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Garlic Butter Smash Burgers

Crispy, juicy smash burgers topped with melted American cheese, savory bacon, and a rich homemade garlic butter glaze. The ultimate indulgent comfort food ready in under 30 minutes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Burgers
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 850
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Garlic Butter
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cloves garlic minced finely
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Burgers
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 fat ratio
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 8 slices bacon cooked crispy
  • 4 brioche buns
  • 1 tbsp oil neutral oil for frying
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet or griddle
  • Heavy spatula or burger press
  • Small mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Divide cold ground beef into 4-8 loose balls. Do not pack tightly. Keep cold.
  3. Fry bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. Lightly toast brioche buns with a smear of the garlic butter. Set aside.
  5. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Add a splash of oil.
  6. Place beef balls in skillet and immediately smash flat with a heavy spatula to under 1/2 inch thickness.
  7. Season heavily with salt and pepper. Sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until crust forms.
  8. Scrape under patties to keep crust intact, flip, and immediately top with cheese.
  9. Cook 1 minute until cheese melts. Stack patties if making doubles.
  10. Assemble burgers on buns with bacon and an extra smear of garlic butter. Serve hot.

Notes

Ensure your pan is smoking hot to get the lacy crust. Do not overcrowd the pan.