Oh, hello there! I’m Lina Kohn, and welcome to my kitchen corner here at Gourmet Gusto. As an Italian who’s fallen head over heels for American classics, I love finding ways to blend flavors. My journey with these Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli started on a sunny Saturday afternoon. I wanted to make something fun, something that felt a little bit like a party on a bun. I thought about juicy burgers, crispy bacon, and then, my Italian roots whispered, “Calabrian chilies!”
Growing up in Italy, those little jars of fiery red chilies were always around. My Nonna would add a touch to pasta sauce, a tiny bit to a stew. They have this amazing warmth, not just heat. I wondered, could they work on a burger? And paired with bacon? The idea for Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli was born right then.
These aren’t just any burgers. The smash technique gives you those irresistible crispy edges, while keeping the inside juicy. Add salty, crunchy bacon and this vibrant, slightly spicy aioli… it’s a game changer! It’s that perfect mix of familiar comfort and exciting new flavor. I can’t wait for you to try them.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli
Trust me, these aren’t just another burger. They’re a whole experience! Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with these Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli:
- That amazing crispy edge you get from the smashburger technique is just the best.
- Who doesn’t love crispy, salty bacon piled high on a burger?
- The Calabrian chili aioli adds this incredible, zesty kick that brightens everything up.
- They’re juicy, flavorful, and seriously satisfying.
- It’s a simple recipe for big flavor payoff!
Ingredients for Your Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to burger bliss! You’ll need these simple things to make your Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli really sing:
- 1 pound ground beef, make sure it’s an 80/20 blend for the best juiciness.
- 8 strips of bacon, cooked until it’s nice and crispy, then crumbled.
- 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted until they’re golden brown.
- 4 slices of your favorite cheddar cheese.
- Fresh lettuce leaves.
- Ripe tomato slices.
- Thinly sliced red onion.
- Now, for that special touch, the Calabrian Chili Aioli:
- 1/2 cup of good quality mayonnaise.
- 2 tablespoons of chopped Calabrian chilies packed in oil.
- 1 clove of garlic, minced super fine.
- 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.
- A little salt and black pepper, just to taste.
Having everything ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother!
Essential Equipment for Perfect Bacon Smashburgers
You don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets to make amazing Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli. Just a few key pieces will do the trick. Here’s what I use:
- A good, sturdy cast-iron skillet or a flat-top griddle. This is essential for getting that perfect smash and crust.
- A strong spatula or a burger press for smashing the patties down.
- A small bowl for mixing up that wonderful Calabrian chili aioli.
That’s really it! Simple tools for seriously delicious results.
Crafting Delicious Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli is really fun. It goes pretty fast once you start smashing. Follow these steps for burger perfection:
- First things first, let’s get that amazing aioli ready.
- While your aioli is chilling, divide your ground beef into four equal, loose balls. Try not to pack them too tightly.
- Get your cast-iron skillet or griddle screaming hot over medium-high heat. This is key for the smash!
- Carefully place one beef ball onto the hot surface.
- Immediately grab your spatula or press and smash that ball down firmly. You want it about a half-inch thick. Move quickly!
- Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll see a beautiful crust forming.
- Flip the burger over. Right away, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the hot patty.
- Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is all melty and the burger is cooked through.
- Repeat with the remaining beef balls.
- Now, let’s build these beauties! Spread a good amount of that zesty Calabrian Chili Aioli on the bottom half of your toasted bun.
- Pile on your lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
- Place a cheesy smashburger on top.
- Sprinkle a generous helping of your crispy crumbled bacon over the burger.
- Add the top bun, and there you have it!
- Serve these Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli right away while they’re hot and juicy.
Preparing the Flavorful Calabrian Chili Aioli
This aioli is what really makes these Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli special. It’s super easy to whip up. Just grab a small bowl and combine your mayonnaise, chopped Calabrian chilies, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Give it all a good stir until everything is mixed together nicely. Now, give it a taste! Add a little salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Pop it in the fridge while you make the burgers so the flavors can meld.
Mastering the Smash Technique for Juicy Burgers
The smash technique is what gives these burgers their incredible texture. You start with a loosely formed ball of beef. The trick is to place it on a really hot surface and smash it right away. You want to press it down firmly and evenly until it’s thin. This creates maximum contact with the hot pan. That contact is what gives you those wonderful crispy edges. But because it cooks so fast, the inside stays nice and juicy. Don’t overwork the meat when you form the balls – loose is good!
Tips for the Best Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli
To make sure your Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few little tips I’ve picked up:
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can lightly season your ground beef balls with a pinch of salt and pepper before you smash them. Just a little bit goes a long way.
- That Calabrian chili aioli is wonderful, but everyone likes different levels of spice! Feel free to start with a little less chopped chilies and add more until it’s just right for you.
- Don’t skip toasting the buns! It adds such a nice texture and keeps the bun from getting soggy from the juicy burger and aioli.
- Make sure your skillet is really hot before you add the beef. That’s key for getting that amazing crust.
Following these little pointers will make your burgers even more delicious!
Variations and Serving Suggestions for Your Smashburgers
These Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli are fantastic as they are, but sometimes it’s fun to mix things up! Here are a few ideas to make them your own:
- Try different cheeses! Provolone, pepper jack, or even a smoked gouda would be delicious.
- Add some caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Instead of just lettuce and tomato, pile on some pickles or even a fried egg!
- Serve your burgers with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad.
- For a lower-carb option, enjoy the burger over a bed of greens without the bun.
Get creative and find your favorite combination!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a quick note about the nutrition details for these Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli. Any nutritional information I provide is always an estimate. The actual values can change quite a bit depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. Think of it as a general guide!
Share Your Bacon Smashburger Creation
I absolutely love hearing from you! If you give these Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli a try, please let me know how they turned out. Leave a comment below or even rate the recipe! Your feedback means the world to me.
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Bold Bacon Smashburgers with Calabrian Chili Aioli: 1 Amazing Bite
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
Description
Juicy bacon smashburgers topped with a spicy Calabrian chili aioli.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend
- 8 strips bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- For the Calabrian Chili Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped Calabrian chilies in oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Calabrian Chili Aioli: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped Calabrian chilies, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Form loosely packed balls.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Place a beef ball in the hot skillet and immediately smash it down with a sturdy spatula or burger press until it’s about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until a crust forms. Flip the burger, add a slice of cheddar cheese, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through.
- Repeat with the remaining beef balls.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread a generous amount of Calabrian Chili Aioli on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with lettuce, tomato, red onion, a smashburger with melted cheese, crumbled bacon, and the top half of the bun.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can mix a pinch of salt and pepper into the ground beef before forming the balls.
- Adjust the amount of Calabrian chilies in the aioli based on your spice preference.
- Toasting the buns adds a nice texture to the burger.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling/Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
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