SMASH BURGERS!

Let’s start off by stating the term “smash burger” may have become trendy over the last few years, with even the most upscale restaurants putting them on the menu and some charging upwards of $30 for them! But cooking burgers on a flat-top griddle has been the norm in diners and fast-food places for decades. Cooking the meat this way makes for the most flavorful and tasty burgers. By smashing down the burger patty, you end up with these wonderful crispy edges and juicy interior – What could be better? Well, adding onions, cheese and bacon of course! And with your Brand-Man Rustler Grill that includes a griddle, you are ready to go! So bring out your inner “short-order diner cook” and let’s get started. This recipe makes four Smash Burgers, but your guest are going to love them so much you might want to make extras. 1-Lb. 80/20 ground beef, divided into 4 large “meatballs”. 4 slices of thick bacon 4 slices of cheese, any kind 4 buns 1 medium red onion, sliced into rings. Salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika Extra garnishments if desired

Step 1

Replace one of the grates with the griddle that was included with your Brand- Man Rustler Grill.

Step 2

Turn the burners on under the griddle side to medium heat.

Step 3

Once the grill heats up put the bacon on and cook it as desired. Remove the bacon and set aside, keeping the bacon grease on the griddle as everything else will cook in that grease.

Step 4

Increase the heat a bit and put on the onions. Cook the onions until slightly browned, then move them off to one side of the griddle.

Step 5

Place the buns on the warming rack above the griddle to warm them up. (If desired you can place them on the griddle after you remove the burgers to toast them up.)

Step 6

Now for the burgers! Place the balls of meat on the griddle and smash them down with a heavy metal spatula or meat press (as the name implies!). Season the burgers on the top. Flip the burgers when halfway done and top with cheese. Because the burgers are thin it won’t take long for them to finish cooking.

Step 7

Top the cheese burgers with the bacon, onions and any other toppings you’d like. Your family and friends are going to love these and probably will want seconds. And best of all, by cooking these wonderful burgers on your Brand-Man Rustler Grill    all the splatter and mess stays outside!

ENJOY!