Whipped Feta and Garlic Butter Bacon Smash Burgers
Indulge in the ultimate burger experience with these Whipped Feta and Garlic Butter Bacon Smash Burgers. Featuring crispy smash patties, savory bacon, and a creamy, tangy, garlicky whipped feta, this surprisingly easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing gathering.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Sturdy Spatula
- Small bowl
- Fork or Small Whisk
- Heavy Pot (optional, for smashing)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- lettuce, tomato, and red onion for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Whipped Feta: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic. Whip with a fork or a small whisk until the mixture is beautifully smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Step 2: Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, lay bacon slices and cook until perfectly crispy, a few minutes per side. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Step 3: Prepare Skillet for Burgers: With the bacon grease still in the skillet, add olive oil and unsalted butter. Let it melt over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom, creating a rich base for the burgers.
- Step 4: Cook Smash Burgers: Divide ground beef into 4 equal, loose portions. Season each generously with salt and pepper. Place one ball of beef into the hot skillet and immediately, with a sturdy spatula (and optionally a second spatula or heavy pot), smash it flat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are nicely browned. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until desired doneness. Repeat for remaining portions.
- Step 5: Toast Buns: Toast brioche buns in the same skillet (after wiping out excess grease) or in an oven/toaster until lightly golden and warm.
- Step 6: Assemble and Serve: Spread a generous amount of whipped feta mixture on the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun. Top with a hot smash burger patty, crispy bacon, and optionally fresh lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Add the top bun half and serve immediately.
Notes
These burgers are best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers: Store cooked burger patties and bacon in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Whipped feta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm the patties in a skillet or microwave, and toast fresh buns for the best experience. The whipped feta is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. For best results, do not overwork the meat, ensure your skillet is screaming hot before adding beef, smash patties immediately, and season generously. The whipped feta mixture can be made a day in advance. Customize with whipped goat cheese or herbed cream cheese, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, red pepper flakes, fresh chives, parsley, or different bun types like potato or pretzel rolls. Ground turkey or chicken can be used, but may be less crispy.