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To make these tasty burgers, you need the following ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor) - 1/2 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded - 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Fuji), thinly sliced - 1/2 onion, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 hamburger buns - Lettuce leaves (for serving) - Optional: pickles, for serving When picking your ingredients, focus on quality. For the ground beef, choose an 80/20 blend. This mix gives the burger great flavor and juiciness. For the cheese, smoked gouda adds a rich, creamy taste. Look for freshly shredded cheese for the best melt. When it comes to apples, Granny Smith or Fuji work well. These apples give a nice balance of sweet and tart. Their crunch also adds texture to your burger. Don't forget your buns! Choose soft, fresh hamburger buns that can hold all those flavors. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what I recommend: - A large skillet or grill pan for cooking the burgers - A spatula or burger press to smash the patties - A sharp knife for slicing apples and onions - A cutting board for prep work - A lid to cover the skillet while cooking These tools help you create the perfect Smoked Gouda and Apple Smashburgers. For detailed steps, check out the Full Recipe. Start by heating your skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to coat the pan. While the pan heats, shape the ground beef into four equal balls. Do not flatten them yet. When the pan is hot, place each ball in the skillet. Take a spatula and smash each ball flat. Aim for patties about 1/2-inch thick. Season each patty with salt and pepper. After 2-3 minutes, flip the patties carefully. Top them with smoked gouda cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is gooey and the burgers are cooked to your liking. For the best smash, use a sturdy spatula or a burger press. Apply firm, even pressure when smashing the beef. This helps create a nice crust on the outside. Keep the patties thick enough to stay juicy. Don't be afraid to let them sizzle a bit. This gives the burgers a great flavor. Remember, the key is to smash them down quickly and evenly. Once the patties are ready, it's time to assemble. Take a toasted hamburger bun and spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the bottom. Place a hot patty with melted gouda on top. Add thinly sliced apples for a sweet crunch. Then sprinkle on the chopped onions. Finish with fresh lettuce leaves. If you like, add pickles for an extra zing. Top it off with the other half of the bun. Enjoy your Smoked Gouda and Apple Smashburgers right away! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To make the best smashburgers, use an 80/20 blend of ground beef. This mix gives you juicy burgers. Don’t overwork the meat when forming balls. Just roll it gently. Always smash the balls flat on a hot pan. This creates a nice crust. Season well with salt and pepper right before cooking. Adding smoked gouda cheese near the end locks in flavor and moisture. One mistake is not heating your pan enough. A hot pan is key for a good sear. Another error is pressing too hard when smashing. You want a firm patty, not a pancake. Don’t forget to flip the burgers carefully. Overcooking them can dry them out. Lastly, avoid using the wrong type of cheese. Smoked gouda adds creaminess and flavor that pairs well with apples. These burgers shine with fresh, crisp sides. Try serving with a simple green salad. A side of sweet potato fries also works great. For drinks, a hard cider complements the apple flavor. If you want something lighter, go for iced tea. These choices elevate your meal without stealing the show. You can find the Full Recipe for more details on making these tasty burgers. {{image_2}} You can switch out smoked gouda for other cheeses. Try cheddar for a sharp taste. Swiss can add a nutty flavor. Blue cheese gives a bold kick. Don't forget toppings! Avocado adds creaminess. Crispy bacon can give a salty crunch. Caramelized onions bring sweetness. Experiment and find your perfect combo! Making a vegetarian version is easy. Use black bean patties or a chickpea blend. You can also try portobello mushrooms for a meaty texture. Top these with smoked gouda or a plant-based cheese. Apples still work well for sweetness. Add your favorite veggies for crunch, like lettuce and tomatoes. Seasonal flavors can spice up your smashburgers. In fall, add cinnamon or nutmeg to the apples. These warm spices pair well with gouda. In summer, try fresh herbs like basil or mint. A hint of chili powder can add heat. Mix it up and enjoy different flavors throughout the year! For the full recipe, check the details in the main article. Store leftover burgers in an airtight container. Let them cool to room temperature first. Place a piece of wax paper between each burger to keep them from sticking. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to create steam. Cover the skillet with a lid to help heat through. This keeps your burger juicy and warm. Heat for about 5 minutes on each side. You can also use a microwave, but it may dry the burger out. Freezing is a great option too. Wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, follow the reheating instructions for the best taste. Enjoy the full recipe for Smoked Gouda and Apple Smashburgers to create this tasty meal! Granny Smith and Fuji apples work best for these burgers. Granny Smith adds a tartness that cuts through the richness of the smoked gouda. Fuji apples bring a sweet crunch, adding great texture and flavor. You can try other apples, but these two shine. Their crispness holds up well when layered in the burger. Yes, you can use ground turkey. It offers a leaner option but may lack the rich flavor found in beef. To enhance the taste, consider adding spices or herbs. Ground turkey can dry out faster, so watch the cooking time. Aim for a juicy burger by not overcooking it. To check the doneness, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for beef is 160°F. For turkey, it should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a nice brown crust on the outside. The juices should run clear, not pink. Serve your burgers with crispy fries or a fresh salad. Sweet potato fries add a fun twist. Grilled vegetables also pair nicely and add color. For something different, try coleslaw or potato salad. These sides balance the flavors and make the meal complete. Explore the full recipe for more ideas. In this blog post, you learned about making delicious Smoked Gouda and Apple Smashburgers. We covered the key ingredients, picked tips for the best flavors, and shared tools for success. I provided step-by-step instructions for cooking and assembling your burger. We discussed expert advice for juicy results and how to avoid common mistakes. Finally, you discovered variations and storage tips to keep your burgers fresh. Remember, experimenting with flavors makes cooking fun. Enjoy your burger-making journey!

Smoked Gouda and Apple Smashburgers

Indulge in a mouthwatering twist on a classic with these Smoked Gouda and Apple Smashburgers! This easy recipe combines juicy beef patties, melted smoked gouda, and crisp apple slices for a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for a family dinner or weekend barbecue, these burgers will leave everyone craving more. Click to discover how to make your own delicious smashburgers and elevate your grilling game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor)

1/2 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded

1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Fuji), thinly sliced

1/2 onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

4 hamburger buns

Lettuce leaves (for serving)

Optional: pickles, for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to coat the pan.

    While the pan heats up, shape the ground beef into four equal balls. Do not shape them into patties yet.

      Once the pan is hot, place each ball of beef on the skillet. Using a spatula or burger press, smash the balls flat to form patties about 1/2-inch thick.

        Season the patties generously with salt and pepper.

          After about 2-3 minutes, carefully flip the patties using a spatula. Top each patty with a generous amount of shredded smoked gouda cheese and cover the skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burgers reach your desired doneness.

            In the meantime, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or a separate skillet until golden brown.

              To assemble the burgers, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the bottom half of each toasted bun.

                Place a heated patty with melted gouda on the bun and top it with thinly sliced apples and chopped onions. Add lettuce leaves and pickles if desired.

                  Finish with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 burgers