Combining the best of breakfast and burgers, Smash Burger Pancakes offer the perfect fusion of savory and sweet. This dish brings together juicy beef, melted cheese, and fluffy pancakes into one mouthwatering meal. Whether you’re hosting brunch, craving something innovative, or simply looking for a new family favorite, these smash burger pancakes are sure to impress. The idea may seem unusual at first, but the combination of textures and flavors works beautifully together, making it a versatile and enjoyable dish. This recipe is also incredibly customizable, so you can tailor it to your preferences with different toppings, sauces, or fillings. Let’s dive into the process of creating this fun and flavorful dish.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To make these smash burger pancakes, you will need the following ingredients. It’s important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor. The simplicity of the ingredients is part of what makes this recipe so great, as it allows the flavor of the beef to shine while complementing the fluffy pancakes.
For the Beef Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. The fat content will help keep the patties moist during cooking.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning the beef evenly and bringing out its natural flavors.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the beef.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the savory profile of the beef with an extra layer of flavor.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The gooeyness of melted cheddar is a must for any good burger-inspired dish.
- 1/4 cup diced onions: Adds a sweet, slightly crunchy texture that pairs well with the savory beef.
- 1/4 cup diced pickles: The acidity of pickles provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef and cheese.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: A classic burger condiment that adds sweetness and tang.
- 1 tsp mustard: Complements the ketchup with a slight tang and sharpness that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
For the Pancakes:
- 1 cup pancake mix: Using a store-bought mix keeps things simple and ensures a consistent, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps to achieve the right consistency in the pancake batter, keeping it light and airy.
- 1 egg: Adds structure to the pancake batter and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Used for cooking the pancakes and ensuring a golden-brown finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Smash Burger Pancakes
Making these smash burger pancakes is a fun and straightforward process. It only requires a few simple steps to transform ordinary ground beef and pancake batter into a memorable meal.
Preparing the Beef Patties
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the beef.
- Divide the seasoned beef into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty. Keep the patties relatively thin, as you want them to cook quickly and evenly.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
Making the Pancake Batter
- In a separate bowl, combine the pancake mix, milk, and egg. Stir the mixture until smooth, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the pancakes tough.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush it lightly with vegetable oil. This will help prevent the pancakes from sticking and ensure they cook evenly.
Cooking the Pancakes with Smash Burger Patties
- Pour about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the hot skillet and spread it slightly with the back of a spoon to form a circle.
- Immediately place one of the cooked beef patties on top of the pancake batter, pressing down gently with a spatula to “smash” the patty into the pancake.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancake. Flip the pancake and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the pancake is fully cooked and golden brown.
- Repeat the process with the remaining pancake batter and beef patties.
Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Smash Burger Pancakes
Now that your smash burger pancakes are ready, it’s time to think about how to serve them. Here are some suggestions for making the most out of this unique dish:
Classic Burger Toppings
To keep the burger feel, serve your smash burger pancakes with classic toppings such as extra ketchup, mustard, and pickles. These condiments enhance the burger flavor and add a familiar touch to the pancakes. For an added twist, you can also top your pancakes with sliced avocado, fried eggs, or sautéed mushrooms for a more gourmet experience.
Side Dishes
While smash burger pancakes are quite filling on their own, you can serve them with simple sides such as sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or even a light green salad. These sides complement the richness of the beef and cheese while offering a bit of variety in flavor and texture.
Variations: How to Customize Your Smash Burger Pancakes
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily customizable it is. If you want to experiment with different flavors or textures, here are some ideas to try:
Cheese Variations
If cheddar isn’t your cheese of choice, feel free to swap it out for other types of cheese. Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, while Swiss offers a nuttier, creamier taste. You could even use a combination of cheeses to create a more complex flavor profile.
Add Bacon
For an extra indulgent twist, consider adding crispy bacon to your smash burger pancakes. Cook the bacon separately and layer it on top of the pancake before placing the beef patty down. The saltiness of the bacon pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pancake and the savoriness of the beef.
Spicy Smash Burger Pancakes
If you love spice, try adding some sliced jalapeños to the pancake batter or mixing hot sauce into the ketchup. You could even top your pancakes with sriracha mayo for a spicy kick that will take the flavor to another level.
FAQ: Common Questions About Smash Burger Pancakes
Can I make the beef patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days before assembling the pancakes. Just reheat the patties in the skillet before adding them to the pancake batter.
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to make a leaner version of this dish. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as turkey and chicken tend to have a milder flavor than beef.
What if I don’t have pancake mix?
If you don’t have pancake mix on hand, you can make a simple pancake batter using 1 cup of flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 egg, and 1 cup of milk. Mix the dry ingredients separately, then whisk in the wet ingredients until smooth.
Conclusion: A Fun and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
Smash Burger Pancakes are more than just a fun fusion of two beloved foods—they offer a perfect balance of flavors, combining the savory taste of burgers with the comfort and sweetness of pancakes. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, dinner, or a fun weekend treat, this dish is sure to impress. The simplicity of the recipe makes it easy to prepare, while the flexibility allows for endless customization. Whether you like your burgers spicy, cheesy, or loaded with toppings, there’s a version of smash burger pancakes for everyone. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering or family meal, and enjoy the delicious result!
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Smash Burger Pancakes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
Savory and satisfying pancakes inspired by the classic smash burger.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup diced onions
1/4 cup diced pickles
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tsp mustard
1 cup pancake mix
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal parts and form them into patties.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the beef patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, diced pickles, ketchup, and mustard.
- In another bowl, mix together the pancake mix, milk, and egg until just combined.
- Heat a separate skillet over medium heat and brush with vegetable oil.
- Pour 1/4 of the pancake batter onto the skillet and spread it slightly.
- Immediately place a cooked beef patty on top of the pancake batter and press down with a spatula to smash it into the pancake.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the pancake is cooked through.
- Repeat with the remaining pancake batter and beef patties.
- Serve the smash burger pancakes hot with additional ketchup or mustard if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes