Spicy Bacon Ranch Cajun Mini Cheeseburgers
These Spicy Bacon Ranch Cajun Mini Cheeseburgers bring together the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning, zesty ranch dressing, and crispy bacon, all wrapped in a perfectly grilled mini burger. Ideal for lunch or as a hearty snack, these burgers are sure to impress at your next get-together. Feel free to customize the Cajun seasoning to your taste; whether you prefer homemade or store-bought, the blend of spices promises a kick in every bite. Serve them with your favorite sides, and enjoy the delicious mix of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors wrapped in fluffy mini buns.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
smoked paprika
1 teaspoon (or regular paprika)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon
dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon
lean ground beef
1 lb
cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon
hot sauce
1 teaspoon ((such as Sriracha or Tabasco))
monterey jack pepper cheese
2 slices (quartered to 8 pieces)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons
mini hamburger buns
8 ((split; can use small dinner rolls))
ranch dressing
1/4 cup
roma tomatoes
8 slices
bacon
4 slices ((cooked crisp))
arugula leaves
16 ((optional; or other lettuce of choice))
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano to create the Cajun seasoning. Mix thoroughly.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, and minced garlic. Mix gently until just combined. Form the mixture into 8 evenly sized patties.
3
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties in batches, if necessary, for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until browned. Halfway through cooking, place a quarter slice of Monterey jack pepper cheese on top of each patty to let it melt. Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate and keep warm.
4
In the same skillet, with the heat still on, place the split-side-down mini burger buns or rolls in the skillet until lightly toasted, about 1 minute.
5
Assemble each burger: Spread ranch dressing on the insides of the warm toasted rolls. Layer the bottom half with arugula leaves (or preferred lettuce), then place a Cajun burger patty on top, followed by a slice of tomato and a piece of crispy bacon. Close with the top half of the bun.
6
For easier handling, insert a small skewer or toothpick into each assembled burger to hold everything together. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Bacon Ranch Cajun Mini Cheeseburgers?
These are mini burgers featuring bold Cajun seasoning, zesty ranch dressing, and crispy bacon, served on toasted buns.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 mini cheeseburgers.
What type of meat is used for the patties?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef.
What ingredients make up the homemade Cajun seasoning?
The seasoning is made from smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
Can I substitute smoked paprika?
Yes, you can use regular paprika if smoked paprika is not available.
What kind of cheese is recommended for these burgers?
Monterey Jack pepper cheese is recommended for an extra spicy kick.
What type of buns should I use?
You can use 8 mini hamburger buns or small dinner rolls.
Is there hot sauce in the burger meat?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of hot sauce like Sriracha or Tabasco is mixed into the ground beef.
How long should the burger patties be cooked?
Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side in a skillet over medium heat.
When should I add the cheese to the burgers?
Place the cheese on top of each patty halfway through cooking to allow it to melt.
How do I toast the mini buns?
Place the split-side-down buns in the skillet for about 1 minute until lightly toasted.
What dressing is used as a condiment?
1/4 cup of ranch dressing is spread on the insides of the toasted buns.
What greens are suggested for topping the burgers?
Arugula leaves are suggested, but you can use any preferred lettuce.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
The recipe requires 4 slices of bacon, cooked crisp.
How should the burgers be assembled?
Layer ranch, arugula, the patty, a tomato slice, and bacon between the toasted bun halves.
How do I keep the mini burgers from falling apart?
Insert a small skewer or toothpick into each assembled burger for easier handling.
What is the suggested meal category for this dish?
These burgers are categorized as Lunch or Snacks.
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes, the recipe allows for either homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning.
How much minced garlic is used?
1 teaspoon of minced garlic is mixed into the beef mixture.
What oil is best for frying the patties?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How many tomato slices are required?
You will need 8 slices of Roma tomatoes.
Is the Cajun seasoning spicy?
Yes, the blend of spices and the hot sauce provide a spicy kick.
How should the beef and spices be mixed?
Mix the ground beef with seasonings gently until just combined to maintain a good texture.
How many arugula leaves are used per burger?
The recipe uses 16 arugula leaves in total, or about 2 per burger.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to combine smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano to create the Cajun seasoning.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Should the burgers be served warm?
Yes, for the best experience, serve the burgers immediately after assembly.
Are there any nutritional facts like calories included?
No, specific nutritional values like calories or fat are not provided in this recipe data.
Can I customize the heat level?
Yes, feel free to customize the amount of Cajun seasoning or hot sauce to your preference.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a delicious mix of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors.