Smash Burgers with Charred Serrano Blue Cheese Butter
Smash Burgers with Charred Serrano Blue Cheese Butter are a delightful twist on the classic burger. They offer a juicy, flavorful bite with a kick of heat from the serrano pepper and a creamy finish from the blue cheese butter. This recipe is perfect for your next barbecue or a casual dinner night.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this recipe because it combines simple ingredients to create a big flavor. The process of smashing the burger patties gives them a delicious crust, while the charred serrano blue cheese butter adds richness and a spicy kick. These burgers are easy to prepare and will impress your family and friends at any gathering.
How to Make Smash Burgers with Charred Serrano Blue Cheese Butter
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 serrano peppers
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion
Directions:
- Start by preparing the blue cheese butter. In a bowl, mix the softened butter and crumbled blue cheese until well combined. Set it aside.
- Char the serrano peppers over a flame or grill until the skin is blistered and blackened. Let them cool, then chop them finely and mix into the blue cheese butter. Set aside.
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
- Place each beef ball onto the hot skillet. Smash the beef down with a spatula to form thin patties. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 3 minutes until the bottom is browned. Flip the patties and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side.
- When the burgers are nearly done, add a dollop of the charred serrano blue cheese butter on top of each patty and let it melt.
- Toast the burger buns on the skillet until golden brown.
- Assemble your burgers by placing the patties on the buns and adding your choice of toppings.
How to Serve Smash Burgers with Charred Serrano Blue Cheese Butter
Serve these delicious smash burgers hot, right off the skillet. Pair them with crispy fries or a side salad for a complete meal. Make sure to have extra blue cheese butter on the side for those who want more flavor!
How to Store Smash Burgers with Charred Serrano Blue Cheese Butter
If you have leftovers, store the cooked burgers and the blue cheese butter separately. Place them in airtight containers. The burgers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the uncooked beef patties for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Smash Burgers with Charred Serrano Blue Cheese Butter
- Use a high-fat content ground beef (like 80/20) for juicy burgers.
- Don’t over-handle the meat when forming the patties for a tender texture.
- Make sure your pan is hot before smashing the beef for the best crust.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of serrano peppers based on your heat preference.
Variation
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute it with cheddar or garlic herb butter for a different flavor. You can also add bacon for an extra layer of taste!
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as they may require a longer cook time to ensure they are done properly.
2. What should I do if I can’t find serrano peppers?
You can substitute serrano peppers with jalapeños for a milder heat or even bell peppers for no heat at all.
3. Can I make the blue cheese butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the blue cheese butter a day in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before using it on the burgers.
Enjoy making and savoring your Smash Burgers with Charred Serrano Blue Cheese Butter!
