This smash burger is all about juicy beef and crispy edges! It’s simple to make and packed with flavor, making it perfect for any burger lover.
You can’t go wrong with this recipe. The sizzling sound and smell are truly irresistible! I love stacking mine high with all my favorite toppings. Yum! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Choose an 80/20 blend for rich flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind it may lose some of that lovely fat flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend using sharp cheddar for a bold taste. If you want to mix things up, mozzarella or pepper jack can be great alternatives, adding a different flair to your burger.
Brioche Buns: Brioche buns are soft and buttery, a perfect match! If they aren’t available, you could use regular hamburger buns or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Special Sauce: The homemade sauce really elevates the burger! If you’re short on time, store-bought sauces like Thousand Island or even barbecue sauce can work nicely. Just customize to your taste!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Smash Burgers?
Cooking smash burgers is all about technique to achieve that crispy exterior while keeping them juicy inside. The key is high heat and pressing them down right:
- Heat your skillet until it’s very hot; this is crucial for creating that nice crust.
- When you form the patties, keep them loose and don’t overwork the meat; this helps them stay tender.
- Use a sturdy spatula to press firmly but quickly — you want to flatten them while searing.
- Be generous with salt and pepper right after smashing them down; this enhances flavor right away.
- For perfect cheese melt, flip the patties and add cheese immediately after. Covering with a lid can help melt it faster!
How to Make The Best Smash Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche)
- 1 cup lettuce (shredded)
- 1 tomato (sliced)
- ½ cup pickles (sliced)
- Special sauce (optional, see below)
For the Special Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious smash burger recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying your homemade burgers in just 25 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Special Sauce:
Start by making your special sauce! In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season it with a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed, then set it aside to let the flavors blend.
2. Form the Patties:
Next, take the ground beef and divide it into four equal portions, making each portion about 4 ounces. Gently shape each portion into a ball but don’t press them flat yet—keep them nice and tender!
3. Heat the Skillet:
Grab a cast-iron skillet or griddle and heat it over medium-high heat. Make sure it gets really hot! To keep things from sticking, add a little bit of oil to the skillet.
4. Cook the Burgers:
Place the beef balls onto the hot skillet, giving them some space. Now comes the fun part! Use a sturdy spatula to press down firmly on each ball until it flattens into a patty that’s about ½ inch thick. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top.
5. Flip and Add Cheese:
Let the patties cook for about 2-3 minutes so they can develop a nice crust on the bottom. When they’re ready, flip each patty over and immediately put a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Cook them for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked to your liking.
6. Toast the Buns:
While your burgers finish cooking, slice the hamburger buns and lightly toast them in the skillet until they’re golden brown. This adds a tasty crunch!
7. Assemble the Burgers:
It’s assembly time! Spread a nice layer of your special sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Top that with some shredded lettuce, pickles, and slices of tomato. Now, add the cheesy burger patty on top and finish it off with the top bun.
8. Serve:
Alright, your smash burgers are ready to enjoy! Serve them with a side of crispy fries and some extra special sauce for dipping. Dig in and enjoy the deliciousness!
Can I Use Different Types of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! While an 80/20 blend is ideal for flavor and juiciness, you can use leaner cuts like 85/15 if you prefer. Just keep in mind that they may be a bit less flavorful. Conversely, using an 80/20 blend gives a juicy result. Avoid anything too lean, like 90/10, as it may dry out during cooking.
What Kind of Cheese Can I Use Instead of Cheddar?
You can use any cheese that melts well! American cheese is a classic choice for burgers, providing that creamy texture. For a little kick, try pepper jack or gouda. Just remember to place the cheese on the patty after flipping it to ensure it melts perfectly!
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
To store leftovers, let the burgers cool to room temperature, then place the patties and buns in separate airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat the patties in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For the buns, a quick toast in the skillet will help revive their texture!
Can I Make the Special Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, making the special sauce ahead of time is a great idea! You can prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before serving to refresh the flavors. This sauce can also last up to one week in the refrigerator!
