Directions to follow
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked macaroni, shredded pepper jack cheese, chopped bacon, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty.
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your preference.
- While the patties are cooking, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or skillet until golden.
- Assemble each smashburger by placing a patty on the bottom half of a bun.
- Layer on your choice of toppings: think crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, or creamy avocado!
- Place the other half of the bun on top and serve hot!
- Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Best ways to enjoy it
When it comes to serving your Pepper Jack Bacon-Stuffed Mac & Cheese Smashburger, think outside the box! Pair it with classic sides like crispy fries or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Want to elevate the experience? Serve with spicy ranch or a tangy barbecue sauce on the side to dip. Don’t forget to garnish with colorful toppings to make your burger visually appealing!
Storage and reheating tips
Have leftovers? No problem! Store your burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for a quick fix. If you’d like to freeze, wrap individual patties tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Just remember to ensure they’re fully cooked before freezing!
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few tricks to make your cooking experience smoother:
- Use a kitchen scale to ensure even patty sizes, which helps them cook uniformly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This ensures the burgers sear nicely rather than steam.
- Experiment with different cheeses or add spices to the beef mixture for a unique twist.
Creative twists
Looking to shake things up? Try adding jalapeños for an extra kick, or swap out the pepper jack with a milder cheese for the kids. You could also turn these smashburgers into sliders for a party-style platter that everyone will love. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try a BBQ sauce glaze as the patties cook for a smoky flavor that’s hard to resist!
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare the Pepper Jack Bacon-Stuffed Mac & Cheese Smashburger?
It takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 15-20 minutes to cook. So, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Just substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of this smashburger.
What should I serve on the side?
Classic options include fries, onion rings, or a fresh green salad. You could also serve sweet potato fries for a nutritious and tasty twist!
Now, gather your ingredients and delight in making this unique spin on a classic burger that’s sure to become a family favorite!
