Fall just got even more delightful with this Caramel Apple Bacon Smash Burger! Juicy beef patties are smothered in a luscious caramel-apple compote and crispy bacon for a flavor explosion that’s both cozy and craveable. Get ready to dive into this epic, melty masterpiece that’s sure to bring comfort and joy to your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Bacon Smash Burger
Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly charred beef patty, topped with a velvety caramel-apple compote, melty cheese, and crispy bacon – all nestled between soft, toasted buns. This burger is the ultimate comfort food, blending sweet, savory, and smoky flavors for a truly indulgent and satisfying experience. The caramelized apples add a lovely touch of brightness and tartness to balance the richness, while the bacon brings a delightful crunch. It’s a flavor-packed, hearty meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
This Caramel Apple Bacon Smash Burger calls for just a few simple, high-quality ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. You’ll need ground beef, Gruyère or cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a few pantry staples like brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and spices to make the irresistible caramel-apple compote.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 4 oz – Gruyère or cheddar cheese, sliced
- 6 slices – Crispy bacon
- 2 medium – Apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp – Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp – Ground cinnamon
- Pinch – Salt and pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, or provolone (similar melty textures)
- Apples: Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji (any crisp, tart-sweet variety)
How to Make Caramel Apple Bacon Smash Burger
Begin by cooking the bacon until crispy, then set it aside. Next, prepare the caramel-apple compote by sautéing the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of apple cider vinegar until the apples are tender and caramelized. For the burger patties, divide the ground beef into equal portions and gently shape them into thin, wide discs. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat and, working in batches, smash the patties down with a sturdy spatula, searing them for about 1 minute per side until they’re deliciously charred and cooked through. Place the seared patties on the toasted buns and top each one with a generous helping of the caramel-apple compote, crispy bacon, and melted Gruyère cheese. Finish with the top buns and serve immediately, with any extra compote on the side for drizzling.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by cooking the bacon until crispy, then set it aside. Next, prepare the caramel-apple compote by sautéing the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of apple cider vinegar until the apples are tender and caramelized.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
For the burger patties, divide the ground beef into equal portions and gently shape them into thin, wide discs. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat and, working in batches, smash the patties down with a sturdy spatula, searing them for about 1 minute per side until they’re deliciously charred and cooked through.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Place the seared patties on the toasted buns and top each one with a generous helping of the caramel-apple compote, crispy bacon, and melted Gruyère cheese. Finish with the top buns and serve immediately, with any extra compote on the side for drizzling.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Indulgence: Add a dollop of creamy, tangy sour cream or crème fraîche to the burger.
- Cheese Swap: Try Swiss or provolone cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce to the compote.
- Crispy Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s super crispy for an extra crunchy texture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh, crisp salad or roasted sweet potato fries.
Storage: The burger patties and compote can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The compote can also be reheated and used as a topping for other dishes.
Reheat: The compote can be easily reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling the burgers.
Make-Ahead: The burger patties and compote can be prepared in advance, but it’s best to assemble and serve the burgers immediately for the optimal melty, gooey, and crispy texture.
Nutrition Information
This indulgent Caramel Apple Bacon Smash Burger packs in plenty of protein from the beef patty, along with the satisfying combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Each serving provides a balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a hearty and nourishing meal.
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 701 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbs: 44 g
- Fat: 41 g
- Sodium: 941 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the caramel-apple compote in advance?
Absolutely! The compote can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before assembling the burgers.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute Gruyère with your favorite melty cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or provolone.
How can I make this burger extra crispy?
For an extra-crispy texture, try searing the patties in batches and allowing the skillet to get piping hot between each batch. You can also try cooking the bacon until it’s super crispy.
Can I make this burger ahead of time?
While the burger patties and compote can be prepared in advance, it’s best to assemble and serve the burgers immediately for the optimal melty, gooey, and crispy texture.
What should I serve with this burger?
This Caramel Apple Bacon Smash Burger is a meal in itself, but it would also pair beautifully with a fresh, crisp salad or a side of roasted sweet potato fries for a complete and satisfying meal.
Try These Next
- Cheddar Stuffed Bacon Burger Sliders With Caramelized Onions
- Apple Cider Bacon Cheddar Burger
- Harvest Maple Bacon Burger With Spiced Apple Slaw
Caramel Apple Bacon Smash Burger
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A deliciously indulgent burger that combines sweet caramel, tangy apples, and crispy bacon for an unforgettable flavor experience.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
– 4 slices of bacon
– 1 apple, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce
– 4 slices cheddar cheese
– 4 burger buns
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lettuce (optional)
– Pickles (optional)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your grill or pan over medium-high heat.
3. 2. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside on paper towels.
4. 3. Form the ground beef into 4 equal patties and season with salt and pepper.
5. 4. Grill the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they reach your desired doneness.
6. 5. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
7. 6. While the patties are cooking, sauté the sliced apples in the bacon grease for 2-3 minutes until they are tender.
8. 7. To assemble, spread caramel sauce on the bottom half of each bun, add the lettuce (if using), then the burger patty, followed by the sautéed apples and crispy bacon. Top with the other half of the bun.
9. 8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
– You can add additional toppings like pickles or extra caramel drizzles for more flavor.
– For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a spicy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg