First, thank you for being here. If you’ve landed on this recipe, chances are you’re looking for something unique, colorful, and downright fun. Maybe you’re planning a birthday bash, throwing a themed dinner, or you’re just the kind of person who likes to turn mealtime into a full-blown spectacle. Whatever brought you here, I’m grateful—and excited—to share this wild and wonderful burger creation with you.
This Crying in HBD Burgers recipe is exactly what it sounds like: part culinary celebration, part edible party. With juicy smash patties, crispy bacon, vibrant blue brioche buns, and an optional fizzy blue drink on the side, this recipe pulls no punches in delivering a meal that’s both visually electric and absolutely delicious. The name might be dramatic, but the flavors are real, bold, and completely crave-worthy.
Crying in HBD Burgers Recipe
This is not your average burger. This recipe is designed for celebration, full of color and flavor, and built with components that are simple to prepare but big on impact. The blue burger buns are the head-turning element here, but what lies inside—the crispy-edged smash patty, melted cheddar, and savory bacon—is where the real flavor party begins. Add a glass of blue raspberry soda or slush, and you’ve got a meal that’s practically its own birthday gift.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love here, and not just because it’s got that Instagram-worthy color. The Crying in HBD Burger is perfect for:
- Themed events and parties: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or themed dinner, these burgers are born to stand out.
- Fast and satisfying cooking: You don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients—just a hot pan, some ground beef, and a sense of adventure.
- Customizable combinations: From buns to toppings to side drinks, every part of this recipe can be adapted to your style.
- A memorable experience: People will be talking about this burger long after the last bite.
What Does a Crying in HBD Burger Taste Like?
Visually, it might look like something out of a cartoon. But one bite, and you’re tasting pure satisfaction. The patty is thin and crisped to perfection on the edges, delivering that signature smash burger crunch. The inside stays juicy thanks to the 80/20 ground beef. Sharp cheddar adds just the right amount of salty creaminess, while the bacon brings a smoky, crunchy counterpoint. The blue brioche bun is still a soft, buttery hug that doesn’t compete with the flavor—it just makes everything more fun.
And if you go for the optional icy soda pairing, it adds a cool, candy-sweet finish to the savory burger experience.
Benefits of This Recipe
Beyond the vibrant presentation, these burgers offer some real kitchen benefits:
- Quick cook time: The smash burger method takes less than 10 minutes from pan to plate.
- No grill required: All you need is a stove and a skillet.
- Party-friendly portions: Easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd.
- Kid appeal: The bright colors and approachable flavors are always a hit with little ones.
- Versatile: Switch out toppings, try different cheeses, or go bunless for a lower-carb version.
Ingredients
For the Blue Brioche Buns
- 4 brioche burger buns
- Blue gel food coloring
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the tops)
- Optional: sesame seeds or edible glitter for garnish
You can either use store-bought buns and paint them with diluted gel food coloring or make your own dough and incorporate the coloring during kneading.
For the Smash Burger Patties
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended for best flavor and juiciness)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon
- Optional toppings: lettuce, pickles, sliced tomato, onions, or your favorite burger fixings
For the Optional Icy Blue Soda
- Blue raspberry soda or blue raspberry slush
- Ice
- Optional garnish: lemon wedge or fresh mint
Tools You’ll Need
- Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
- Spatula or burger press
- Pastry brush (for bun coloring)
- Mixing bowl (for coloring liquid)
- Tongs (for flipping bacon or burgers)
- Small saucepan or microwave (if making bacon fresh)
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
The flexibility here is part of what makes this recipe so fun. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or what’s in your pantry.
- Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a leaner option.
- Vegan patties and plant-based cheese can be used for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Swap cheddar for gouda, pepper jack, or American for a new flavor profile.
- Add heat with sliced jalapeños, spicy mayo, or sriracha drizzle.
- Try a fried egg on top for a decadent brunch twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Create the Blue Buns
If using store-bought buns, start by preparing your coloring mixture. In a small bowl, mix a few drops of blue gel food coloring with 1 tablespoon of milk. Using a pastry brush, gently paint the tops of each bun. Allow the coloring to dry for 10–15 minutes before toasting. You can optionally sprinkle sesame seeds or edible glitter on top while the buns are still slightly damp.
If making homemade brioche buns, add the food coloring directly to your dough during the mixing stage. This results in an all-over blue effect that’s even more striking.
Once the buns are ready, slice and toast them lightly in a dry skillet or under a broiler. Toasting helps maintain structure and adds a subtle crunch.
Step 2: Prepare the Smash Burgers
Start by heating your skillet over high heat. It should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles instantly.
Divide your ground beef into four equal portions, rolling each into a loose ball. Do not pack them tightly—looser is better for smash burgers.
Place one ball at a time in the hot skillet. Immediately smash it flat with a spatula or burger press. You can use a piece of parchment paper between the spatula and the meat to prevent sticking.
Sprinkle the patty with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2–3 minutes without moving it to develop a golden-brown crust. Flip the patty, add a slice of cheddar cheese, and cook another 1–2 minutes. Cover briefly if needed to melt the cheese faster.
Remove from the pan and set aside. Repeat with the remaining patties.
