Description
Experience the ultimate burger with perfectly smashed patties, savory whiskey-glazed mushrooms, melted Swiss, and a luscious garlic butter drizzle.
Ingredients
1 lb 80/20 ground chuck
4 slices Swiss cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup whiskey (bourbon or rye)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 brioche or potato burger buns
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Whiskey Glazed Mushrooms. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Deglaze the pan by carefully adding the whiskey. Allow it to simmer for 1 minute to cook off the alcohol. Stir in brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Cook until the glaze thickens slightly and coats the mushrooms, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Drizzle. In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp melted butter and minced garlic. Stir well. Set aside.
Step 4: Form the Beef Patties. Divide the ground chuck into 4 loosely packed balls (about 1/4 lb each). Do not compress them.
Step 5: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until smoking. Add the burger balls to the hot surface, spacing them out.
Step 6: Smash the burgers. Using a sturdy, flat spatula or burger press, firmly press each ball down into a thin patty, about 1/4-inch thick. Hold for 5-10 seconds to create good contact.
Step 7: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper immediately after smashing. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown, crispy crust forms.
Step 8: While burgers cook, lightly butter the cut sides of the burger buns and toast them on a separate pan or on the same griddle during the last minute of burger cooking until golden brown.
Step 9: Flip the patties. Immediately place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each patty. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through.
Step 10: Assemble the burgers. Place a cheesy patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top generously with the whiskey-glazed mushrooms. Drizzle each burger with the garlic butter. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately.
Notes
For the best results, ensure your skillet is smoking hot before smashing the burgers. This creates the signature crispy crust. Use good quality brioche buns for a richer burger experience. Feel free to adjust the amount of whiskey in the glaze to your taste, or substitute with beef broth for an alcohol-free version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg