McDonald’s Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder with Cheese

I’ve included some videos I found relevant and helpful. 😍

You can make a tasty Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder at home just like McDonald’s. This burger has a beef patty, bacon, cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a sesame seed bun. The secret is the smoky sauce made with mayo, liquid smoke, and paprika. It gives the burger a special flavor.

This recipe is quick and easy. You can cook it in about 25 minutes. It makes 4 burgers, so it’s great for a family meal or having friends over. The steps are simple – toast the buns, mix the sauce, form and cook the patties, then build your burgers with all the toppings.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make McDonald’s Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder with Cheese at home:

• 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/3 pounds ground beef chuck
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 slices American cheese
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy
• 3 roma tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 8 dill pickle slices

These ingredients will make 4 burgers. The ground beef amount lets you make slightly larger patties to account for shrinkage during cooking.

For the smoky sauce, you’ll mix the mayo, liquid smoke, and paprika. This gives the burger its signature smoky flavor.

Remember to cook your bacon until crispy before assembling the burgers. You can do this while preparing the other ingredients to save time.

Instructions

To make the Smoky Sauce:

1. Whisk or stir the mayonnaise, liquid smoke, and smoked paprika in a bowl. 
2. Cover and place the sauce in the fridge for later. 

To prep burger patties:

1. Divide the meat into four balls. 
2. Place the balls between two pieces of waxed paper or into a burger press and form patties. 
3. Place the formed patties in the fridge for about ten minutes to firm up before cooking. 

To toast the buns:

1. While the burgers are in the fridge, it’s the perfect time to toast the buns. 
2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and toast the buns cut-side down for a minute. Remove the buns from the heat and keep them to the side for later. 

To cook the patties:

1. Turn the heat under the cast iron skillet up to medium-high. 
2. Season both sides of the burger patties with salt.
3. Cook the patties in the skillet for four minutes on the first side.
4. When a little liquid starts to pool on the surface of the patties, flip them and cook for three to four minutes more, depending on how you like your burgers.

To assemble the burgers:

1. Spread some Smoky Sauce on the bottom bun and place a slice of American cheese on top. 
2. Put the hot patty on the cheese and another slice of American cheese on top. The heat from the burger will melt the cheese. 
3. Cut two strips of bacon in half and place all four halves on the cheese. 
4. Add two or three slices of tomato.
5. Top with shredded lettuce.
6. Spread more Smoky Sauce on the top bun and put it on the shredded lettuce.

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily tweak this Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder to suit your taste. Here are some tasty options:

Bun alternatives:

• Whole wheat bun
• Pretzel bun
• Lettuce wrap

Cheese swaps:

• Cheddar
• Pepper jack
• Swiss

For a healthier spin, try ground turkey instead of beef. You can also use turkey bacon or veggie bacon strips.

Want extra crunch? Add crispy onions or potato chips on top.

To spice things up, mix some sriracha or chipotle pepper into the smoky sauce.

Veggie additions:

• Avocado slices
• Grilled onions
• Sautéed mushrooms

For a different flavor profile, swap the smoky sauce for BBQ sauce or ranch dressing.

You can make mini sliders by using smaller buns and patties. These are great for parties!

Remember, cooking times may vary with substitutions. Always ensure meats are cooked to safe temperatures.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Want to make the perfect Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder at home? Here are some handy tips:

For the juiciest burgers, use 80/20 ground beef. This blend has enough fat to keep your patties moist and flavorful.

Don’t overwork the meat when forming patties. Gently shape them and make a small indent in the center with your thumb. This helps them cook evenly.

Cook bacon in the oven for easy cleanup. Lay strips on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.

To store leftovers, wrap each burger in foil or plastic wrap. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet.

Make extra smoky sauce and store it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week. Use it on other sandwiches or as a dip.

For a healthier twist, try turkey bacon or a plant-based patty. You can also use lettuce wraps instead of buns to cut carbs.