The Perfect Smashburger: A Step-by-Step Home Guide

This guide is your go-to for making the ultimate homemade Smashburger—juicy, crispy, cheesy, and stacked with flavor. Created by Culinary Specialist Hannah Sattelmaier for The Bearded Butchers, this recipe doesn’t just stop at the burger. We’re making soft, buttery homemade sweet dough buns and a delicious Sweet Heat Bacon Jam that brings just the right balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, this is the kind of burger that gets people talking.

Yield: 6 Buns | Portion Size: 3-4 Buns

Ingredients for Homemade Sweet Dough Burger Buns:

• 225 grams Warm Water
• 50 grams Milk
• 10 grams Dry Yeast (Fast Rising)
• 20 grams Granulated Sugar
• 500 grams Flour
• 10 grams Salt
• 1 Large Egg
• 65 grams Butter (Room Temp.)
• Egg Wash: One Egg, One Egg Yolk, Heavy Cream

Instructions on How-to Make Sweet Dough Burger Buns:

1. Create a poolish by combining the warm water, milk, yeast, and sugar. Then, add a light layer (about 30g) of the 500g of flour over the liquid. This insulates the mixture and helps keep the water warm. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes, until the yeast becomes frothy.
2. Portion out the remaining ingredients. In a mixing bowl, add the rest of the flour, salt, egg, and the yeast mixture. Using a stand mixer, knead on low speed until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the dough on medium-high speed for about 8 minutes, until sufficient gluten has developed. Once kneaded, begin incorporating the room-temperature butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Allow each addition to fully mix in before adding the next, until all the butter is combined into the dough.
4. Ensure the butter is fully incorporated. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise until doubled in size—about 2 hours, depending on the temperature and humidity.
5. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release the gases. Weigh and portion the dough into balls. Each burger bun should weigh about 4 oz (114g).
6. Shape the dough balls using a minimal amount of flour. You should end up with approximately 6 buns.
7. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
8. (Optional) Grease crumpet rings if you plan to use them.
9. After shaping, gently press each bun down slightly to widen them. This will help ensure they spread out rather than rise too high during baking.
10. Cover the buns and let them rise again. Be careful not to overproof at this stage. Let them rest for about 30 minutes.
11. Prepare an egg wash and, using a pastry brush, coat each bun thoroughly. Make sure to brush all sides of the dough.
12. Top each bun with sesame seeds.
13. Bake the buns in the preheated 400°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the buns in half. Before serving, brush the cut sides with a bit of melted butter, then lightly toast or grill them until golden and crisp. These homemade burger buns are a true crowd-pleaser—soft, flavorful, and perfect for elevating any summer cookout. Skip the store-bought buns and impress your family and guests with fresh, warm buns made from scratch.

No Smashburger is complete without a spoonful of this irresistible Sweet Heat Bacon Jam—crafted with the perfect balance of jalapeño heat, rich maple syrup, and a hint of warm spice from our signature Cinnamon Swirl Seasoning.

Yield: 1 Cup | Portion Size: 2 Tbsp.

Sweet Heat Bacon Jam Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Bacon, Sliced
• 1/2 Onion, Small Dice
• 1 Jalapeno, Small Dice
• 2 Tbsp. Real Maple Syrup
• 1/2 Tsp. Bearded Butcher Cinnamon Swirl
• 1 Tbsp. Brown Sugar

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweet Heat Bacon Jam:

1. Start by rendering the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy.
2. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Leave the bacon grease in the pan. Add the diced onion to the grease and cook over medium heat until the onions become translucent and begin to caramelize. Then, stir in the finely chopped jalapeño.
3. Let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender.
4. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and add the maple syrup, Cinnamon Swirl seasoning, and brown sugar. Stir to combine, allowing the sugar to melt and begin to caramelize.
5. Continue cooking over medium heat until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. There's no need to add extra salt—between the bacon and the grease, it's already perfectly seasoned.
6. Serve warm or allow to cool and store in an airtight jar. The jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Guide to Build a Perfect Smashburger:

1. Prepare Ahead: Ensure your bacon jam is perfectly prepared, and your homemade burger buns are ready to go. These two elements are crucial for an exceptional burger. 
2. Gather Your Toppings & Condiments: Next, get all your desired toppings prepared. Think crisp leaf lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, and dill pickle chips. For condiments, have your favorites on hand, whether it's classic ketchup, mayonnaise, or mustard, or a homemade sauce. 
3. Smashburger: 
   • Form two 4-ounce beef meatballs. Avoid overworking the meat. 
   • Place a cast iron skillet or a heavy-duty stainless-steel pan over medium-high heat.
   • Once the pan is hot, place the meatballs onto the hot surface. Immediately press down firmly until the patties are about 1/4 inch thick. The goal is maximum contact with the hot pan to create a crust.
   • Season the patties generously with The Bearded Butcher Blend Hollywood Blend. Its savory and sweet notes perfectly complement the smokey, spicy, and sweet bacon jam. Let the patties sear undisturbed until a deep, caramelized crust forms, usually 2-3 minutes.
   • Flip the patties and continue cooking on the other side until they reach your desired doneness.
   • Immediately add a slice of American cheese to each patty. If the cheese isn't melting quickly, cover the pan for a moment to trap steam and accelerate the melt. 
4. Toast The Buns: While the patties are finishing, generously spread a layer of butter onto the cut sides of your burger buns. Toast them cut-side down until they are golden brown and lightly crispy. 
5. Assemble The Smashburger: 
   • Spread sauce generously on both the top and bottom bun halves. 
   • Start layering your fresh toppings on the bottom bun. We recommend starting with lettuce, then tomato, and finally pickles. 
   • Carefully Place two stacked cheesy Patties onto the prepared buns with the toppings. Finish it off with the top bun. 
   
   

   And there you have it—your perfect Smashburger, made completely from scratch. With those pillowy sweet buns, that irresistible bacon jam, and a juicy double-patty stack, you’ve got a burger that’s hard to beat. So fire up the skillet, grab your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

   Like this recipe? Don't forget to snap a picture and tag us on Facebook and Instagram to let us know how your Smashburger turns out!