This smash burger recipe gives you juicy, crispy burgers that are sure to please everyone. Just press the beef patties onto a hot grill and watch them sizzle!
I love how easy this is to whip up for a quick dinner or weekend BBQ. Plus, who can resist those crispy edges? You’ll want to make these again and again! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for burgers. The 20% fat gives them juicy flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, go for 85/15, but expect slightly drier results.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to substitute with American cheese for extra melty goodness or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Both options work well.
Burger Buns: I find toasted brioche buns add a touch of sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory burger. If you’re avoiding white bread, whole wheat or gluten-free buns are great alternatives!
Burger Sauce: This sauce is super easy to adjust! Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version, and use sriracha instead of ketchup for a spicy twist.
Toppings: I love adding crispy onions for crunch. For a healthier choice, try avocado slices instead of bacon. Don’t shy away from experimenting with different toppings based on your preference!
How Do You Get the Perfect Smash Burger Patty?
The key to a great smash burger is in the cooking technique. You want that delicious crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Don’t rush this process!
- Heat your skillet or griddle on medium-high until it’s hot; this is crucial for proper searing.
- When placing the beef on the skillet, don’t form it into patties yet. Just drop portions on the hot surface.
- Use a sturdy spatula or burger press to smash the beef down firmly. This creates maximum surface area to develop that crust.
- Season with salt and pepper right after smashing, but do it gently to keep the patty intact.
- Flip only once; this keeps the juices locked in. You’ll know it’s ready when it easily releases from the pan!
The Best Smash Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal juiciness)
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
- 1/2 cup burger sauce (see below for recipe)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil (like vegetable or canola) for frying
- Optional: additional toppings such as onions or bacon
For the Burger Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes for cooking. So, in total, expect to spend about 25 minutes making these delicious smash burgers that are perfect for any burger lover!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Burger Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well until it’s nice and smooth. Set this tasty burger sauce aside; it’s going to add great flavor to your burgers!
2. Prepare the Patties:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, take the ground beef and divide it into four equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Don’t shape them into patties just yet; they’ll smash down later!
3. Cook the Patties:
Once your skillet is hot, add a small splash of cooking oil. Carefully place the beef portions onto the hot skillet. Using a flat spatula, press down hard on each portion to smash it into a thin patty. Be sure to season the tops with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until a lovely crust forms on the bottom. Yum!
4. Add Cheese:
Flip the patties over carefully. Right after flipping, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Let them cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melting beautifully over the beef.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the patties finish cooking, you can toast the burger buns in another skillet or on the grill. Just cook them for a few minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown. This takes your burger game up a notch!
6. Assemble the Burger:
Now it’s time to build your masterpiece! On the bottom half of each toasted bun, spread a generous amount of burger sauce. Place a cheesy patty right on top, then add some shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles. Finally, place the top half of the bun to complete your burger.
7. Serve:
Serve your smash burgers warm and enjoy them with a side of crispy fries. These burgers are sure to be a hit! Dig in and savor every bite!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for This Recipe?
While you can use lean ground beef, it’s best to stick with an 80/20 blend for the juiciest smash burgers. The higher fat content helps keep the burgers moist and flavorful. If you must use leaner beef (like 90/10), consider adding a little olive oil or butter to keep them from drying out.
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
If you have leftover burgers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally, or microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until warmed.
What Can I Substitute for Burger Sauce?
If you don’t have some of the ingredients for the burger sauce, you can use store-bought sauces like Thousand Island or ranch dressing for a different flavor. Alternatively, mixing mayonnaise with BBQ sauce or sriracha can also create a tasty substitute!
Can I Make the Patties Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties in advance by shaping them and placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just let them sit out for about 15 minutes to come to room temperature before smashing and cooking them.
