Description
This Doritos BBQ Ranch Smash Burger is an explosion of flavor and textures! It combines the satisfying crunch of Doritos, the tangy zest of BBQ ranch dressing, and a tidal wave of melted cheddar cheese, all piled high on a juicy, perfectly smashed burger. Get ready for a truly epic burger experience that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (1 oz) Doritos BBQ chips, lightly crushed
- 4 tbsp BBQ ranch dressing
- 4 potato or brioche hamburger buns
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Preparation
Step 1: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until it’s smoking hot. This is crucial for achieving that perfect smash burger crust.
Step 2: Portion the ground beef into four 4-oz balls. Gently form them, being careful not to overwork the meat. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 3: Butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns with unsalted butter. Toast them on the hot griddle or skillet until golden brown and lightly crisp. Set aside.
Step 4: Place one beef ball on the hot surface and immediately smash it down to about 1/4 inch thickness using a sturdy spatula or burger press. Repeat with the remaining beef balls, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Step 5: Cook the smashed patties undisturbed for 1.5-2 minutes. You’re looking for a deep, dark brown crust to form on the bottom.
Step 6: Flip the patties and immediately top each with two slices of cheddar cheese.
Step 7: Cook for another minute or so, until the cheddar cheese is completely melted and gooey.
Step 8: While the cheese is melting, spread BBQ ranch dressing on the bottom buns.
Step 9: Carefully stack the cheese-topped patties on the bottom buns. Top with a generous sprinkle of crushed Doritos BBQ chips.
Step 10: Cap with the top bun and let the burgers rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe takes the classic burger to a whole new level with a combination of bold flavors and satisfying textures. The smash burger technique guarantees a crispy, caramelized crust on the patty, while the BBQ ranch dressing adds a tangy kick. The cheddar cheese creates a molten lava of cheesy goodness, and the Doritos BBQ chips bring an irresistible crunch and smoky-sweet flavor. It’s an incredibly satisfying and indulgent burger that’s sure to become a favorite.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Doritos BBQ Ranch Smash Burgers immediately while they’re hot and juicy. They pair perfectly with:
- Crispy french fries or sweet potato fries
- Onion rings
- Coleslaw or a simple green salad
- Pickles
Tips
- Use high-fat ground beef (80/20 blend) for the best flavor and juiciness. The fat renders during cooking, creating a delicious, flavorful burger.
- Don’t press the patties after the initial smash. Let the crust develop naturally as the burger cooks undisturbed.
- A cast-iron skillet or heavy griddle is essential for achieving that perfect sear on the smash burgers.
- Cook the burgers in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and prevent overcrowding the pan.
- Lightly crush the Doritos BBQ chips so they add texture without being too powdery.
- Rest the assembled burgers for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger.
- If you don’t have BBQ ranch dressing, you can make your own by combining equal parts ranch dressing and BBQ sauce.
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes
Nutrition Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 750-850 per burger
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 1200-1500mg
Conclusion
The Doritos BBQ Ranch Smash Burger with Cheddar Flood is not your average burger. It’s a flavor-packed, texture-rich experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply want to treat yourself to an epic meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So fire up the griddle, gather your ingredients, and get ready to smash your way to burger perfection!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like pepper jack, provolone, or even a smoky gouda. Just make sure it melts well.
Q2: I don’t have a cast-iron skillet. Can I use a regular frying pan?
A: While a cast-iron skillet is ideal for smash burgers due to its excellent heat retention, you can use a heavy-bottomed stainless steel frying pan as a substitute. Just make sure the pan is very hot before adding the beef.
Q3: Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
A: Smash burgers are best served immediately after cooking. However, you can prepare the individual components (ground beef balls, crushed Doritos, BBQ ranch dressing) ahead of time and assemble the burgers just before serving.
Q4: What if I don’t like BBQ ranch dressing?
A: No problem! You can use your favorite burger sauce or dressing instead. Consider trying a spicy mayo, a tangy thousand island dressing, or even a simple combination of ketchup and mustard.
Q5: Can I add other toppings to these burgers?
A: Of course! Feel free to customize these burgers with your favorite toppings. Some great additions include lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, or even a fried egg.
