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The right ingredients make all the difference in a great smashburger. Here’s what you need: - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 large apple, thinly sliced (preferably Granny Smith) - 4 slices smoked Gouda cheese - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 burger buns (your choice) - Lettuce, for serving - Optional: pickled jalapeños for added heat Using high-quality ground beef gives your burger a juicy flavor. The 80/20 blend has the right fat content. Olive oil helps sear the patties nicely. The Granny Smith apple adds a crisp and tart bite, balancing the richness of the smoked Gouda. The cheese melts perfectly, creating a creamy layer on your burger. For the sauce, the mix of mayo, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar gives a tangy punch. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. You can choose any burger bun you like. Toasting them adds a nice crunch. Lettuce adds freshness, while pickled jalapeños give it a spicy twist if you like heat. All these ingredients come together to create a bite that bursts with flavor. For the full recipe, check the recipe section. Enjoy crafting your delicious Smoked Gouda and Apple Smashburgers! To make the sauce, grab a small bowl. Mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth. This sauce adds a creamy kick to the burgers. Take the ground beef and divide it into four equal parts. Each part should weigh about 4 ounces. Gently roll each piece into a loose ball. It's key not to overwork the meat. This helps keep the patties tender. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer. Place the meat balls in the skillet, making space between them. Use a spatula to smash each ball down into a thin patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Let the patties cook for 3-4 minutes without moving them. This helps form a nice crust. Once the edges brown, flip the patties. Right after flipping, put a slice of smoked Gouda on each patty. This allows the cheese to melt perfectly. While the cheese melts, add the thin apple slices to the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they soften and caramelize. The sweet flavor of the apples balances well with the savory burgers. Now, toast the burger buns in the skillet until golden brown. Spread a good amount of the sauce on the bottom half. Place a cheesy patty on top, followed by the sautéed apples and a layer of lettuce. If you like a bit of heat, add pickled jalapeños before capping it off with the top bun. This simple process creates a burger that bursts with flavor. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To make the best smashburgers, follow these simple tips: - Use the right meat: I recommend an 80/20 blend for juicy burgers. - Don’t overwork the beef: Form loose balls without pressing too hard. - Get the skillet hot: A hot pan ensures a good sear and flavor. - Smash once: Press the meat down firmly just once. This helps form a nice crust. - Season well: Sprinkle salt and pepper generously before cooking. Cooking apples adds flavor and sweetness to your smashburgers. Here’s how to do it right: - Choose the right apple: I love Granny Smith for its tartness. It balances the richness of the burger. - Slice thinly: Thin slices cook faster and caramelize nicely. - Cook alongside burgers: Add apples to the pan when the burgers are halfway done. This way, they soak up the burger's flavors. - Sauté gently: Cook the apples for 2-3 minutes until soft but not mushy. The sauce can make or break your burger. Here are a few tasty ideas: - Spicy kick: Mix in some sriracha or hot sauce for heat. - Herb twist: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a fresh touch. - Sweet and tangy: Try honey or maple syrup for added sweetness. - Creamy options: Swap out mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce. These tips will help you create delicious smoked Gouda and apple smashburgers. Check the Full Recipe for even more details! {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of the smoked Gouda and apple smashburgers. Instead of ground beef, try using a black bean or chickpea patty. These options provide great flavor and texture. You can also use a portobello mushroom cap as the base. Grill or roast it for added taste. Just remember to season well. Top your veggie patty with smoked Gouda and sautéed apples. This twist keeps the dish delicious while catering to plant-based diets. While smoked Gouda is a star, other cheeses can shine too. Try sharp cheddar for a tangy kick. Gouda adds a creamy note, but cheddar brings a bold flavor. Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty taste. For a fun twist, use pepper jack for a spicy kick. Each cheese will change the overall flavor, so feel free to experiment. Your taste buds will thank you for trying new combinations. Pair your smashburgers with simple sides for a complete meal. Crispy sweet potato fries complement the flavors well. For something lighter, serve a fresh apple and arugula salad. The peppery arugula balances the sweetness of the apples. You could also try coleslaw for a crunchy texture. Each side adds a new layer of flavor and texture, making your meal more enjoyable. Don't forget to share your favorites and explore different side options! To keep your leftover smoked Gouda and apple smashburgers fresh, place them in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between the patties and buns to avoid sogginess. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. For the best taste, eat them within two days. Reheat your smashburgers in a skillet over medium heat. This method keeps the buns crisp and the cheese melty. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until warm. You can also use the microwave, but it may make the buns soft. Heat for about 30 seconds, checking every 15 seconds. You can freeze your smoked Gouda and apple smashburgers for later. Wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. For best results, freeze the patties and cheese separately from the buns. Try this method to keep your flavors fresh and your meals ready whenever you crave one! For the complete cooking guide, refer to the Full Recipe. A smashburger is a burger made by smashing a ball of ground beef onto a hot skillet. This method creates a thin patty. It helps form a nice crust on the outside. The crust adds flavor and texture. The inside stays juicy and flavorful. It’s a simple way to make a great burger. Yes, you can prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time. You can make the sauce and store it in the fridge. You can also slice the apples and keep them in water with lemon juice. This keeps them from browning. For the patties, you can shape them and keep them wrapped in the fridge. Just cook them fresh for the best taste. I recommend using Granny Smith apples for their tartness. Their crisp texture holds up well when cooked. Honeycrisp apples also work great for a sweeter flavor. You could try Fuji apples if you like them sweeter. Each type adds a different taste to your smashburger. In this blog post, we covered a unique smashburger recipe featuring ground beef, sliced apples, and smoked Gouda. I shared tips for preparation, cooking methods, sauce variations, and how to store leftovers. These insights help you create a delicious meal with ease. Remember, cooking can be simple and fun. Don’t hesitate to try different ingredients or techniques. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and savor every bite!

Smoked Gouda and Apple Smashburgers

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavor of Smoked Gouda and Apple Smashburgers! These delicious burgers combine juicy beef with melty smoked Gouda and caramelized apples, all topped with a zesty sauce that elevates every bite. Perfect for your next cookout, this easy recipe will impress your friends and family. Ready to take your burger game to the next level? Click through to explore these incredible flavors and get cooking!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large apple, thinly sliced (preferably Granny Smith)

4 slices smoked Gouda cheese

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

4 burger buns (your choice)

Lettuce, for serving

Optional: pickled jalapeños for added heat

Instructions
 

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

    Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently form each portion into a loose ball; do not overwork the meat.

      Heat the Skillet: Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.

        Smash the Burgers: Place the meat balls in the skillet, spacing them apart. Using a sturdy spatula, press each ball down firmly to create thin patties (about 1/2 inch thick). Season generously with salt and pepper.

          Cook the Patties: Let the patties cook for about 3-4 minutes without moving them. Once the edges begin to brown and a crust forms, flip the patties. Immediately place a slice of smoked Gouda on top of each patty after flipping to allow it to melt.

            Cook the Apples: While the cheese melts, add the thinly sliced apples to the skillet next to the burgers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened and caramelized.

              Assemble the Burgers: Toast the burger buns in the skillet until golden brown. Spread a generous amount of the prepared sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a burger patty with melted cheese on each, top with sautéed apples, and add a layer of lettuce.

                Top It Off: If desired, add pickled jalapeños for an extra kick before adding the top half of the bun.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the smashburgers on wooden boards for a rustic look, with extra apple slices and a small bowl of the sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!