Autumn is in the air, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill and indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion – the Pumpkin Maple Cheddar Smash Burger. This epic creation combines the cozy flavors of fall with the irresistible juiciness of a classic smash burger. Get ready to sink your teeth into a melty, crispy-edged patty topped with a luscious pumpkin-infused cheese sauce and a festive maple-glazed onion ring.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Maple Cheddar Smash Burger
Prepare to be wowed by the bold, zesty flavors and satisfying textures of this indulgent burger. The pumpkin-infused cheddar cheese sauce adds a creamy, comforting richness, while the maple-glazed onion ring adds a sweet and smoky crunch. The smash burger technique results in a perfectly crispy, caramelized exterior and a juicy, tender interior. This is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, delivering a cozy, hearty, and downright craveable dining experience.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, seasonal ingredients that come together to create a flavor explosion. You’ll need ground beef, pumpkin puree, cheddar cheese, maple syrup, onion, and a few pantry staples. The combination of these fresh, high-quality ingredients is what makes this burger truly special.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 1 cup – Pumpkin puree
- 1 cup – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup – Milk
- 2 tbsp – Maple syrup
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-free: Use your favorite non-dairy cheese or omit the cheese sauce altogether.
- Vegetarian: Ground turkey or plant-based patties can be used in place of the beef.
How to Make Pumpkin Maple Cheddar Smash Burger
Begin by preparing your mise en place. Slice the onion and set aside. In a small saucepan, whisk together the pumpkin puree, cheddar cheese, milk, and maple syrup to make the creamy pumpkin-maple cheese sauce. Keep the sauce warm on the stove while you focus on the burger patties.
Step 1: Prep Work
Divide the ground beef into equal portions and gently shape them into balls. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Place the beef balls onto the hot surface and use a sturdy spatula to smash them down, creating thin, crispy-edged patties. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
To assemble the burgers, place the smash patties on toasted buns and top with the warm pumpkin-maple cheese sauce. Finish with a maple-glazed onion ring for that extra burst of fall flavor and texture.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef patty with a hearty, grilled portobello mushroom cap.
- Bacon or Egg: Add crispy bacon or a fried egg for additional indulgence.
- Pumpkin Spice: Stir in a dash of pumpkin pie spice to the cheese sauce.
- Sides: Serve these burgers alongside roasted sweet potato fries or a fresh fall salad.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: roasted sweet potato fries, fresh fall salad, or creamy coleslaw.
Storage: Leftover cheese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Make-Ahead: The patties can be made in advance and reheated, but the cheese sauce is best prepared fresh.
Nutrition Information
Each Pumpkin Maple Cheddar Smash Burger provides a satisfying balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. The pumpkin-infused cheese sauce adds a boost of vitamin A, while the maple-glazed onion ring provides a touch of natural sweetness. This indulgent burger can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, making it the perfect cozy, comforting meal for any fall gathering.
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the pumpkin-maple cheese sauce in advance?
While the cheese sauce can be made a day or two ahead of time, it’s best served fresh and warm. The sauce may thicken up in the refrigerator, so you may need to thin it out with a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a blend of cheeses. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
How do I get the perfect smash burger texture?
The key to achieving the perfect smash burger is to use a heavy-duty spatula and really press down on the balls of ground beef. This creates a thin, crispy-edged patty with a juicy, tender interior.
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
While the patties can be made in advance and reheated, it’s best to assemble the burgers right before serving for optimal freshness and texture. The cheese sauce and onion rings should also be prepared just before assembling the final dish.
What can I serve with these burgers?
These Pumpkin Maple Cheddar Smash Burgers pair beautifully with a variety of sides, such as roasted sweet potato fries, a fresh fall salad, or a creamy coleslaw. For a heartier meal, you can serve them with a side of baked beans or a crisp dill pickle spear.
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Pumpkin Maple Cheddar Smash Burger
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Grilling or Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy smash burgers topped with creamy pumpkin-maple cheddar cheese and savory bacon. Perfect for fall!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
2 tbsp maple syrup
4 burger buns
4 slices cooked bacon
Salt and pepper to taste
Lettuce and tomato for toppings
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2.
3. 2. In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree and maple syrup together, then fold in shredded cheddar cheese.
4.
5. 3. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form into balls.
6.
7. 4. Place the beef balls on the skillet and smash them down using a spatula to form patties.
8.
9. 5. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side.
10.
11. 6. Flip the patties and place a scoop of the pumpkin-maple cheddar mixture on top, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
12.
13. 7. Toast the burger buns on the skillet until golden brown.
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15. 8. Assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, and bacon on the bottom bun, followed by the cheesy patties, then the top bun.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a drizzle of additional maple syrup on top before serving.
These burgers pair well with sweet potato fries or a side salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: pumpkin, burger, cheddar, fall, maple