Table of Contents
This homemade Big Mac smash burger recipe is one that includes several recipes, namely:
- brioche burger bun recipe;
- homemade copycat Big Mac special burger sauce recipe;
- full step-by-step homemade smash burger recipe.
So, I will analyze all these component parts of a homemade smash burger in order to be able to present you the best way to make an absolutely amazing burger in your own kitchen, using brioche burger buns and the best burger sauce.
History of the Burger
The burger is a culinary preparation that is based on the food presentation in layers, starting from a wrapper that consists of a bun, inside which the following layers are placed:
- the slice of minced meat, most often made from beef;
- sauces, which can be mayonnaise sauce, ketchup, Big Mac copycat sauce, etc.;
- a slice of cheese, which will melt over the hot meat;
- onion or onion chutney, as everyone prefers;
- pickles or green salad, depending on preferences;
- juicy tomatoes or other vegetables you like.
According to wikipedia.com, the origin of the hamburger is currently uncertain, but it is assumed that the dish that would be the basis of the famous burger is a popular dish from Hamburg – “RundstΓΌck warmβ – which was used by emigrants on their way to America.
Today, I am going to present you a smash burger, which is made by smashing the ground meat onto the grill or into a grill pan, using a spatula.
Choosing the right ingredients for Big Mac smash burger recipe
To achieve a fabulous Big Mac smash burger recipe we need the following basic preparations:
- soft burger bun recipe;
- special burger sauce recipe.
The video recipe for this amazing Big Mac style sauce is right here! Hope it helps you π
After you manage to make these two component parts, using quality ingredients, you can get a fabulous Big Mac smash burger recipe without effort.
These ingredients, which must be chosen carefully, are:
- quality beef, which I will mince;
- onion chutney, which I will make at home, with the help of the Thermomix;
- organic tomatoes, juicy and tasty;
- homemade pickled cucumbers, but store-bought ones can also be used successfully;
- homemade ketchup, which is optional, for ketchup lovers;
- red potatoes, which can be roasted in the oven with rosemary, if you want a healthy side dish next to this amazing burger.
In my opinion, the best meat for obtaining an incredibly tasty smash burger is beef leg, which you can use entirely for the burger composition, or you can mix it with a little pork leg, if you want to get a juicy composition, or with turkey meat, if you want to make a kidsfriendly burger.
I always choose to mince the meat at home, but if you don’t have a meat grinder or a Thermomix to make this process easier, then you can buy the minced beef from the store.
For other homemade recipes made with minced meat, I recommend you to review these articles:
- Easy homemade meatballs recipe
- The old-fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe
- The Potato Moussaka recipe
- The Kidsfriendly Chilli con Carne recipe
- The kidsfriendly Lasagna recipe
Full Big Mac smash burger recipe
Big Mac Smash Burger Recipe β the homemade brioche burger buns that you will love
Equipment
- 1 Thermomix / Meat grinder / Food chopper / Kneading robot
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Grill spatula
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
FOR THE BRIOCHE BURGER BUNS:
- 80 g Unsalted butter softened
- 1 tsp Brown sugar
- 2 tsp Instant yeast
- 80 g Milk
- 150 g Water
- Extra water for the oven bake
- 450 g Bakerβs flour
- 1 Β½ tsp Salt
- 1 pc Egg
- 1 pc Egg yolk
- 1 tbsp Milk
- Optional: Sesame seeds or salt for topping
FOR THE BURGER MEAT:
- 400 g Ground beef or ground turkey/ground pork
- 2-3 pcs Optional: Garlic cloves
- 1 pc Optional: Onion
- Salt
- Black pepper
FOR THE BIG MAC STYLE SAUCE:
- 50 g Pickled cucumbers
- 40 g Shallots
- 200 g Homemade mayo
- ΒΌ tsp Brown sugar
- ΒΌ tsp Mustard seeds
- ΒΌ tsp Garlic powder
- Β½ tsp Salt
FOR BURGER FILLING:
- Onions sliced or homemade onions chutney
- Tomatoes slices
- Cheese sliced
- Pickled cucumbers slices
- Salad leaves
- Homemade ketchup
Instructions
- First, start by making the Big Mac Style sauce, because it needs at least 4 hours to rest in the refrigerator, or even overnight, to allow the containing aromas to mix well.
