Description
This Easy Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce recipe combines smoky turkey bacon, melty plant-based (cheese), and a tangy special sauce for a hearty, flavorful sandwich perfect for lunch, dinner, or any comfort food craving. Crispy smashburger-style patties and toasted brioche or sourdough create an irresistible texture and taste experience.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Smashburger Patties
- 1 lb ground beef or plant-based alternative
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, 1 tsp
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), 1 tbsp
For the Special Sauce
- Mayonnaise (natural), 1/4 cup
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), 1 tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar (natural), 1 tsp
- Garlic powder, 1/2 tsp
- Paprika, 1/2 tsp
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- Smoked turkey bacon, 4 slices
- Plant-Based (cheese), 4 slices
- Brioche or sourdough bread, 8 slices
- Butter, for spreading on bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Form and Smash the Patties: Divide the ground beef or plant-based alternative into equal portions and gently shape into loose balls. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle on medium-high heat. Place each portion in the skillet and press firmly with a spatula to form thin smashburger patties. Season immediately with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the patties cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side, fry the smoked turkey bacon in a separate pan until crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Flip Patties and Add Plant-Based (Cheese): Flip the smashburger patties carefully, then place slices of plant-based (cheese) on top. Let them melt as the patties finish cooking, about 1-2 more minutes.
- Assemble the Smashburger Grilled Cheese: Lightly butter the bread slices and toast them in a clean skillet until golden and crispy. Spread a generous layer of the special sauce on one slice of bread, add the cheesy patty, layer with crispy smoked turkey bacon, and finish with the top slice of bread.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the sandwich in half for the perfect gooey pull-apart experience and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- Use high heat for a perfect crust and juicy patty interior.
- Handle the meat lightly to keep patties tender and juicy.
- Butter the bread generously to achieve a crisp, golden crust.
- Prepare the special sauce ahead of time to deepen flavors.
- Cover the pan briefly after adding plant-based (cheese) to melt it fully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: smashburger, grilled cheese, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, special sauce, comfort food, sandwich, easy recipe