Chef Alexandra Stone - Gourmet Burger Specialist
👨‍🍳 Gourmet Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Culinary Institute Graduate ⏰ 14+ Years Experience 🍽️ Burger Competition Winner

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This burger was born from my obsession with elevating comfort food classics. The combination of tangy whipped feta with crispy smashed beef creates an incredible flavor contrast that turns a simple burger into a gourmet experience."

Alexandra specializes in elevating classic American comfort foods with sophisticated techniques and premium ingredients. She's passionate about creating restaurant-quality dishes that home cooks can master.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Towering gourmet burger with crispy smashed beef patties, creamy white whipped feta, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables on a golden brioche bun

Mastering the Smash Burger Technique

The smash burger technique creates maximum flavor through the Maillard reaction - the browning process that develops when proteins and sugars are exposed to high heat. The key is using a very hot surface and applying firm, even pressure to create as much contact as possible between the meat and the cooking surface.

Timing is crucial with smash burgers. The initial smash must happen immediately when the meat hits the hot surface, and you only get one chance to do it right. Once smashed, resist the urge to move or press the patties again - let them develop that beautiful, crispy crust undisturbed.

💡 Professional Tip

Use a large, flat spatula or burger press for smashing. Apply firm pressure for 10-15 seconds, then leave the patties alone. The sizzling sound should be aggressive - that's the sound of flavor developing.

Frequently Asked Questions

80/20 ground beef is ideal - the fat content provides flavor and prevents the thin patties from drying out. Avoid lean ground beef as it will result in dry, flavorless patties.

Yes! Whipped feta can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and easier spreading.

A heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan or griddle works well. The key is getting the surface very hot. Avoid non-stick pans as they don't get hot enough for proper searing.

Taste your feta first - some brands are saltier than others. Balance with cream cheese and lemon juice. You can also rinse feta in cold water before using to reduce saltiness.

Goat cheese, ricotta, or even cream cheese work well. The key is creating a creamy, spreadable texture that contrasts with the crispy beef.

About 1/4 inch thick or slightly thinner. They should be thin enough to cook quickly but not so thin they fall apart. The edges will be thinner and extra crispy.

Spread garlic butter on cut sides and toast in a pan or under the broiler until golden. The garlic butter adds flavor and creates a moisture barrier.

A flat-top grill or plancha works perfectly. Regular grill grates won't work well for smashing - you need a flat, solid surface for proper technique.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Patties Stick to Pan

Problem: Meat sticks when trying to flip patties

Solution: Make sure pan is hot enough and don't try to flip too early. The patties will release naturally when the crust is properly formed. Use a thin spatula to help release.

✅

Uneven Cooking

Problem: Some parts cook faster than others

Solution: Ensure even smashing pressure across the entire patty. Use a larger spatula or press. Make sure your cooking surface heats evenly.

✅

Dry Patties

Problem: Burgers turn out dry despite proper technique

Prevention: Use 80/20 ground beef, don't overcook (they cook very quickly), and avoid pressing after the initial smash. High heat and short cooking time are key.

✅

Whipped Feta Too Thick

Problem: Feta mixture is too thick to spread easily

Recovery: Add more heavy cream or lemon juice gradually until desired consistency. Let cream cheese soften completely before mixing.

✅

Burnt Garlic

Problem: Garlic in butter burns when toasting buns

Prevention: Use medium heat for toasting, watch carefully, and add garlic butter just before toasting rather than letting it sit in hot pan.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add more black pepper or lemon juice to whipped feta

Too Salty: Balance with more cream cheese or serve with fresh tomatoes

Bland: Increase herbs in whipped feta, add more garlic to butter, or season patties more

Premium ingredients for gourmet smash burgers including ground beef, feta cheese, thick bacon, garlic, fresh herbs, and brioche buns arranged elegantly

Selecting Premium Ingredients

The quality of ingredients makes a significant difference in this elevated burger. Choose freshly ground beef from a reputable butcher when possible, and look for feta cheese that's creamy rather than dry and crumbly. Greek or Bulgarian feta tends to have the best texture for whipping.