- For this, place the pickled cucumbers and shallots for the sauce into the mixing bowl of the Thermomix and chop 7 SEC β SPEED 8;
- Scrape down the walls of the bowl and add the rest of the ingredients for the sauce;
- Mix them well 10 SEC β SPEED 4;
- Transfer the sauce into a sealed container and place it into the fridge to rest until 4 hours before serving.This is a Cookidoo recipe adapted to my preferences. Feel free to use the original one if it suits you better.
- Next, letβs make the homemade brioche burger buns. For this, first you have to clean and rinse the mixing bowl;
- Then, grease a large bowl and set aside;
- Using the mixing bowl, place the sugar, yeast, milk and water and mix 3 MIN – 37o C (98.6o F) β SPEED 2;
- Leave the mixture to rest for 5 minutes;
- Add the flour, salt, butter and egg for the brioche buns and knead DOUGH β 10 MIN;
- Transfer the dough into the greased bowl and cover it with plastic film or a kitchen textile towel;
- Leave the dough to rise for 1 hour;
- After that, transfer the dough in a floured surface or a silicone mat and divide the dough into 8-10 pieces;
- Using your hands, shape each piece into a ball of dough and place them in a tray covered with baking paper;
- Leave the dough balls in the tray for extra 30 minutes to rise;
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven at 200o C (392o F);
- Beat the egg yolk and the remaining milk and brush the dough balls with this mixture;
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or salt on top of the bun;
- Place the baking tray into the oven and place a large pot/ tray with water on the bottom of the oven;
- Bake the brioche buns like this for 10 minutes;
- Remove the container with water and bake the brioche buns for extra 10 minutes using the same temperature; They will get a golden-brown crust;
- Transfer onto a wire rack to cool before serving;
- Now, letβs ground the meat together with one onion cut into quarters and 2-3 garlic cloves. I also like to add grated carrots to the meat;
- Add salt and black pepper according to your taste;
- Form 8 balls of meat and cook them on the grill or into a grill pan;
- Using a grill spatula, smash the meat balls and cook them for 5-7 minutes on each side;
- Place a cheese slice on the meat to allow it to melt while grilling;
- Now, create your unique big mac smash burger by starting with the brioche bun. Add the meat, the sauce and the rest of the ingredients for filling the burger;
- Serve warm with roasted potatoes.
Video
Nutrition
Different types of homemade burgers
The main classification of burgers is based on the type of meat used, thus:
- Beef burger;
- Pork burger;
- Turkey burger;
- Haloumi burger, where the meat is replaced with this delicious cheese;
- Vegetarian burger, where meat is replaced with vegetables.
Then, depending on the method of preparing the meat for the burger, we can have:
- Smash burger, as in the Big Mac smash burger recipe, where the meat is pressed on the cooking surface with a spatula. This gives the meat a slightly crunchy texture on the outside, but juicy on the inside;
- Pulled pork/turkey/beef burger, where seasoned meat is used and cooked in the Slow Cooker until it can be cut into fine strips with a fork;
- Schnitzel burger, where the slice of minced meat is replaced by a schnitzel and I highly recommend you to try this delicious recipe of Crispy Parmesan Schnitzel.
Homemade Burger is a versatile dish and can be made using different types of fillings. Also, you have the possibility to use brioche buns or simple buns, so itβs pretty obvious that you have the liberty to play with the ingredients when making this Big Mac smash burger recipe.
The secret for this amazing Big Mac smash burger recipe
From my point of view, the secret for obtaining a delicious homemade burger consists mainly in baking a soft and fluffy bun and using a special burger sauce.
It is important to use juicy meat and to season it according to our tastes, but if you make a delicious burger brioche and incorporate the whole burger in the best burger sauce, the success is guaranteed.
