Description: A juicy smash burger topped with creamy whipped feta, savory garlic butter, and crispy bacon—this burger is the ultimate indulgence. Perfectly balanced with rich flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! This recipe combines the satisfying crunch of a smash burger with the sophisticated flavors of whipped feta and garlic butter, all topped with crispy bacon for an unforgettable culinary experience. Prepare to elevate your burger game to a whole new level! This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
For the Burger:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for optimal juiciness)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crispy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil suitable for high-heat cooking)
For the Whipped Feta:
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
For the Garlic Butter:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped (optional, but highly recommended)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Whipped Feta
Begin by creating the creamy and tangy whipped feta topping. In a blender or food processor, combine the crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember that feta cheese is naturally salty, so add salt sparingly. Transfer the whipped feta to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to use. Chilling it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Next, cook the bacon until it is perfectly crispy. You can use your preferred method for cooking bacon – skillet, oven, or even the microwave. If using a skillet, place the bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat. This allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in crispier bacon. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
Prepare the aromatic garlic butter. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will result in a bitter taste. If using fresh thyme, stir it into the garlic butter during the last 30 seconds of cooking. The thyme will infuse the butter with its herbaceous aroma. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set the garlic butter aside.
Step 4: Smash the Burgers
Now it’s time to create the star of the show – the smash burgers. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions, approximately 4 ounces each. Gently roll each portion into a ball. Heat a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle the skillet with olive oil or your preferred cooking oil.
Place the beef balls onto the hot skillet, leaving enough space between each one. Immediately use a sturdy spatula or a burger press to smash the beef balls down into thin, flat patties, about ¼ inch thick. The key to a great smash burger is to smash them as thin as possible to maximize the surface area that comes into contact with the hot skillet.
Season the smashed patties generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on the first side, until a crispy, golden-brown crust forms. Flip the patties carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, or until cooked through.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
While the burgers are cooking, prepare the hamburger buns. Lightly brush the cut sides of the buns with a little of the garlic butter. Toast the buns in the skillet or on a grill pan for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and slightly crispy. This adds warmth and texture to the burger.
Step 6: Assemble the Burgers
Now, assemble the ultimate Whipped Feta & Garlic Butter Bacon Smash Burgers. Spread a generous amount of the whipped feta on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top the whipped feta with a slice of crispy bacon. Place the cooked smash burger patty on top of the bacon. Drizzle a little of the remaining garlic butter over the patty, if desired. Top with the other half of the toasted bun.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve the Whipped Feta & Garlic Butter Bacon Smash Burgers immediately while they are hot and juicy. Serve with your favorite sides, such as crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Whipped Feta & Garlic Butter Bacon Smash Burger is not your average burger; it’s a flavor explosion in every bite! The combination of creamy whipped feta, savory garlic butter, and crispy bacon creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The smash burger technique ensures a crispy, caramelized crust on the patties, while the high-quality ground beef keeps the burgers juicy and flavorful.
The whipped feta adds a tangy and creamy element that perfectly complements the richness of the garlic butter and bacon. The garlic butter infuses the burger with an aromatic and savory flavor that is simply irresistible. And the crispy bacon adds a smoky and salty crunch that takes the burger to the next level.
This recipe is perfect for weekend gatherings, backyard barbecues, or any occasion when you want to impress your guests with a truly exceptional burger.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with classic French fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings.
- Pair with a fresh side salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the burger.
- Offer a variety of condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and pickles.
- Serve with a cold beverage, such as iced tea, lemonade, or your favorite beer.
- Consider adding a side of roasted vegetables for a healthier option.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ground beef with an 80/20 blend for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Smash the burgers as thin as possible to maximize the surface area for a crispy crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the burgers; cook them in batches if necessary.
- Toast the buns to add warmth and texture to the burger.
- Adjust the amount of garlic in the garlic butter to your preference.
- Experiment with different types of cheese in the whipped feta, such as goat cheese or ricotta.
- Add a slice of tomato, lettuce, or onion to the burger for added flavor and texture.
- For a spicier burger, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme, but use half the amount.
- To make the whipped feta ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per burger)
- Calories: 750-850
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg (depending on the saltiness of the feta and bacon)
Conclusion
The Whipped Feta & Garlic Butter Bacon Smash Burger is a culinary masterpiece that combines the best of both worlds: the satisfying crunch of a smash burger and the sophisticated flavors of whipped feta and garlic butter. This recipe is perfect for impressing your friends and family with a truly unforgettable meal. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience burger bliss! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese for the whipped feta?
A: Absolutely! While feta cheese provides a distinct tangy flavor, you can certainly experiment with other cheeses. Goat cheese is a great alternative that offers a similar tanginess and creamy texture. Ricotta cheese will provide a milder, creamier flavor. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Q2: Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make the garlic butter ahead of time. In fact, it’s a great way to save time when you’re ready to assemble the burgers. Simply prepare the garlic butter as instructed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, gently reheat the garlic butter in a saucepan or microwave until melted.
Q3: What’s the best way to ensure the bacon is crispy?
A: The key to crispy bacon is to cook it slowly over medium heat. Starting with a cold skillet allows the fat to render gradually, resulting in crispier bacon. Also, be sure to drain the bacon on paper towels after cooking to remove any excess grease.
Q4: Can I use a different type of bun?
A: Of course! While brioche or potato buns are recommended for their soft texture and slightly sweet flavor, you can use any type of bun you prefer. Some other great options include sesame seed buns, pretzel buns, or even sourdough buns.
Q5: Can I grill the burgers instead of using a skillet?
A: Yes, you can definitely grill the burgers! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Smash the burgers as instructed and grill them for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Grilling will add a smoky flavor to the burgers.
