Maple Bacon Smash Burger

The crave worthy Maple Bacon Smash Burger hits all the right notes with sweet and salty maple bacon balanced by melty provolone and deeply caramelized onions stacked high on a griddled buttery bun. Every element is cooked to bring layers of flavor and texture and this one always disappears from the table in minutes at my house.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: makes up the patties aim for 80-85 percent lean for juicy results and select beef with fresh bright color
• Caramelized onions: add natural sweetness try yellow onions for best flavor and slow cook for real depth
• Salt pepper garlic powder and onion powder: create the perfect burger seasoning use fresh cracked pepper and avoid iodized salt for best taste
• Provolone cheese: melts beautifully and has a mild bite aged provolone gives more flavor
• Maple bacon: brings salty and sweet together look for thick cut bacon and true maple syrup from Wisconsin if possible
• Yellow mustard: gives a tangy kick the classic burger touch
• Hard rolls: hold up to all the fillings get fresh bakery rolls and toast in butter for the best crunch
• Butter: helps brown the buns you want real unsalted butter
• Bacon: use high quality thick slices coat with maple syrup and a little chili powder for extra depth
• Onions: pick medium yellow onions and cook them low and slow splash in a bit of maple syrup for extra sweet caramel note

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Meat Mixture:

Combine ground beef caramelized onions salt pepper garlic powder and onion powder in a large bowl using hands until just mixed together do not overwork the meat mixture or the patties will be dense

Shape the Patties:

Divide and shape the seasoned beef into four round balls place them on a plate or tray let them rest uncovered on the counter for about fifteen minutes resting lets the beef relax and browns better

Caramelize the Onions:

Dice two or three medium yellow onions finely add to a heavy skillet with a generous spoon of butter cook on low stirring often drizzle in a splash of maple syrup and sprinkle with fresh black pepper continue to cook slowly until onions have a rich golden brown color and smell sweet and savory about twenty five to thirty minutes

Make the Maple Bacon:

Lay bacon slices out flat on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking tray place in a cold oven and set temperature to three hundred fifty degrees this cooks bacon evenly and reduces splattering mix maple syrup chili powder and black pepper in a bowl carefully brush maple mixture over the bacon as it bakes baking time depends on thickness usually twenty five to thirty minutes remove from oven once bacon is crisp and glossy with maple glaze

Griddle and Smash the Burgers:

Preheat a griddle or heavy skillet over medium high heat add a little oil or butter to coat place beef balls onto hot surface use a spatula to firmly smash each ball into a thin patty let cook till edges are dark crispy and fat bubbles through flip the burgers twice brushing tops with yellow mustard before the last flip

Add Cheese and Assemble Burgers:

Lay provolone slices over each patty once flipped and top with maple bacon plus extra caramelized onions cover loosely with a lid or large bowl to melt cheese on the griddle butter each bun and toast cut sides until golden brown pile burgers onto rolls adding extra mustard if you like serve straight away while cheese is gooey and bacon is still warm

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Storage Tips

Store leftover cooked patties and bacon wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to three days Reheat the burgers on a hot pan to crisp them back up Buns and toppings should be stored separately to prevent sogginess and onions are best kept in a sealed container to keep their sweet aroma from spreading

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find provolone try Swiss or mild cheddar for meltability and flavor Turkey bacon works if you want to go lighter and you can use honey instead of maple syrup for the glaze For the onions red or sweet onions can stand in if you prefer a different caramelized flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve these burgers with crisp homemade fries dill pickles and a simple green salad for balance They also pair well with coleslaw for crunch or kettle chips for an easy side Toast extra buns for a crowd because guests always want seconds

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Cultural Context

Smash burgers became iconic in American diners for their crispy lacy edges and fast cook time The combo of maple bacon is a Midwest favorite Wisconsin is famous for both its maple syrup and creamy provolone so this burger brings together heritage flavors that never go out of style

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get crispy edges on the burger patties?

Use a hot griddle or skillet and smash the beef balls flat, allowing them to cook without moving until deeply browned and crispy around the edges.

→ How do you make the bacon sweet and smoky?

Baste the bacon with a mixture of maple syrup, chili powder, and black pepper as it bakes for a rich, caramelized flavor.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, provolone melts beautifully, but Swiss or cheddar also work well for a rich, creamy finish.

→ Why caramelize the onions?

Slow-cooked onions enhance the burger’s sweetness and depth of flavor, pairing perfectly with the maple bacon.

→ What are the best rolls to use?

Hard rolls hold up to the juicy patties and toppings, staying crisp and tender when toasted with butter.

→ Can I cook the burger on a stovetop instead of a griddle?

A heavy skillet or cast iron pan on high heat also creates the needed sear and crispy texture.