I sometimes even use a mix between ground turkey and many chopped vegetables, such as carrots, onions, garlic, green parsley to get a kidsfriendly burger, which is guaranteed to please the peaky eaters. But my daughter Sofia loves this Big Mac smash burger recipe, where I only used ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper.
Cooking Methods for Burgers
In order to detail the different cooking methods suitable for burgers, I will start from a previously made classification.
- For the smash burger, the most appropriate way to cook the meat is on the grill or in a grill pan, and with the help of the spatula you will smash the burger meat so that it eliminates part of the liquid;
- For pulled pork/beef/turkey burger, the most suitable cooking method is with the help of a Slow cooker or a multicooker, I always use the Crockpot Express Multicooker;
- For the Schnitzel Burger, you will definitely need a frying pan with hot oil or an air-fryer to get a crispy and delicious schnitzel.
We always use the outside grill to make this Big Mac smash burger recipe, regardless of the season. In addition, with the help of the Thermomix I make the best brioche burger buns and also it is very easy for me to obtain a special burger sauce that is similar to the one used for the famous Big Mac.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
If we take the individual parts of a burger, it is obvious that each of them can be prepared in advance and most of them can be frozen.
So, let’s take them one by one:
- brioche burger buns dough can be kneaded and let to rise, then the buns can be formed from the dough. Unbaked buns can be frozen and, if necessary, defrosted and baked in the oven. Also, the already baked buns can be frozen and, if necessary, defrosted and served. However, defrosted buns will not be as fluffy as fresh ones;
- The meat for the burger can be minced and seasoned, after which it can be frozen. Thus, if necessary, you can defrost it and cook it on the grill (link mai sus). Also, the already cooked meat can be frozen and if necessary, it can be defrosted and served, but, just like in the case of burger buns, the texture will be different from the freshly cooked one;
- Big Mac style sauce cannot be frozen, but it is recommended to prepare it 24 hours before serving, to allow the flavors to combine during this time;
- if you choose to use onion chutney, I recommend that you use it within a week of cooking, because if you keep it longer there is a possibility that it will spoil or acquire an unpleasant smell. I use the onion chutney recipe available on the Cookidoo platform;
- homemade ketchup can be prepared in advance and can be preserved for a year in the cellar or pantry, without problems, as long as you take into account the steps I wrote in the article dedicated to Food Preservation.
Therefore, it would be advisable to use fresh ingredients if you want to enjoy this Big Mac smash burger recipe but, if necessary, you can also use some of the ingredients prepared in advance and frozen.
Serving and Presentation
As I already mentioned, we always prepare the Big mac smash burger recipe using the outside grill (link mai sus). We like to place the cheese on top of the meat slice, on the grill, so that it melts nicely.
Afterwards, starting with homemade brioche burger buns, we place each layer of ingredients alternately, whether we are talking about sauce, meat or vegetables, and enjoy this wonderful homemade burger together with a side dish made of roasted potatoes with rosemary.
This way we get an absolutely delicious meal, which is enjoyed by us, but Sofia also loves it and we like to turn this day of cooking burgers into a more special day, when we invite other family members or friends and serve this wonderful dish together.
Health Benefits of Homemade Burgers
Indulging in a homemade big mac smash burger recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a healthier choice for your body, especially when it’s crafted with quality ingredients. Letβs analyze each of them:
- Homemade Brioche Burger Buns: Starting with the base, homemade brioche buns are a cut above their store-bought counterparts. Made with real butter and fresh eggs, these buns offer a rich flavor and a soft, tender texture without the preservatives found in commercial buns. Baking them at home allows for control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier option that complements the burger perfectly.
- Homemade Ketchup and Burger Sauce: Crafting ketchup and burger sauce in your kitchen means you can significantly reduce the sugar and sodium content typically found in their store-bought versions. Plus, homemade sauces can be enriched with natural ingredients, boosting the flavor profile of your burger without adding unnecessary chemicals or preservatives.
- Grilled Ground Beef: Opting for grilled ground beef, especially when it’s sourced from grass-fed cattle, provides a leaner protein source rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Grilling also allows excess fat to drip away, resulting in a lower fat content compared to other cooking methods.
- Organic Tomatoes: Topping your burger with organic tomatoes not only adds a fresh, juicy layer but also brings a dose of vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate, along with antioxidants such as lycopene, which supports heart health and offers protective benefits against certain types of cancers.
- Homemade Onion Chutney: A spoonful of homemade onion chutney introduces a complex flavor profile with a hint of sweetness and acidity, along with health benefits from onions like fiber, vitamins C and B6, and potent antioxidants.
- Homemade Pickles: Adding homemade pickles to your burger infuses it with a tangy crunch and digestive benefits. Pickles made at home can be a source of probiotics (if fermented naturally), aiding in gut health and enhancing the overall nutritional value of your meal.
That being said, homemade burgers, especially when assembled with carefully selected ingredients like those listed above, transform a simple meal into a nourishing experience.
I encourage you to make this amazing Big Mac Smash burger recipe at home and I guarantee that after the first bite you will fall in love with it. I am curious to find out what you think about this amazing homemade burger made from scratch. So, please share your thoughts, reviews and suggestions in the comments section. Until the next easy and delicious homemade recipe here on the blog, I wish you all a great time spent with your loved ones. Bye π
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes a burger a smash burger?
The difference between a regular burger and a smash burger is that in the case of a smash burger, the piece of meat is smashed with the help of a spatula on the grill or in the grill pan, so that part of the fatty liquid from the meat is removed. In this way, the meat from the smash burger will be crispier on the outside, thinner and tastier.
What is the copycat Big Mac sauce made of?
Big mac style sauce is based on simple ingredients, such as: mayonnaise, shallots, mustard seeds, garlic powder, salt and a little sugar. In addition, you can add pieces of pickled cucumber, if you want to improve this special burger sauce.
How unhealthy is a smash burger?
Using natural and quality ingredients, smash burger can be considered a healthy food. So, if you prepare the burger buns at home, prepare the sauces yourself and add quality ingredients to the composition of the burger, I guarantee that you can get a healthy smash burger.
Why do smash burgers taste so good?
Smash burgers taste so good because the meat that is smashed on the grill with the help of a spatula, removes part of the fatty liquid inside. Thus, the meat obtained will be thin, slightly crispy and very delicious.
Are brioche buns good for burgers?
Of all the burger buns recipes I’ve tried, brioche buns are the best. This is because thanks to the ingredients used, namely butter, milk and eggs, which are different from the ingredients used in the case of simple buns, brioche burgers buns become extremely soft, fluffy and tasty.
What makes a brioche bun different?
Brioche buns are different due to the specific ingredients in their composition, namely: milk, eggs and melted butter. Unlike normal buns, which are made using water, flour, oil and a little yeast, brioche buns become extremely soft, fluffy and tasty thanks to these ingredients used.
Do you toast brioche buns for burgers?
You can toast the brioche burger buns, but I like to use them plain, being baked the same day as the burger. Sometimes, however, I like to put them on the grill, cut in half and leave them to heat for 2-3 minutes, until the inside becomes slightly crispy.
Is brioche bun unhealthy?
No, brioche buns are healthy. All you have to do is pay attention to the ingredients used and their quantity. So, use sugar only to activate the yeast and help the dough to rise. If you just use the simple list of ingredients needed for brioche buns, i.e.: butter, milk, eggs, flour, yeast, a teaspoon of sugar and salt, you will get healthy brioche buns.
How to cook homemade Big Mac smash burger recipe?
The Big Mac smash burger recipe is extremely easy to make at home. All you have to do is prepare some delicious homemade brioche burger buns, choose a quality meat to season to your taste and prepare a homemade copycat big mac sauce. In addition, add a little cheese and onion chutney to the inside of your burger, along with tomatoes and pickles, and that’s how you make the Big Mac smash burger recipe in her own kitchen.