Smashburger & Potatoes (Part 2)
Why go for a burger & fries when you could have roasted baby potatoes instead?
This is one of my favorite ways to make potatoes and it's quite easy, it's mostly waiting around while they're in the oven, so I made a burger 🤣
Lube up a cast iron pan (pyrex dish also works) with some bacon fat, sprinkle it with salt & pepper, then add a layer of onion and garlic. Cut baby potatoes in half, place them cut side down, add butter on top with some parsley, basil, & scallions. Cover & bake @ 375° until the bottoms brown then toss them around in the pan to coat them with the leftover butter.
Make a ball of SPPOG seasoned beef, cook a few strips of bacon and crisp up some garlic in the fat, then smash your meat into the garlicky bacon fat. Brown, flip, add cheddar, bacon, pepperjack, and the crispy garlic, then wait for the bottom to brown.
Put it on an onion roll with arugula, red onions, your favorite bbq sauce, then top with more sauce and enjoy!
Don't forget to make your dogs some plain sliders! 🤣
If you're looking to elevate your burger night, consider replacing traditional fries with roasted baby potatoes for a flavorful and satisfying side dish. Roasting baby potatoes in bacon fat is a game changer; it infuses the potatoes with rich, smoky flavors while the fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and scallions add an aromatic freshness that balances the richness. Using a cast iron pan or a Pyrex dish helps achieve that perfect crispiness on the bottom of the potatoes. Baking them at 375°F allows for gentle cooking, ensuring the inside remains tender while the cut sides get golden brown and slightly crispy. Tossing the potatoes in the leftover butter after baking further coats them in flavor making each bite decadent. For the smashburger, seasoning the beef with SPPOG adds a flavorful punch. Cooking the bacon and garlic together creates a savory fat base in which the meat is smashed, searing the burger to crispy perfection and locking in juiciness. Adding a blend of cheddar, bacon, and pepper jack cheese melts right on, complementing the garlicky undertones. Serving the burger on an onion roll enhances the overall flavor with its mild sweetness. Layering arugula and red onions adds texture and a slight peppery bite, while your favorite BBQ sauce brings a tangy, smoky finish. Don't forget to make simple plain sliders for your dogs so they can join the feast! This approach not only brings a creative, homemade touch to your meal but also uses simple ingredients in a way that delivers layers of flavor and a comforting experience. Experimenting with potatoes instead of fries also makes this dish a more interesting and potentially healthier alternative. Enjoy crafting this crowd-pleaser that’s great for casual dinners or a fun weekend project in the kitchen!
