The Colorado Burger from Smashburger features a juicy beef patty topped with crispy fried green chilies, melted pepper jack cheese, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and Smash sauce, all nestled in a toasted bun for a bold and flavorful western-inspired bite.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Fryer or deep skillet
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Cheese slicer or knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Toaster or grill for buns
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup sliced green chilies
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Using fresh green chilies is essential to achieve the authentic crunch and mild heat in the Colorado Burger's signature fried topping. Buttermilk-soaked chilies coated in a seasoned flour mixture create the perfect crispy texture when fried. Ground beef with balanced seasoning of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder ensures a juicy and flavorful patty. Melt pepper jack cheese just before assembling to maintain its creamy, melty consistency. Your Colorado Burger copycat will deliver a bold, western-inspired taste with every bite, just like Smashburger's original.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper.
- Place patties on grill or griddle; cook 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness.
- Top each patty with a slice of pepper jack cheese in the last minute of cooking; allow cheese to melt.
- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and sliced green chilies; let sit for 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour, remaining salt, and black pepper.
- Drain chilies from buttermilk, dredge in flour mixture, coating evenly.
- Heat vegetable oil in fryer or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry coated green chilies until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
- Slice tomatoes and shred lettuce.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, ketchup, pickle relish, garlic powder, and onion powder to make Smash sauce.
- Toast hamburger buns on toaster or grill until golden.
- Spread Smash sauce on bottom halves of buns.
- Layer with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cheeseburger patty, and fried green chilies.
- Top with upper buns.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Colorado Burger from Smashburger copycat menu features a flavorful beef patty topped with crispy fried green chilies and melted pepper jack cheese, combining fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes with Smash sauce on a toasted bun. If fresh green chilies are unavailable, you can substitute with pickled jalapenos or mild banana peppers for a similar crunchy texture and spice level. Buttermilk is vital for the frying batter to achieve the signature crispy coating; however, if you don't have buttermilk on hand, combine regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as an effective substitute. Using a grill or griddle for the patty imparts smoky flavor, but a skillet can be used if outdoor cooking is unavailable. Ensure the buns are toasted to prevent sogginess, which will enhance your burger's overall texture and eating experience.
Tips
Ensure your grill or griddle is properly preheated to medium-high to achieve a perfect sear on the beef patties, which should be evenly sized for consistent cooking. While frying the green chilies, maintain the oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) to ensure they crisp up without becoming greasy. When assembling your Colorado Burger, spread the Smash sauce evenly on the buns to enhance flavor balance and prevent sogginess. Remember, letting the pepper jack cheese melt directly on the hot patties in the last minute of cooking helps your cheese achieve ideal meltiness and texture.
Nutritions
The Colorado Burger provides a substantial source of protein from the 1 lb (450g) ground beef used across four patties, supporting muscle repair and growth. Pepper jack cheese adds calcium and fats, while fried green chilies contribute vitamins A and C, enhancing immune function. The Smash sauce, with its blend of mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and relish, adds fats and sugars that should be consumed in moderation. Your meal includes fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes, supplying fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients for overall health.
Storage
Store leftover Colorado Burger components separately to maintain freshness and texture. Keep cooked beef patties and fried green chilies in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, while storing fresh lettuce and sliced tomatoes in sealed containers or produce bags to prevent wilting. Your toasted buns are best kept at room temperature in a bread bag or container to avoid sogginess.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute jalapenos for green chilies to add a spicier kick to the Colorado Burger. Instead of coating the chilies in buttermilk and flour, try a tempura batter for an extra crispy texture. Swap out pepper jack cheese for cheddar or Swiss to vary the flavor profile while keeping the meltiness. Grilling the buns on a buttered skillet instead of a toaster enhances aroma and adds a golden, crispy crust.
Allergies
The Colorado Burger contains dairy products such as buttermilk, pepper jack cheese, and mayonnaise, which could pose a risk for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. The all-purpose flour used for the fried green chilies contains gluten, potentially triggering reactions in individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Your sensitivity to eggs should also be considered if mayo contains eggs, so reviewing ingredient labels is essential for safety.
Why this recipe?
The Colorado Burger from Smashburger stands out with its bold combination of applewood smoked bacon, pepper jack cheese, and sauteed green chilies, creating a unique flavor profile that attracts burger enthusiasts. You'll appreciate the balance of smoky, spicy, and savory elements that deliver a memorable taste experience. Recreating this burger at home is worth trying because it allows you to customize the ingredients to your preference while enjoying the same gourmet quality. Crafting this copycat recipe provides an opportunity to savor a popular Smashburger favorite without leaving your kitchen.