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BBQ Ranch Smash Burger with Crispy Onion Straws

The Ultimate BBQ Ranch Smash Burger with Crispy Onion Straws

  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 burgers 1x

Description

At its heart, this recipe is an exploration of textures and bold flavor profiles. The BBQ Ranch Smash Burger with Crispy Onion Straws is defined by three main pillars. First, the beef is smashed thin to maximize the Maillard reaction—that beautiful browning that creates a deep, umami flavor. Second, we have the sauce. Instead of choosing between the creaminess of ranch and the smokiness of barbecue sauce, we combine them into a singular, addictive condiment.

Ingredients

Scale

Smash Burgers

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for best smash)

  • Salt & black pepper

  • 4 burger buns (brioche or potato buns)

  • 4 slices cheddar or American cheese

  • Butter or oil for the skillet

BBQ Ranch Sauce

  • ½ cup ranch dressing

  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce

  • 1 tsp honey (optional)

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • Black pepper to taste

Crispy Onion Straws

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • Salt & pepper

  • Oil for frying

Optional Toppings

  • Pickles

  • Lettuce

  • Tomato slices

  • Extra BBQ sauce

Instructions

1. Make the Onion Straws

  1. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Toss onion slices with flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  3. Fry in batches until golden and crispy (2–3 minutes).

  4. Drain on paper towels and season lightly with salt.

2. Mix the BBQ Ranch Sauce

  1. Stir ranch, BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, and pepper until smooth.

  2. Chill until ready to use.

3. Smash the Burgers

  1. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat.

  2. Divide beef into loose balls (about 3–4 oz each).

  3. Place on the hot skillet, smash thin with a spatula, season well.

  4. Cook 2 minutes until crispy, flip, add cheese, and cook 1 more minute.

4. Assemble

  1. Toast buns lightly.

  2. Spread BBQ ranch sauce on both sides.

  3. Add smash patty, crispy onion straws, and optional toppings.

  4. Close, press gently, and serve immediately.

Notes

This BBQ Ranch Smash Burger is best enjoyed hot off the skillet, when the patties are ultra-crispy and the onion straws are still crackly. The smoky BBQ and cool ranch balance the richness perfectly, so don’t be shy with the sauce. Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a cold drink for a classic, no-frills comfort-food moment. 🍔🔥

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Smashing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger
  • Calories: ~620 kcal

Keywords: Western style smash burger, barbecue ranch burger recipe, crispy onion topped burger, homemade smash burger with onions, zesty ranch burger.

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Find it online: https://recipesmaria.com/bbq-ranch-smash-burger-with-crispy-onion-straws-recipe/