Bacon Smashburger with Calabrian Chili Aioli

We’re making my Bacon Smashburger with Calabrian Chili Aioli and enjoying it with my Crispy Garlic Fries because there’s just no better pairing! It’s the perfect burger for lunch, dinner, or practically any time!

How To Make My Bacon Smashburger with Calabrian Chili Aioli

Here’s a video of how I made my Bacon Smashburger with Calabrian Chili Aioli! For another delicious burger, check out Andrew’s Chipotle BBQ Bacon Guacamole Burger recipe.

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Burger Ingredients

• 1 pounds 80% lean / 20% fat ground beef
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• 4 slices American cheese
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 to 2 tablespoons
• Crushed Calabrian chili (depending on preference)

Topping Ingredients

• 8 slices bacon, cooked (I bake at them at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until they’re crispy)
• 1 tomato, sliced into rounds and salted
• ½ red onion, sliced into rounds
• Pickles

French Fries Ingredients

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, cut into ¼ inch slices
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• Pepper to taste

Step-By-Step Recipe Method – For The Burgers

1. Divide the ground beef into 4 ounce portions and set them aside.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, crushed Calabrian chili, salt, and pepper. Stir until thoroughly combined and set aside.
3. Butter the hamburger buns and toast them in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown then set aside.
4. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, place down the ground beef patties being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Place a piece of parchment paper overtop and use a burger press or heavy bottomed skillet to smash the patty. Cook for approximately 3 minutes or until a golden brown crust starts to develop on the bottom and edges. Then flip, season with salt and pepper, and place a slice of American cheese overtop. Cook covered for an additional 1 to 2 minutes or until it reaches your desired doneness. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Place a generous amount of Calabrian chili sauce on the bottom and top buns. Assemble the burgers with the bottom bun, lettuce, tomatoes (season with salt), the patty with cheese, crispy bacon, onions, pickles, and the top bun. Enjoy!

Step-By-Step Recipe Method – For The Fries

1. Wash the potatoes well and cut into ¼-inch fries.
2. Soak them in ice water for a minimum of 20 minutes if time allows then strain and dry thoroughly.
3. In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and toss them until they’re thoroughly coated.
4. Air fry them at 375 degrees for approximately 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once they’re golden brown and crispy, remove them and enjoy!