Apple Bacon Smash Burger
If you think you know what a great burger tastes like, these Apple Bacon Smash Burgers are about to change everything. It’s the most craveable sweet-and-savory combination you’ll ever sink your teeth into.
This Apple Bacon Smash Burger recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is guaranteed to be the most talked-about thing at your next cookout — no grill required! What takes this burger completely over the top is Fischer & Wieser Apple & Bacon Jam. It’s a rich, sweet-savory spread made with real bacon and apple that gets spooned generously right over the stack. It adds a depth of flavor that no condiment or sauce could replicate.
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Apple & Bacon Jam pairs perfectly with the crispy bacon and irresistible crispy, lacy edges that make smash burgers so addictive. Seasoned simply and covered with cheddar cheese, these burgers are going to become a new weeknight dinner fave! Make it a complete meal and pair it with Creamy Cucumber Salad and Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Like This Recipe
- Ultra-crispy smash technique — pressing the beef flat on a hot skillet creates deeply browned, caramelized edges that you just can’t get with a traditional thick burger.
- Sweet meets savory — the Fischer & Wieser Apple & Bacon Jam is the secret ingredient that takes this from great burger to unforgettable burger.
- No grill needed — a cast-iron skillet or griddle is all you need, so this is a year-round recipe no matter the weather.
- Fast and easy — from start to finish, these come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining.
Ingredients
Scroll down for specific ingredient amounts in the recipe card.
- 80/20 ground beef: The higher fat content is key for juicy, flavorful smash burgers with the best crispy edges. Don’t go leaner.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: A simple seasoning duo that adds savory depth without overpowering the beef.
- Brioche burger buns: Soft, slightly sweet brioche holds up to the juicy patty and rich jam without getting soggy.
- Salted butter: Used to toast the buns in the skillet for a golden, buttery finish.
- Bacon: Cooked until crispy, it adds crunch and smoky, salty flavor to every bite.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The bold flavor of sharp cheddar stands up to the richness of the beef and jam.
- Fischer & Wieser Apple & Bacon Jam: The star ingredient — a sweet, savory, deeply flavored jam with real bacon and apple that gets spooned right over the finished burger.
- Green leaf lettuce: Adds a fresh crunch and a little color to the burger build.
- Mayonnaise: Spread on the bottom bun for creaminess and to help the lettuce stay in place.
How to Make Apple Bacon Smash Burgers
- Preheat oven to 400℉. Place bacon a foil-lined sheet pan. Bake 18-22 minutes or until preferred crispiness. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain any excess grease.
- Heat a large skillet, cast-iron skillet, or griddle over medium-high heat until smoking hot.
- Season the ground beef balls with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Working in batches if needed, place each beef ball onto the hot skillet. Cook 1 minute, then press firmly into a thin patty with a flat spatula or burger press. Cook 2 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crispy. Flip, immediately top with 1 slice of cheddar, and cook 2–3 minutes more until cheese is melted and preferred doneness is reached.
- Wipe out the skillet, melt butter over medium heat, and toast the buns cut-side down until golden, about 1 minute.
- Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun. Add lettuce, then the smash patty with melted cheddar. Top with 2 slices of crispy bacon, then spoon 2 tablespoons of Fischer & Wieser Bacon & Apple Jam generously over the top. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.
Expert Tips & Substitutions
- Don’t skip the preheat: The skillet needs to be truly smoking hot before the beef goes in — this is what creates that signature crispy smash burger crust.
- One flip only: Resist the urge to move the patties around. Let them sit undisturbed until they release naturally, then flip once.
- Cheese right after the flip: Adding the cheddar immediately after flipping gives it the full cook time to melt beautifully without overcooking the patty.
- Bacon swap: Turkey bacon works as a lighter alternative, though you won’t get quite the same level of crispiness.
- Cheese swap: Pepper jack adds a little heat, or smoked gouda would complement the apple jam beautifully.
- Jam application: Don’t be shy with the Fischer & Wieser Bacon & Apple Jam — a generous spoonful makes the burger. You can also spread a thin layer on the top bun for double the flavor.
BONUS RECIPE
If you want to take this jam completely over the top, spread 12 ounces whipped cream cheese on a serving tray, then spoon on the entire jar of Fischer & Wieser Bacon & Apple Jam — yes, the whole thing, no shame here. Sprinkle on 1/4 to 1/2 cup each crispy crumbled bacon and freshly chopped Granny Smith apple, then finish with a drizzle of honey. Serve it with crackers and just try to walk away from it.
Storage
These burgers are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet. If you have leftover cooked patties, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side.
Frequently Asked Questions
A smash burger is pressed flat directly on a screaming-hot surface, which maximizes contact with the heat and creates a deeply caramelized, crispy crust through the Maillard reaction. The result is more flavor and better texture than a thick, rounded patty.
Fischer & Wieser products are available at many specialty grocery stores, gourmet food shops, and online. Check their website for a store locator or order directly from their site.
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This post was created in partnership with Four Star Provisions Fischer & Wieser. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
Apple Bacon Smash Burger
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef divided into 4 balls
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and black pepper
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 8 slices thick-sliced bacon
- 1/4-1/3 cup Fischer & Wieser Bacon & Apple Jam
- 4 leaves green leaf lettuce
- mayonnaise for spreading
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉. Place bacon a foil-lined sheet pan. Bake 18-22 minutes or until preferred crispiness. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain any excess grease.
- Heat a large skillet, cast-iron skillet, or griddle over medium-high heat until smoking hot.
- Season the ground beef balls with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Working in batches if needed, place each beef ball onto the hot skillet. Cook 1 minute, then press firmly into a thin patty with a flat spatula or burger press. Cook 2 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crispy. Flip, immediately top with 1 slice of cheddar, and cook 2–3 minutes more until cheese is melted and preferred doneness is reached.
- Wipe out the skillet, melt butter over medium heat, and toast the buns cut-side down until golden, about 1 minute.
- Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun. Add lettuce, then the smash patty with melted cheddar. Top with 2 slices of crispy bacon, then spoon 2 tablespoons of Fischer & Wieser Bacon & Apple Jam generously over the top. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.
Notes
Expert Tips & Substitutions
- Don’t skip the preheat: The skillet needs to be truly smoking hot before the beef goes in — this is what creates that signature crispy smash burger crust.
- One flip only: Resist the urge to move the patties around. Let them sit undisturbed until they release naturally, then flip once.
- Cheese right after the flip: Adding the cheddar immediately after flipping gives it the full cook time to melt beautifully without overcooking the patty.
- Bacon swap: Turkey bacon works as a lighter alternative, though you won’t get quite the same level of crispiness.
- Cheese swap: Pepper jack adds a little heat, or smoked gouda would complement the apple jam beautifully.
- Jam application: Don’t be shy with the Fischer & Wieser Bacon & Apple Jam — a generous spoonful makes the burger. You can also spread a thin layer on the top bun for double the flavor.
Storage
These burgers are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet. If you have leftover cooked patties, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side.
About Laura
Taught by some of the best, cooking and entertaining has always been my favorite hobby. Food is my love language! The conception of Dinner in 321 came from my family talks that sharing our dinners would help others learn new skills, tasty recipes, and make cooking fun! Read more…
