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Loaded Bacon Cheddar Smash Burgers with Garlic Aioli

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These loaded bacon cheddar smash burgers feature crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, juicy beef patties, and a tangy homemade garlic aioli. Perfect for backyard BBQs, game nights, or a cozy comfort food dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 4 large hamburger buns (brioche or potato rolls)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp salt (for aioli)
  • Pinch black pepper (for aioli)
  • Leafy lettuce (romaine or butter, optional)
  • 2 medium tomatoes, sliced (optional)
  • Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Pickles (dill or bread-and-butter, optional)

Instructions

  1. Finely mince garlic for aioli and shred cheddar cheese.
  2. Slice tomato, onion, and prepare lettuce and pickles if using.
  3. Divide ground beef into 8 equal balls (about 4 oz each). Do not pack tightly.
  4. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for the aioli. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  5. Heat skillet or griddle over medium-high. Lay out bacon slices and cook until crisp, flipping once (about 4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
  6. Split buns and toast in toaster or under broiler until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Optionally, toast cut side down in a little butter in a pan.
  7. Increase heat to high. Add a little oil to pan if needed. Place 2 beef balls in hot skillet. Using spatula, smash each ball down until about 1/2 inch thick.
  8. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
  9. Cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until edges are crispy and bottom is brown.
  10. Flip and immediately pile shredded cheddar on each patty. Cook another 1–2 minutes until cheese melts.
  11. Repeat with remaining beef balls. Wipe pan between batches if needed.
  12. Spread garlic aioli on both bun halves.
  13. Layer lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles if using.
  14. Add two smash patties per burger, stack with crispy bacon, and top with bun.
  15. Press lightly to meld flavors.

Notes

For best results, use freshly ground beef and shred your own cheddar. Smash the patties quickly and firmly for crispy edges. Add cheese immediately after flipping for perfect melt. Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch. Gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps work for dietary needs. Garlic aioli can be made ahead and improves in flavor after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, bacon cheddar burgers, garlic aioli, comfort food, easy burger recipe, loaded burgers, backyard BBQ, game night, American burgers

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/loaded-bacon-cheddar-smash-burgers-recipe-easy-garlic-aioli-tips/