Smash Burger

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Smash Burgers are quick to cook, incredibly flavorful, and require only a few simple ingredients. The high-heat cooking method creates a delicious crust that locks in the juices, while the thin patties are perfect for stacking with melty cheese and your favorite toppings. Best of all, they’re ready in just minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Burgers

• Ground beef (80/20 blend)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Unsalted butter or neutral cooking oil

For Serving

• Hamburger buns or brioche buns
• American cheese slices
• Dill pickle slices
• Lettuce
• Tomato slices
• Thinly sliced onion
• Burger sauce, ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise

Directions

1. Divide the ground beef into equal portions of about 3–4 ounces each. Gently roll them into loose balls without packing the meat tightly.
2. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle over high heat until very hot.
3. Lightly butter or oil the cooking surface.
4. Place the beef balls onto the hot skillet, leaving space between each one.
5. Immediately smash each ball into a thin patty using a sturdy spatula or burger press. Press firmly for about 10 seconds to maximize contact with the hot surface.
6. Season the patties with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using.
7. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until a deep brown crust forms.
8. Flip the patties using a sturdy spatula and immediately top each with a slice of American cheese.
9. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked to your preferred doneness.
10. Toast the burger buns on the skillet until lightly golden.
11. Assemble the burgers with your preferred toppings and sauces.
12. Serve immediately while hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 burgers.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Double Smash Burger: Stack two thin patties with cheese between them.
• Bacon Cheeseburger: Add crispy bacon for extra smoky flavor.
• Mushroom Swiss Burger: Top with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
• Spicy Burger: Add pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and spicy mayo.
• BBQ Burger: Use barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, and crispy onion rings.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes per side or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Store buns and toppings separately for the best texture. Cooked patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What type of beef is best for Smash Burgers?

An 80/20 ground beef blend is ideal because the higher fat content creates juicy burgers with a flavorful crust.

Why are they called Smash Burgers?

The beef is pressed firmly onto a hot cooking surface, creating maximum contact for a crispy, caramelized crust.

Do I season the meat before smashing?

It’s best to season the patties immediately after smashing them onto the hot skillet rather than mixing the seasoning into the beef.

What cheese works best?

American cheese is the classic choice because it melts quickly and evenly, but cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or provolone also work well.

Can I cook Smash Burgers on a regular skillet?

Yes. A cast-iron skillet is ideal, but any heavy-bottomed skillet that retains heat well can be used.

Why shouldn’t I press the burger after flipping?

Pressing after flipping forces the juices out of the meat, making the burger less juicy.

Can I make these on an outdoor griddle?

Absolutely. Flat-top grills and outdoor griddles are excellent for cooking Smash Burgers.

What toppings go best on a Smash Burger?

Pickles, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, American cheese, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and burger sauce are all classic choices.

What side dishes pair well with Smash Burgers?

Serve them with French fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, or a crisp green salad.

Can I freeze cooked burger patties?

Yes. Freeze fully cooked patties in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Smash Burgers are the ultimate homemade burger, offering crispy edges, juicy beef, melted cheese, and endless topping possibilities. Quick to prepare and packed with classic diner-style flavor, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or casual gatherings. Once you master the smash technique, you’ll have a go-to burger recipe that’s sure to impress family and friends every time.

Smash Burger

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Smash Burgers are classic diner-style burgers with crispy, caramelized edges, juicy beef, and melted American cheese on toasted buns. They’re quick to make and deliver restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 burgers
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Griddle
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• Ground beef (80/20 blend)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Unsalted butter or neutral cooking oil
• Hamburger buns or brioche buns
• American cheese slices
• Dill pickle slices
• Lettuce
• Tomato slices
• Thinly sliced onion
• Burger sauce, ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise

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Instructions

1. Divide the ground beef into 3–4 ounce portions and gently roll into loose balls without packing tightly.
2. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle over high heat until very hot.
3. Lightly coat the cooking surface with butter or oil.
4. Place the beef balls on the hot surface, leaving space between each.
5. Immediately smash each ball into a thin patty using a sturdy spatula or burger press, pressing firmly for about 10 seconds.
6. Season the patties with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using.
7. Cook for 2–3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
8. Flip the patties and immediately top each with a slice of American cheese.
9. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked through.
10. Toast the burger buns until lightly golden.
11. Assemble the burgers with your preferred toppings and sauces.
12. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest burgers with crispy edges.
• Do not press the patties after flipping to retain their juices.
• A cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle provides the best crust.
• Double the patties for a classic double smash burger.
• Store cooked patties in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze cooked patties for up to 3 months and reheat in a hot skillet or oven.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg