Harvest Apple Cider Gouda Smash Burger with Maple Bacon Crunch

I recently had the pleasure of savoring a truly exceptional gourmet burger that perfectly captures the essence of fall. The Harvest Apple Cider Gouda Smash Burger with Maple Bacon Crunch is a culinary masterpiece that combines the richness of apple cider gouda cheese with the sweetness of maple syrup and the crunch of bacon.

This delicious burger recipe features high-quality ingredients, including 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup shredded cheese, and 4 slices of bacon, all of which come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. The addition of unique elements like Terrapin Ridge Farms Apple Maple Bacon Jam adds a new dimension to the burger, elevating the dining experience.

Key Takeaways

• Savor the richness of apple cider gouda cheese in every bite.
• Experience the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
• Discover how to elevate your burger game with gourmet ingredients.
• Learn the secrets to creating a delicious burger recipe.
• Indulge in the flavors of fall with every mouthful.

Introduction to the Harvest Apple Cider Gouda Smash Burger

As the seasons change, the flavors of fall come alive in the Harvest Apple Cider Gouda Smash Burger, a true gourmet experience. This burger is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of the season’s best ingredients, brought together in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

The Harvest Apple Cider Gouda Smash Burger stands out in the world of gourmet burgers due to its innovative combination of ingredients. At its core is the apple cider gouda cheese, which adds a creamy, slightly sweet element that elevates the burger to new heights.

What Makes This Burger Unique?

One of the key factors that make this burger unique is the use of high-quality, seasonal ingredients. The apple cider gouda cheese is a perfect example, providing a rich, creamy texture that complements the savory flavor of the beef. Additionally, the incorporation of maple bacon crunch adds a smoky, savory contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Restaurants like Terra & Pursuit have set a precedent for gourmet burgers with unique toppings, indicating a trend towards creative burger recipes that incorporate seasonal flavors and ingredients. The Harvest Apple Cider Gouda Smash Burger fits right into this trend, offering a burger that is both familiar and innovative.

Flavor Profile: A Harmony of Sweet and Savory

The flavor profile of the Harvest Apple Cider Gouda Smash Burger is a delicate balance of sweet and savory notes. The apple cider gouda cheese contributes a subtle sweetness, while the maple bacon crunch adds a deep, smoky flavor. Together, these elements create a burger that is both complex and satisfying.

The harmony of flavors in this burger is not accidental; it’s the result of carefully selecting ingredients that complement each other. The result is a gourmet burger experience that is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for crafting a delicious Harvest Burger with Maple Bacon Crunch. To make this mouth-watering Delicious Burger Recipe, you’ll need to focus on both the essential ingredients and the optional toppings that can elevate your burger to the next level.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Smash Burger

The foundation of the Harvest Apple Cider Gouda Smash Burger lies in its key components. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup shredded Harvest Apple Cider Gouda cheese
• 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 4 hamburger buns
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Using high-quality ingredients is vital. For instance, choosing grass-fed ground beef and freshly baked buns can significantly enhance the flavor.

Optional Toppings to Elevate Your Creation

While the essential ingredients provide the core flavor, optional toppings can add a personal touch to your Harvest Burger. Consider adding:

• Lettuce and tomato for freshness
• Caramelized onions for a sweet and savory taste
• Pickles for a tangy kick
• Your favorite sauces or condiments

Customizing your burger with these toppings allows you to tailor the flavor to your liking, making each bite a delightful experience.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

With all our ingredients ready, it’s time to bring the Harvest Apple Cider Gouda Smash Burger to life through a series of simple yet precise cooking steps. The process involves preparing the maple bacon crunch, forming and cooking the burger patties, and assembling everything together.

Preparing the Maple Bacon Crunch

The maple bacon crunch adds a sweet and smoky flavor to our Gourmet Burger. To prepare it, follow these steps:

• Cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat until it’s crispy.
• Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
• Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, chop it into small pieces.
• Toss the chopped bacon with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of brown sugar.

This mixture will add a delightful crunch and a balance of sweet and savory flavors to our burger.

