As we approach the final days of your Luxury Wine Advent Calendar experience, we're bringing you a true crowd-pleaser: Smash Burgers. These burgers are the perfect balance of juicy and crispy, featuring a rich, flavorful patty with a savory sear and a melty cheese topping. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, a festive evening with friends, or just craving a delicious burger night, Smash Burgers are sure to impress. Pair them with Day 22 from your All Red advent calendar to complete the experience!
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1¼ pounds ground chuck (80% lean ground beef)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Heaping ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns (lightly toasted, if desired)
- Burger toppings of choice (lettuce, tomato, pickles, grilled or raw onions, etc.)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Mixture:In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Do not add the salt yet. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until evenly combined. Divide the mixture into 4 large meatballs, each weighing about 4½ oz. Flatten each ball into a 1-inch thick disc, smoothing the edges. Refrigerate the patties for at least 15 minutes, or up to 24 hours (covered) to help them hold their shape during cooking.
- Cook the Burgers: Turn on your exhaust fan and heat a 12-inch cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, remove the patties from the fridge and season both sides with the kosher salt. Add the vegetable oil to the skillet, making sure it coats the surface evenly. Place the patties in the pan, one at a time, and use a metal spatula to firmly smash each patty down until it's about ¼-inch thick. Let the burgers cook for about 2 minutes until the bottom is nicely browned and crispy.
- Flip and Add Cheese: Flip the burgers over and immediately top each with a slice of cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes for medium-rare to medium burgers, or about 3 minutes for medium to medium-well. The cheese should be melted and gooey by the time the burgers are done.
- Assemble and Serve:Place the cooked patties on lightly toasted buns (if desired) and add your favorite burger toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, or ketchup and mustard. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Freezer-Friendly Instructions: If you want to prepare these burgers ahead of time, the uncooked patties can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, place the patties on a baking sheet or plate to set their shape, then transfer them to a sealable plastic bag for easy storage. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before cooking and proceed with the recipe as directed.