Ingredients:

• 1 lb (500 g) ground Ontario pork
• 1 tsp (5 mL) chili powder
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper
• 16 slices white bread
• 12 thick slices processed cheddar cheese, divided
• 16 slices bacon, cooked
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) butter, softened

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine pork with chili powder, salt and pepper. Loosely form into 4 balls.
2. Lay 8 slices of bread on work surface and top each with a slice of cheese and 2 slices of bacon each. Top with remaining bread. Spread top with some of the butter and place buttered side down, in batches, in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Spread remaining butter on tops of bread. Flip once golden and cook until other side is golden. Remove to a baking sheet and keep warm.
3. Return skillet to medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray. Place 1 pork ball at a time into skillet and using a large flat heavy spatula, smash it down; pushing hard into the pan to get a great sear. Add another pork ball if there is room.
4. Cook, undisturbed for about 2 minutes. Flip patties and press down slightly and cook for another 3 minutes. Add remaining cheese slices and cover.
5. Cook for about 1 minute or until cheese is melted. Repeat with all the pork. Sandwich the patty into 2 of the sandwiches and enjoy with your favourite toppings if desired.

Tip: Want to double up on the bacon? You can top the Smashburger itself with bacon if desired. 

Select your favourite burger toppings like mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, mustard, barbecue sauce, pickles, lettuce or tomatoes to add height and flavour to this over-the-top Smashburger. 

Tip: To make your smash burgers ahead: Cut 8 small squares of parchment paper and place 1 piece on a small plate. Top with 1 pork ball and another piece of parchment. Top with another plate and smash down to flatten patties. Remove patty with parchment paper and repeat with more parchment squares and pork. Remove 1 side of parchment from burger and place on skillet; remove other piece of parchment.