred sauces

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Preheat your griddle or skillet to medium heat.
2. Lay out the bacon strips and cook until crispy.
3. Remove and place on paper towels to drain.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

1. Divide the ground beef into four loose, equal balls.
2. Do not compress; keep the meat airy for better crust formation.

Step 3: Smash and Season

1. Increase heat to medium-high and add butter or oil.
2. Place beef balls on the hot surface and smash each firmly with a spatula.
3. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Add Cheese

1. Cook patties until edges crisp, about 1–2 minutes.
2. Flip and immediately top with American cheese.
3. Cook another minute until melted.

Step 5: Assemble the Burgers

1. Toast buns lightly on the griddle.
2. Stack patties, add two slices of bacon per burger, and finish with toppings.

Tips

Creating a perfectly crispy yet juicy smash burger is all about heat, timing, and simplicity. Keep the beef cold until it hits the griddle so the fats render properly and create that signature crust. Avoid overworking or tightly packing the beef—loose meat smashes best and cooks evenly. Make sure your griddle is hot enough before smashing; this guarantees browning without steaming. Toasting the buns is optional but adds great texture. Finally, layering cheese immediately after flipping ensures fast melting and even coverage.

Variations

This smash burger is endlessly customizable depending on your taste. Whether you enjoy spicy toppings or crave a more gourmet twist, these variations make it easy to experiment without changing the cooking method. Use them to create your own signature burger or to suit different flavor preferences when cooking for a crowd.

• Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss instead of American cheese.
• Swap bacon for grilled mushrooms or onions.
• Top with a fried egg for an indulgent breakfast burger.
• Use brioche buns for a richer flavor.

Best pairings

A great smash burger becomes even better with the right sides and drinks. Classic pairings like fries or coleslaw bring balance, while crisp drinks help cut through the richness of the beef and bacon. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or cooking a quick dinner, choose pairings that enhance the smoky, savory flavor of the burger.

• Classic French fries or sweet potato fries
• Crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad
• Pickle spears for acidity
• Iced tea, lemonade, or light beers

Conclusion

This ultimate smash burger with bacon and cheese combines simple ingredients with bold flavor, making it a go-to recipe for any burger lover. With just a few steps and minimal cooking time, you can achieve a restaurant-style crust and irresistible melty cheese right at home.

Whether you're cooking on a griddle, grill top, or cast-iron skillet, this recipe delivers consistent results and endless opportunities for customization. Try it once, and it may become your new signature burger.