Welcome to our indulgent recipes section! Today, we’re sharing a fun and unique recipe for Indulgent Smash Burger Pancakes. This dish combines the savory goodness of a smash burger with the fluffy texture of pancakes, topped with cheese, burger sauce, and sliced gherkins. Perfect for a special brunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Pancakes:
- 1 egg, separated
- 75g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp caster sugar
- 100ml milk
- 1 tbsp neutral-tasting oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
For the Smash Burgers:
- 250g 15%-fat beef mince
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 slices American cheese or mild cheddar
For the Toppings:
- 30ml burger sauce
- 40g sliced gherkins
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter
- Separate Egg: Separate the egg white and yolk into two separate bowls.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, and caster sugar.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In the bowl with the egg yolk, add the milk and neutral-tasting oil. Whisk to combine.
- Make Batter: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Whisk Egg White: In the separate bowl, whisk the egg white until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg white into the pancake batter.
Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with oil or butter.
- Cook Pancakes: Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Cook the Smash Burgers
- Season Beef: Divide the beef mince into two equal portions. Form each portion into a loose ball and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Smash Burgers: Place one beef ball in the skillet and immediately smash it down with a spatula or burger press to form a thin patty. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the bottom is well-browned. Flip the patty, place a slice of cheese on top, and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Repeat with the second beef ball.
Step 4: Assemble the Smash Burger Pancakes
- Stack Pancakes and Burgers: Place one pancake on a serving plate, top with a cheese-topped smash burger patty, then add another pancake.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle with burger sauce and top with sliced gherkins.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve Immediately: Serve the indulgent smash burger pancakes hot. Enjoy with additional toppings like lettuce, tomato, or extra cheese if desired.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Pancakes: For the fluffiest pancakes, be careful not to overmix the batter and gently fold in the egg whites.
- Smash Burgers: The key to a good smash burger is to get a good sear on the patty. Make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the beef.
- Cheese: American cheese melts well and adds a classic burger flavor, but you can use any melty cheese you prefer.
Variations
Bacon Smash Burger Pancakes
Add crispy bacon slices between the pancake and burger layers for extra indulgence.
Spicy Smash Burger Pancakes
Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the burger sauce for a spicy kick.
Veggie Smash Burger Pancakes
Replace the beef patties with veggie burgers for a vegetarian version.
Breakfast Smash Burger Pancakes
Add a fried egg on top of the burger patty for a breakfast twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the pancake batter ahead of time?
It’s best to make the pancake batter fresh, but you can mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately ahead of time. Combine them just before cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pancakes and burger patties separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pancakes in a toaster or skillet and the burger patties in a skillet before assembling.
Can I freeze the pancakes?
Yes, you can freeze the pancakes. Allow them to cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper between each pancake and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the toaster or oven.
What can I serve with these smash burger pancakes?
These pancakes are quite indulgent on their own but can be served with a simple side salad or crispy fries for a complete meal.
How can I make the pancakes healthier?
For a healthier version, use whole wheat flour in the pancake batter and lean ground turkey for the burger patties.
Indulgent Smash Burger Pancakes are a fun and delicious twist on the classic burger and pancake combo. With fluffy pancakes, savory smash burgers, melted cheese, and flavorful toppings, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing this unique recipe with your family and friends!
