Description
The Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce is a flavorful and comforting sandwich featuring juicy smashed turkey burger patties, melted plant-based cheese, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and a creamy tangy special sauce. Toasted to golden perfection, this sandwich combines smoky, savory, and creamy elements for a satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Smashburger Patties
- 1 lb ground turkey
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of smoked paprika
Smoked Turkey Bacon
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Plant-Based Cheese & Bread
- 4 slices plant-based cheese (cheddar or mozzarella plant-based)
- 4 slices soft sandwich bread (use gluten-free if needed)
Special Sauce (natural)
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise (natural)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Pinch smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp plant-based butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Smashburger Patties: Shape the ground turkey into small balls, approximately 3 ounces each. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the balls in the skillet and use a sturdy spatula to press down firmly, flattening them into thin patties. Season each patty with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In the same skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon for 2-3 minutes per side until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels to maintain crunch.
- Make the Special Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix until smooth and let the flavors meld while you prepare the rest.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Butter one side of each bread slice with plant-based butter. Spread a generous layer of special sauce on the unbuttered sides of both slices. On one slice, layer plant-based cheese, a smashburger patty, smoked turkey bacon, and another slice of plant-based cheese. Top with the other bread slice, buttered side facing up.
- Grill to Golden Perfection: Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the sandwich in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. Carefully flip and cook the other side until golden and the cheese melts. Press down gently with a spatula for an even melt and crunchy crust.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better grilling results without sogginess.
- Preheat the skillet to ensure even browning and reduce cooking time.
- Cook patties and bacon in batches if necessary to maintain crispiness.
- Let the special sauce rest for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Press gently while grilling to promote uniform cheese melting and a crunchy crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Smashburger, Grilled Cheese, Special Sauce, Turkey Burger, Plant-Based Cheese, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Gluten-Free