Thick-cut bacon provides better texture and flavor than thin bacon, which can become too crispy and brittle. The bacon should be substantial enough to provide a satisfying bite while complementing rather than overwhelming the other flavors.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Beef Quality: Look for bright red ground beef that's been ground recently. Avoid beef that looks gray or has an off odor. The 80/20 fat ratio is crucial for juicy smash burgers.
  • Feta Selection: Choose feta stored in brine for the best texture and flavor. French or Greek feta works best for whipping. Avoid pre-crumbled feta which is often drier.
  • Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs make a huge difference in the whipped feta. Choose bright green herbs without dark spots or wilting. Store with stems in water like flowers.
Cast iron skillet with beef patties being smashed flat with a spatula, showing the proper technique for creating crispy-edged smash burgers

Advanced Cooking Techniques

Creating the perfect whipped feta requires understanding how dairy proteins behave. The combination of feta's tanginess with cream cheese's richness creates a balanced spread that won't overpower the beef. Processing until completely smooth eliminates any grittiness.

The smash burger technique is all about maximizing surface area contact with the hot cooking surface. This creates more Maillard reaction, which develops complex flavors and that coveted crispy crust. The contrast between the crispy exterior and juicy interior is what makes smash burgers so addictive.

Perfect Smashing Pressure

Apply firm, even pressure immediately when the meat hits the hot surface. Hold for 10-15 seconds, then don't touch until it's time to flip. The aggressive sizzling is your friend.

Whipped Feta & Garlic Butter Bacon Smash Burgers

Prep 25 min
Cook 15 min
Serves 4 servings
Level Intermediate

📋 Ingredients

For the Burgers & Bacon

  • 115g feta cheese, crumbled
    Base for creamy whipped spread
  • 60g cream cheese, softened
    Creates smooth, spreadable texture
  • 30ml heavy cream
    Adds richness and helps blending
  • 60g butter, softened
    For rich garlic butter spread
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    Essential aromatic element
  • 30ml fresh chives, chopped
    Adds color and mild onion flavor
  • 15ml fresh dill, chopped
    Complements feta beautifully

For Whipped Feta & Garlic Butter

  • 675g ground beef (80/20)
    Perfect fat ratio for juicy smash burgers
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
    Provides substantial texture and flavor
  • 4 brioche buns
    Rich, buttery bun for gourmet burger
  • 15ml fresh lemon juice
    Brightens the whipped feta
  • 4 butter lettuce leaves
    Crisp, fresh contrast
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
    Juicy, fresh element
  • Flaky sea salt
    Finishing touch for texture

Instructions

  1. Make Whipped Feta

    In a food processor, combine crumbled feta, cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice, half the chives, dill, and oregano. Process until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Season with pepper and set aside.

  2. Prepare Garlic Butter

    In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, remaining chives, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside at room temperature.

  3. Cook Bacon and Form Patties

    Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Divide ground beef into 8 portions (about 85g each) and gently form into loose balls. Season with salt and pepper.

  4. Smash and Cook Burgers

    Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Add beef balls to hot pan and immediately smash flat with a spatula, creating thin patties. Cook 2-3 minutes until crispy crust forms, flip, and cook 1-2 minutes more.

  5. Assemble Burgers

    Toast buns with garlic butter. Spread whipped feta on bottom buns, stack 2 patties per burger, add bacon, lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Top with more whipped feta, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and crown with top bun.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Whipped feta can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. Garlic butter keeps for 1 week in the fridge. Burger patties are best cooked fresh but can be formed up to 4 hours ahead.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crispy fries, onion rings, or a Greek-style salad to complement the Mediterranean flavors. A cold beer or crisp white wine pairs beautifully with these rich burgers.

Variations

Try goat cheese instead of feta for a milder flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes to the whipped cheese, or substitute lamb for beef for a more Mediterranean twist.