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This Smash Burger recipe is your ticket to juicy, crispy-edged burgers right at home—no fancy grill required. The combination of a seasoned beef patty pressed sizzling hot makes for a crave-worthy burger that’s perfect for cookouts or a weeknight treat. I love making these for backyard get-togethers where everyone can pile on their favorite toppings and dig in while the cheese is still gooey.
The first time I served these at a family BBQ nobody could believe the tender juicy center and the way the cheese oozed down the sides. It is now requested at every summer party I host.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 80/20 fat blend gives you flavor and moisture choose fresh bright red meat
- Worcestershire sauce: brings a deep savory background note look for a bottle where anchovy is high on the ingredient list
- Garlic powder: gives gentle aroma and flavor without overwhelming
- Salt and cracked pepper: set the beef’s flavor profile coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper offer the best taste
- American cheese: for classic melt and nostalgic bite pick high-quality deli slices for top results
- Hamburger buns: toasted in butter to add richness and keep buns from getting soggy potato buns hold up best
- Shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles and onions: classic crunchy toppings that balance the rich burger each brings freshness and brightness
- Smash burger sauce: the signature creamy tang for a true smash burger experience streamline with your own mix of mayo ketchup mustard and pickle juice
Choose vegetables that are crisp and avoid any that seem soft or wilted for best flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Burger Mixture:
- Add ground beef Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder to a large mixing bowl. Using your hands gently mix to distribute seasonings but do not overwork the meat to keep burgers tender.
- Form Burger Balls:
- Divide the beef evenly into eight portions about two ounces each then gently roll into loose balls. Set these on a tray or plate they need to stay cold until cooking for maximum crust.
- Preheat the Cooking Surface:
- Heat a cast iron skillet or flat top grill over high heat until smoking hot. This is critical for setting a classic smash burger crust.
- Smash the Patties:
- Place meat balls onto the screaming hot skillet or grill. Immediately smash each one flat using a sturdy burger press or two spatulas. Press quickly and firmly aiming for patties that are wider than the buns to account for shrinkage while cooking.
- Season and Cook:
- Immediately sprinkle salt and cracked pepper over each patty. Let cook untouched until the edges are deeply brown and the top changes color about one minute. You should see fat bubbling on the surface.
- Flip and Add Cheese:
- Quickly flip each patty and top immediately with a slice of American cheese. Then stack two patties together so you have four double burgers. This step allows cheese to melt beautifully and burgers to finish at the same time.
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Once burgers are cooked and stacked transfer them onto toasted bun bottoms. Pile high with lettuce tomatoes onions pickles and your favorite burger sauce. Top with bun lid and serve at once for ultimate melty satisfaction.
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Smash burgers have become a summer tradition in my house. My favorite part is peeling off that crispy cheese edge and piling on way too many pickles just like my dad used to. Every time I make them I think of big backyard tables and laughter in the air.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover burger patties wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat place in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes on each side to revive crisp edges. Avoid microwaving which makes them tough.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap American cheese for cheddar provolone or pepper jack if you want to switch up the flavor. For the beef try blending in some ground brisket or chuck for even more richness. If you need a gluten-free version use your favorite gluten-free buns and double-check sauce ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with hand cut fries or onion rings for a classic diner plate. Layer burgers high with extra toppings like jalapeños crispy fried onions or barbecue sauce for a new twist. For lighter fare pair with a tangy slaw or simple salad.
Smash Burger Origins
Smash burgers grew out of classic American diners where short order cooks needed fast high flavor burgers that could feed a crowd. The technique of smashing beef on a hot griddle creates a delicious contrast of lacy crisped edges and juicy middle. This burger style is still beloved everywhere from old school burger joints to backyard grills.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of beef gives the best flavor?
Using 80/20 ground beef ensures enough fat for juicy, flavorful burgers with crisp edges after smashing.
- → Why smash the patties thin?
Smashing creates extra surface area for browning, giving the patties signature crispy edges and juicy centers.
- → What cheese works best for melting?
American cheese melts smoothly and gives a classic flavor, but feel free to substitute your favorite sliced cheese.
- → How do I keep the buns soft and warm?
Wrap assembled burgers in foil if making batches, which keeps them hot, melty, and the buns perfectly soft.
- → How can I toast buns without burning them?
Spread butter inside the buns and toast gently on a skillet over medium-low heat until golden and crisp.
- → What toppings pair best with smash burgers?
Classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and a creamy burger sauce provide flavor and crunch.