BBQ Smash Burger

#### Instructions:

**1. Make the BBQ Sauce:**
– In a small bowl, combine your BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to mix. This will give your BBQ sauce an added layer of flavor with a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes. Set aside.

**2. Form the Burger Patties:**
– Take your ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll them into balls, but don’t press them flat yet. You’ll be smashing them during cooking to achieve the crispy edges.
– Season the beef balls generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

**3. Cook the Smash Burgers:**
– Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil to the pan.
– Place the beef balls into the pan and immediately use a spatula or burger press to smash them flat. Press down firmly to get those crispy edges!
– Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the burger is deeply browned. Flip the burger, and place a slice of cheese on top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the burger is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

**4. Toast the Buns:**
– While the burgers are cooking, slice your buns and toast them lightly on a separate pan or griddle until golden brown. This adds a little crunch and prevents the buns from becoming soggy when topped with BBQ sauce.

**5. Assemble the BBQ Smash Burger:**
– Start with the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cooked patty on top, ensuring the melted cheese is visible.
– Drizzle a generous amount of the homemade BBQ sauce over the patty. Add sliced red onion, pickles, and any other toppings you desire (like lettuce if you prefer a bit of freshness).
– Top it with the other half of the bun and press gently to secure everything in place.

**6. Serve and Enjoy:**
– Serve your BBQ Smash Burger hot with a side of crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a refreshing salad. Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce on top for those who want an added kick!

#### Why BBQ Smash Burgers are So Special:

1. **Juicy and Flavorful:** The smash method of cooking burgers results in crispy edges and a juicy interior, delivering that perfect texture combination. When you add BBQ sauce, it infuses every bite with a smoky, tangy flavor that makes the burger stand out.

2. **Customizable:** One of the best things about BBQ Smash Burgers is their versatility. You can top them with whatever you like—crispy bacon, caramelized onions, avocado, or even a fried egg for extra indulgence. The possibilities are endless!

3. **Quick and Easy:** Unlike traditional thick burgers that take longer to cook, smash burgers are thin and cook quickly. With just a few minutes on each side, you’ll have a perfectly cooked, juicy burger ready to enjoy.

4. **Perfect for BBQ Lovers:** If you’re a fan of BBQ, this burger is a dream come true. It combines the best of a classic smash burger with the smoky, tangy BBQ flavors we all crave. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or enjoying a casual dinner at home, this burger is guaranteed to impress.

5. **Crispy Edges:** The key to the perfect smash burger is achieving those crispy edges that add texture and flavor. As the beef cooks on high heat, the outer layer becomes irresistibly crispy, while the inside remains juicy and tender.

#### Tips for Perfect BBQ Smash Burgers:

– **Use 80/20 Ground Beef:** The fat content in 80/20 beef provides the perfect amount of juiciness without making the burgers too greasy. This fat ratio gives you a flavorful, juicy burger with crispy edges.

– **Smash Immediately:** To get that signature crispy edge, be sure to smash the patties immediately after placing them in the pan. The sooner you press them, the more crispy surface area you’ll get.

– **Don’t Overcook:** Smash burgers cook quickly, so be sure not to overcook them. For a juicy burger, aim for medium or medium-well, and remember, the cheese should melt perfectly on top.

– **Toast Your Buns:** Lightly toasting the buns adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, helping to prevent them from becoming soggy when you add BBQ sauce.

– **Go Big with BBQ Sauce:** Since BBQ sauce is the star of the show, don’t be shy with it! Drizzle generously on the patties, and feel free to add more after assembling the burger for that extra smoky sweetness.

#### Conclusion:

**BBQ Smash Burger** is the perfect balance of smoky BBQ flavor, juicy beef, and crispy, golden edges. The addition of tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings creates a burger experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just craving a flavorful, satisfying meal, this burger is sure to be a hit.

So fire up the grill or heat your skillet, and treat yourself to this delicious BBQ Smash Burger today—your taste buds will thank you!