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.
Servings: 4 servings
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. Tried this recipe?Mention @dinnerin321 or tag #dinnerin321!