Smash Bacon Patty Jr. Recipe

Portion and preheat

Divide 0.5 lb ground beef into two equal portions (about 4 oz each) for a thinner junior smash — for a single patty use one portion. Lightly form each portion into loose balls without overworking; you want a tender patty. Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron griddle over medium-high heat until very hot (2–4 minutes). Add 1 tsp neutral oil and spread.

Season and smash

Place a beef ball into the hot skillet. Immediately press it flat with a sturdy spatula or a press to about 3/8" (thin) — hold pressure for 10–15 seconds. Sprinkle approximately 1/4 tsp kosher salt and a pinch (about 1/16 tsp) black pepper evenly over the exposed meat. Repeat if cooking a second patty, leaving space between patties.

Cook

Cook the smashed patty undisturbed for 1.5–2 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crispy. Use the spatula to scrape and flip the patty, rotating and scraping to preserve crust. If making a double, cook second as instructed.

Cook bacon

While the first side of the patty is cooking (or in a separate small skillet), cook 1 slice thin-sliced bacon over medium heat until it reaches desired crispness, about 4–6 minutes, flipping as needed. Transfer to a paper towel to drain and keep warm.

Melt cheese

After flipping the patty, immediately top the hot patty with 1 slice American cheese and the thin slice (about 0.25 oz) of Galla cheese. Cover the skillet briefly with a lid (30–45 seconds) or place an inverted heatproof bowl over the patty to trap steam and fully melt the cheese.

Assemble bacon on patty

Remove the covered patty from heat once cheese is melted. Lay the cooked bacon slice directly on top of the melted cheese so it adheres.

Toast bun

Butter the cut faces of the small burger bun with 1/2 tsp softened butter. Place buttered side down on the hot skillet for 30–45 seconds until lightly golden. Remove and keep warm.

Dress bun

Spread 1 tsp ketchup on the bottom bun. On the top bun spread 1/2 tsp American-style mustard.

Pickles

Place 3 dill pickle slices over the ketchup on the bottom bun in a single layer.

Final assembly

Place the cheese- and bacon-topped smashed patty on top of the pickles on the bottom bun. Add the top bun (mustard side down). Gently press to compact and serve immediately.