Description
Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce is a delicious and comforting sandwich combining crispy smashed beef patties, melted plant-based cheese slices, smoky turkey bacon, and a creamy natural special sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors with a crispy crust, gooey interior, and tangy sauce ideal for lunch, dinner, or brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Smashburger Patties
- 1 lb fresh ground beef (lean)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Special Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (natural)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (natural)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent
Other Ingredients
- 4 slices plant-based cheese slices
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 8 slices soft sandwich bread (or gluten-free sandwich bread if preferred)
- Butter, for spreading on bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise (natural), tomato paste (natural), apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), smoked paprika (natural), salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate while preparing the rest to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook the smoked turkey bacon slices until crisp and smoky. Drain on paper towels and set aside, keeping the pan ready for cooking the patties.
- Form and Smash the Burger Patties: Divide the ground beef into equal portions and shape into loose balls. Heat the pan to medium-high heat and place each ball on the pan. Immediately press down firmly with a spatula to create thin, evenly smashed patties. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms.
- Assemble the Grilled Cheese Smashburgers: On each bread slice, layer a smashed burger patty, a slice of plant-based cheese, and crispy smoked turkey bacon. Spread a generous amount of special sauce on top, then close the sandwich with another bread slice. Lightly butter the outer sides of the bread for a golden, crispy finish.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Return the sandwiches to the pan and grill on medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted perfectly inside. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh, good-quality ground beef for juicier, flavorful patties that smash well.
- Press patties firmly but gently to retain juiciness during cooking.
- Add plant-based cheese slices to patties just before removing from the pan to allow perfect melting.
- Lightly butter the bread outsides to achieve extra crispiness and appealing golden color.
- Keep the special sauce refrigerated while cooking to maintain fresh and vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: smashburger, grilled cheese, special sauce, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, comfort food, sandwich, gluten-free option
