Description: Indulge in a symphony of flavors with these Whipped Feta & Garlic Butter Bacon Smash Burgers. Combining the savory goodness of crispy bacon and juicy ground beef with the creamy tang of whipped feta and aromatic garlic butter, all nestled between toasted brioche buns, these burgers are a Mediterranean-inspired delight that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready for an explosion of taste in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for optimal flavor and juiciness)
- 4 brioche burger buns (look for soft, slightly sweet buns for the perfect complement to the savory ingredients)
- 8 slices of crispy bacon (thick-cut bacon is ideal for extra flavor and texture)
- 1 cup feta cheese (good quality block feta, not crumbled, for the best whipping consistency)
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced (freshly minced garlic provides the most potent flavor)
- 4 tbsp butter, softened (unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the burger)
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced (red onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite)
- 1 tomato, sliced (ripe, juicy tomatoes enhance the burger with fresh flavor)
- Handful of arugula (arugula provides a peppery, slightly bitter counterpoint to the richness of the other ingredients)
- Olive oil (extra virgin olive oil for brushing the patties)
- Salt and pepper to taste (freshly ground black pepper is preferred)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon Begin by cooking the bacon. Arrange the bacon slices in a cold skillet, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Feta In a medium-sized mixing bowl, place the feta cheese. Using an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer), whip the feta cheese on medium-high speed until it becomes smooth, creamy, and light. This may take a few minutes. If the feta seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil or milk to help it achieve a smoother consistency. Once whipped, set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter In a separate small bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic. Use a fork to mash the garlic into the butter until well combined. The garlic should be evenly distributed throughout the butter. Set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Patties In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef with salt and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough burgers. Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty, slightly larger than the brioche buns, as they will shrink during cooking. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging up during cooking.
Step 5: Prepare the Toppings Thinly slice the red onion and tomato. Wash and dry the arugula. Set all the toppings aside for easy assembly.
Instructions:
- Preheat Grill or Skillet: Heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Burger Patties: Brush the burger patties with olive oil on both sides and season generously with salt and pepper. Place the patties on the preheated grill or skillet. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Use a spatula to gently press down on the patties while they cook to ensure even browning and maximize the smash burger effect. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the patties are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Toast the Buns: While the patties are cooking, toast the brioche buns. You can do this on the grill, in the skillet, or in a toaster. Toast the buns until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. This will prevent them from becoming soggy when the burger is assembled.
- Assemble the Burgers: Once the patties are cooked and the buns are toasted, it’s time to assemble the Whipped Feta & Garlic Butter Bacon Smash Burgers. Spread a generous amount of whipped feta cheese on the bottom bun. Place the cooked burger patty on top of the feta. Add two slices of crispy bacon on top of the patty. Spread a generous amount of garlic butter on top of the bacon. Top with thinly sliced red onion, tomato slices, and a handful of arugula. Place the top bun on the burger.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Whipped Feta & Garlic Butter Bacon Smash Burgers hot and enjoy the explosion of Mediterranean flavors!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This burger recipe is a delightful departure from the ordinary. The combination of creamy whipped feta, savory garlic butter, crispy bacon, and juicy ground beef creates a flavor explosion that is both satisfying and unique. The freshness of the red onion, tomato, and arugula adds a vibrant touch that balances the richness of the other ingredients. It’s a gourmet burger experience that you can easily recreate at home. The best part is, each bite is an adventure!
COOKING Rating:
- Flavor: 5/5 (Exceptional)
- Ease of Preparation: 4/5 (Relatively simple)
- Overall: 5/5 (Highly Recommended)
Serving Suggestions:
These Whipped Feta & Garlic Butter Bacon Smash Burgers are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
- Crispy French Fries: A classic burger pairing.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A slightly healthier and sweeter alternative.
- Greek Salad: To complement the Mediterranean flavors of the burger.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing and crunchy side dish.
- Onion Rings: For a truly indulgent meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Tips:
- Don’t Overmix the Ground Beef: Overmixing can result in tough burgers. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the patties are cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns will prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Whip the Feta Until Smooth: Ensure the feta is whipped until it is smooth and creamy for the best texture.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of the burgers. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with other toppings, such as roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 570 Kcal
- Protein: Approximately 35g
- Sodium: Approximately 800mg
Conclusion:
The Whipped Feta & Garlic Butter Bacon Smash Burgers are a culinary masterpiece that combines the best of Mediterranean flavors with the classic appeal of a juicy burger. With its creamy feta, savory garlic butter, crispy bacon, and fresh toppings, this burger is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking in the kitchen, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to experience an explosion of flavor in every bite! This burger is not just a meal; it’s an experience!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. However, keep in mind that ground turkey tends to be drier than ground beef, so you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to help keep the patties moist. Additionally, ground turkey may not have as much flavor as ground beef, so you may want to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Can I make the whipped feta ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the whipped feta ahead of time. In fact, it’s a great way to save time on the day you plan to make the burgers. Simply whip the feta as directed in the recipe and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to assemble the burgers, let the whipped feta sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly before spreading it on the buns.
- What if I don’t have brioche buns?
- If you don’t have brioche buns, you can use other types of buns, such as sesame seed buns, potato buns, or even regular hamburger buns. However, brioche buns are recommended for their soft, slightly sweet flavor, which complements the savory ingredients in the burger.
- Can I add a sauce to the burger?
- Absolutely! While the garlic butter and whipped feta provide plenty of flavor, you can certainly add a sauce to the burger if you like. Some good options include tzatziki sauce, sriracha mayo, or a simple Dijon mustard.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
- As written, this recipe is not suitable for vegetarians, as it contains ground beef and bacon. However, you can easily adapt the recipe to make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a vegetarian burger patty and omitting the bacon. You can also add other vegetarian toppings, such as grilled halloumi cheese or roasted vegetables.
