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Flavorful Smash Burger Recipe with Caramelized Onion Jam and Crispy Cheese Skirt Made Easy

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A simple and quick smash burger recipe featuring juicy patties with crispy cheese skirts and sweet-savory caramelized onion jam, perfect for casual gatherings and indulgent meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend, fresh ground chuck recommended)
  • 2 medium yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (thinly sliced)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 soft burger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, or favorite burger sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the caramelized onion jam: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add thinly sliced onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent (about 10 minutes).
  3. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar over the onions and continue cooking, stirring often, until deep golden brown and jammy (another 10-12 minutes).
  4. Stir in 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and cook for 2 more minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Divide 1 pound (450 g) of ground beef into 4 equal portions, gently rolling each into a loose ball without overworking the meat.
  6. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until very hot.
  7. Place one beef ball in the skillet and immediately smash it down with a spatula, pressing firmly until it’s about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick.
  8. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  9. Lay a slice of sharp cheddar cheese over the patty, letting the edges melt and crisp up to form the cheese skirt (about 2-3 minutes).
  10. Use the spatula to carefully scrape under the edges, encouraging the cheese to crisp and separate from the pan.
  11. Flip the burger gently, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to finish and melt the cheese fully.
  12. Repeat with remaining patties.
  13. Quickly toast the burger buns cut-side down in the skillet until golden and slightly crunchy (about 1 minute).
  14. Assemble the burgers by spreading a generous spoonful of caramelized onion jam on the bottom bun, placing the cheese-skirted smash burger on top, adding any optional toppings, and crowning with the top bun.
  15. Serve immediately for the best crispness and juicy bite.

Notes

Use a screaming hot pan for crispy edges and cheese skirt. Handle beef lightly to keep burgers tender. Caramelize onions low and slow to avoid burning. Cheese skirt forms best when cheese is allowed to melt and crisp before scraping edges. For gluten-free, use lettuce wraps instead of buns; for dairy-free, use plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, caramelized onion jam, crispy cheese skirt, quick burger recipe, easy smash burger, backyard BBQ, comfort food

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