Step 3: Assemble the Burgers
On the bottom half of each toasted bun, layer your chosen toppings—lettuce, pickles, tomato, onions, or any combo you like.
Place the hot, cheesy smash patty on top of the greens.
Add a slice of crispy bacon.
Top with the other half of the blue bun. Press gently to help everything meld together.
Serve immediately.
Step 4: Make the Optional Blue Drink
If you’re going all in on the blue theme, pour blue raspberry soda over ice, or blend it with ice to make a slushie. Garnish with a lemon wedge or mint sprig for an extra-festive finish.
What to Serve with These Burgers
To round out the meal, consider pairing the burgers with any of these tasty side dishes:
- Crispy seasoned fries or tater tots
- Mac and cheese bites
- Creamy coleslaw for contrast
- Watermelon cubes or a fresh fruit salad
- Sweet corn on the cob with butter
If you’re leaning into the dessert side of things, you might also love these sweet treats:
- Mini Peach Pies Recipe – Perfect handheld desserts with juicy peach filling
- Fried Apple Pie Balls Recipe – Crispy, warm, and packed with cinnamon-apple flavor
- Strawberry Crunch Apples with Cream Cheese Dip – A fresh and creamy snack or party side that works beautifully with burgers
Tips for Success
- Don’t overwork the meat when forming patties. Loose packs cook better and stay juicier.
- Always toast the buns to prevent sogginess, especially with saucy toppings.
- Use parchment when smashing burgers to keep them from sticking to your press.
- Serve burgers immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor.
- If making a large batch, keep cooked patties warm in a 200°F oven.
Storage Instructions
You can store components separately for up to 3 days:
- Cooked patties: Refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F.
- Colored buns: Store at room temperature in a sealed bag for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Assembled burgers: Best eaten fresh, but can be wrapped in foil and reheated in the oven for 10–15 minutes at 350°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. You can cook the patties in advance and reheat when ready. Buns can be dyed and toasted a few hours early. Assemble just before serving for best texture.
Will the food coloring affect the taste?
Not at all. Gel food coloring is flavorless. It’s purely aesthetic.
How do I make this less colorful or more subtle?
Use a lighter shade of blue or skip the edible glitter. The burger will still taste amazing even if it’s not neon.
Is it okay to use regular burger buns?
Absolutely. The color is fun but optional. Use any bun you love.
Conclusion
The Crying in HBD Burger is more than a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you’re looking to celebrate something special or just add a little excitement to your next dinner, this burger delivers on all fronts. It’s fast to make, full of flavor, and completely customizable. Plus, the blue buns are just plain fun.
Don’t be afraid to play with it, adapt it, and make it your own. That’s what cooking should be—creative, bold, and totally delicious.
If you make this burger, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a review, drop a comment, and if you share your creations on Pinterest or social media, tag me so I can see how it turned out.
Nutritional Information (per burger, approximate)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 42g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 860mg
Crying in HBD Burgers Recipe
Description
Crying in HBD Burgers are everything your party table never knew it needed—juicy smash patties stacked with melty cheddar, crispy bacon, and all your favorite toppings, all hugged inside bold bright blue brioche buns. These burgers are loud, proud, and made for celebration. Top it off with a blue raspberry soda slush for maximum birthday energy. Easy to make, impossible to forget!
Ingredients
For the Bright Blue Buns
4 brioche burger buns
Blue gel food coloring
1 tbsp milk (for brushing tops)
Optional: sesame seeds or edible glitter for garnish
For the Smash Burgers
1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
4 slices cooked bacon
Optional: lettuce, pickles, tomato, onion, or toppings of your choice
Optional Blue Drink Pairing
Blue raspberry soda or slush
Ice
Optional: lemon wedge or mint for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Blue Buns
If using store-bought brioche buns, mix a few drops of blue gel food coloring with 1 tbsp milk. Lightly brush the tops of the buns with the mixture and allow to dry for 10–15 minutes. Toast lightly before assembling.
For homemade buns, add the blue coloring directly to your dough during kneading and bake as usual.Cook the Smash Burgers
Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until hot. Divide the ground beef into 4 loose balls.
Place each ball into the skillet and smash it flat immediately using a spatula or burger press. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until edges are crispy, then flip. Add a slice of cheddar to each patty and cook 1–2 minutes more, covered, to melt the cheese.Assemble the Burgers
Layer lettuce, pickles, or any desired toppings on the bottom bun. Place the cheesy smash patty on top, followed by a slice of crispy bacon.
Cap with the electric blue top bun and press gently to bring it all together.
Optional Drink Pairing
Serve with a glass of blue raspberry soda or a homemade slush. Add ice and garnish with lemon or mint if desired.
Notes
For easier cleanup and even coloring, use gloves when brushing the food coloring onto buns.
Use parchment paper between your spatula and patty to keep meat from sticking during the smash step.
You can prep the patties ahead and keep them warm in the oven at 200°F if feeding a crowd.
Feeling extra? Sprinkle edible glitter on the bun tops right after painting them blue!
This burger is all about fun, so feel free to swap in other cheeses, skip the bacon, or go plant-based.