Description
This Easy Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce combines crispy plant-based cheese, smoky smoked turkey bacon, and a zesty natural special sauce, all perfectly toasted between thick white bread slices. It is a flavorful, comforting sandwich that is simple to prepare and perfect for lunch, dinner, or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Smashburger Grilled Cheese
- Ground beef or seasoned plant-based burger option, enough for 2 patties
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 4 slices plant-based cheese slices
- 4 slices thick white bread slices (or gluten-free bread option)
- Butter, for grilling
For the Special Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Small amount of natural gelling agent
Seasonings for Patties
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Special Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder (natural), smoked paprika (natural), salt, and black pepper. Stir in a small amount of natural gelling agent to thicken slightly. Set aside to allow flavors to blend.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook smoked turkey bacon slices until crispy and golden. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Form and Smash the Burger Patties: Divide ground beef or plant-based burger into small balls. Season with salt and black pepper. Place on a hot griddle or skillet and press down firmly with a spatula to form thin patties. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until edges are crispy and center is cooked to your liking.
- Assemble the Grilled Cheese Burger: Spread a generous amount of special sauce on each slice of white bread. On one slice, layer a hot smashburger patty, smoked turkey bacon pieces, and two slices of plant-based cheese. Top with the second bread slice.
- Grill the Sandwich: Lightly butter the outside of the sandwich. Heat a skillet over medium heat, place the sandwich in, and press gently. Cook until both sides are golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Slice in half and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly ground beef or fresh plant-based burger for best texture and flavor.
- Press patties firmly but only once to create crispy edges.
- Grill sandwich on medium heat to avoid burning bread before cheese melts.
- Spread special sauce on both bread slices to keep sandwich moist and flavorful.
- Let sandwich rest for a minute after grilling for cheese to set slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Smashburger, Grilled Cheese, Special Sauce, Plant-Based Cheese, Smoked Turkey Bacon, Comfort Food, Sandwich