Forming and Cooking the Burger Patties

Forming the perfect burger patty is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it:

1. Divide the ground beef into equal portions and gently shape each portion into a ball.
2. Flatten each ball into a patty, making sure not to overwork the meat.
3. Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
4. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
5. Place the patties on the skillet and smash them gently to sear the edges.
6. Cook the patties to your desired level of doneness.

Assembling Your Delicious Smash Burger

With the maple bacon crunch and burger patties ready, it’s time to assemble our Harvest Apple Cider Gouda Smash Burger. Follow these steps:

• Toast the buns on the skillet or griddle.
• Spread a layer of apple cider gouda cheese on the bottom bun.
• Add a cooked burger patty on top of the cheese.
• Sprinkle the maple bacon crunch over the patty.
• Add your desired toppings, such as caramelized onions or fresh lettuce.
• Top with the toasted bun.

Your Gourmet Burger is now ready to be enjoyed!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

To elevate the dining experience, consider serving the Harvest Apple Cider Gouda Smash Burger with complementary sides and beverages that enhance its Fall-inspired flavors.

Sides to Complement Your Meal

House-cut fries or a fresh autumn salad with mixed greens, dried cranberries, and crumbled blue cheese make excellent accompaniments to this Delicious Burger Recipe. The crispy fries add a satisfying crunch, while the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich burger.

Beverage Pairings

Craft beers, such as a crisp apple cider ale or a malty brown ale, pair nicely with the burger’s sweet and savory flavors. Alternatively, a glass of dry Riesling or a specialty cocktail featuring apple cider or maple syrup can complement the Fall-inspired Burger’s unique taste profile.

By thoughtfully pairing your Harvest Apple Cider Gouda Smash Burger with the right sides and beverages, you can create a well-rounded and memorable meal that showcases the burger’s delicious flavors.

Harvest Apple Cider Gouda Smash Burger with Maple Bacon Crunch

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• Author: Chef Crenn
• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Experience fall’s ultimate gourmet burger featuring apple cider gouda cheese, maple-glazed bacon crunch, and a perfectly seared smash patty. Crafted for discerning home chefs seeking restaurant-quality results with seasonal autumn flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb ground beef (preferably grass-fed for best flavor)

1/2 cup shredded Harvest Apple Cider Gouda cheese

6 slices thick-cut bacon

2 tbsp pure maple syrup

1 tbsp brown sugar

4 hamburger buns (freshly baked recommended)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

Optional: lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, pickles

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Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and place on paper towel-lined plate to drain.

2. Once bacon is cool, chop into small pieces. Toss chopped bacon with maple syrup and brown sugar to create the maple bacon crunch. Set aside.

3. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (4 oz each). Gently shape into balls without overworking the meat.

4. Season both sides of meat balls generously with salt and pepper.

5. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add olive oil.

6. Place meat balls on hot skillet and immediately smash flat using a spatula to create thin patties with crispy edges.

7. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bottom is deeply seared and crusty. Flip patties.

8. Immediately top each patty with shredded apple cider gouda cheese. Cook additional 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and patty reaches desired doneness.

9. Toast buns on the same skillet until golden brown, about 1 minute per side.

10. Assemble burgers: spread gouda on bottom bun, add patty with melted cheese, generously sprinkle maple bacon crunch, add desired toppings, top with toasted bun.

11. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your gourmet fall creation!

Notes

For best results, use high-quality grass-fed ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for optimal flavor and juiciness.

Don’t overwork the meat when forming patties – this keeps burgers tender.

The ‘smash’ technique creates maximum crust and flavor – press firmly but only once.

Apple cider gouda cheese can be found at specialty cheese shops or gourmet grocers. Regular gouda can substitute if needed.

Make extra maple bacon crunch – it’s addictive and stores well in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Pair with house-cut fries or autumn salad for a complete gourmet experience.

 

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• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 20
• Category: Entrees
• Method: Pan-Frying
• Cuisine: American Gourmet

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 125mg