This smash burger recipe will make your taste buds do a happy dance! With juicy beef patties that are seared to perfection and crispy edges, it’s the burger you’ve been dreaming of.
You just press the beef down on the hot grill, and watch it sizzle! It’s so easy, I whip these up whenever I want something quick and tasty. Grab your buns and let’s get flipping! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend ensures juicy and flavorful burgers. If you want a leaner option, go for 85/15, but you might lose a bit of that juicy flavor. Some folks even mix in a bit of pork for extra richness!
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, but feel free to use American cheese for a creamier texture or pepper jack for some spice. Slices melt nicely, making each burger cheesy and delicious.
Brioche Buns: Brioche adds a slight sweetness, but if you can’t find them, any soft hamburger bun works! Whole grain or even pretzel buns could be a fun twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
Special Sauce: This mayo-based sauce gives burgers extra flavor. You can swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter version or add hot sauce for heat. Personal tip: I often use garlic mayo for an extra kick!
How Do You Get the Perfect Smash on Your Burgers?
The smashing technique is key for that crispy crust! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet or griddle is preheated—this helps sear the beef quickly, locking in juices.
- Gently roll your beef into loose balls without compacting them too much. This keeps the burger tender.
- When smashing, use a heavy spatula and press down firmly for about 10 seconds. The goal is a thin patty for maximum crust.
- Don’t move the patties until it’s time to flip! This is crucial for forming that delicious crust.
With these tips, you’ll achieve that perfect smash burger every time. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make The Best Smash Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche)
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 8 pickle slices
- ½ cup special sauce (mix of mayo, ketchup, mustard, and relish)
- Cooking oil for frying (e.g., canola or vegetable oil)
- Optional: additional toppings such as onions or bacon
Time Needed to Make This Burger:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes in total. You’ll need around 5 minutes for prep (like slicing and mixing) and about 10 minutes to cook the burgers and assemble everything. It’s quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Skillet:
Start by preheating a large skillet or a griddle over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of cooking oil, ensuring it coats the surface well. This helps to get that perfect sear on your burger patties!
2. Prepare the Beef:
While your skillet heats up, grab the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions, about 4 ounces each. Gently form these portions into loose balls. Remember, don’t overwork the meat, or the burgers may end up tough!
3. Smash the Patties:
Once the skillet is hot and ready, place the beef balls on it, making sure there’s a little space between each one. Using a heavy spatula or a meat press, smash each ball down firmly to create thin patties. This should take about 10 seconds for each one!
4. Season the Patties:
Next, sprinkle a generous amount of salt and black pepper over each patty. This adds lots of flavor to your burger.
5. Cook the Patties:
Now, without moving them, let the patties cook for about 2-3 minutes or until a nice crust forms. Using a spatula, flip each patty over, and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and your burgers reach your preferred doneness.
6. Toast the Buns:
While the patties finish cooking, take the remaining oil in the skillet and toast the hamburger buns until they’re golden brown. This adds a nice crunch and carries extra flavor.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to put your burgers together! Take the bottom bun and spread a generous amount of your special sauce on it. Then layer on the shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, pickles, and finally, the cheesy burger patty.
8. Finish and Serve:
Cap it all off with the top bun, and your delicious smash burger is ready to serve! Enjoy immediately with a side of fries for a complete meal.
Enjoy your tasty smash burger feast!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for This Recipe?
While you can use leaner ground beef, keep in mind that an 80/20 blend creates the juiciest, most flavorful burgers due to the fat content. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use a 90/10 blend, but consider adding a splash of beef broth or oil to maintain moisture.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Special Sauce Ingredients?
No problem! You can mix mayo with ketchup and mustard in equal parts for a quick alternative. If you have barbecue sauce or hot sauce, feel free to add those for an extra flavor kick!
Can I Make the Patties Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can form the patties and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container or wrap individually and freeze them. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before cooking for best results!
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
If you have leftover burgers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or place them in a skillet on low heat until heated through. Serve with fresh buns for a tasty leftover meal!
