This smash burger is a tasty treat that will make your mouth water! With its juicy beef patty, crispy edges, and fresh toppings, it’s simply irresistible.
Who can resist a burger that’s smashed for those fabulous crusty bits? I love piling on my favorite fixings, and it’s so quick to whip up—you’ll be devouring them in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: For the best smash burger, I recommend using an 80/20 blend of ground beef. This balance gives great flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, a 90/10 blend can work, but your burger will be less juicy.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for the burgers because it melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor. If you prefer something milder, feel free to switch to American cheese or even Swiss. Both will melt nicely!
Burger Buns: Brioche buns are my favorite for their softness and slight sweetness, but you can use potato buns or even whole wheat if you want a healthier alternative. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold all the toppings!
Special Sauce: Feel free to adjust the special sauce ingredients to your liking! You can add more or less Dijon mustard or hot sauce based on your taste. For a tangy twist, try adding a splash of pickle juice or swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Smash Burgers?
Cooking smash burgers is all about creating the best crust while keeping them juicy inside. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your skillet thoroughly before adding the beef. A hot surface helps get that nice crust.
- When forming beef balls, handle the meat gently to keep it loose. Overworking makes them tough.
- Once you smash down the balls with a spatula, resist the urge to move them around. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes to develop a good sear.
- Covering the skillet after adding cheese helps it melt evenly. Use a lid or another pan if you don’t have one!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have deliciously crispy, juicy burgers every time!
How to Make the Best Smash Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1 cup dill pickle slices
- 1/2 cup special sauce (mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and a dash of hot sauce)
- Vegetable oil for cooking
- French fries (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking and assembling. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and delicious enough for a weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Skillet:
Start by heating a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Pour in a small amount of vegetable oil just to coat the surface—this helps prevent sticking and gives the burgers a nice sear!
2. Form the Patties:
While the skillet is heating, grab the ground beef and divide it into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently roll each portion into a loose ball, but don’t pack it too tightly; we want juicy burgers!
3. Cook the Patties:
Once your skillet is hot, place the beef balls in the pan, giving them some space. Now, take a spatula and smash each ball down to form a thin patty. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper—this is what adds flavor!
4. Add the Cheese:
After about 2-3 minutes, you’ll notice the edges of your patties are getting crispy and brown. Time to flip them! Carefully turn each burger over and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid for about 1 minute to melt that cheese perfectly.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese melts, slice your burger buns in half and place them in the skillet. Toast them until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy. This adds a nice texture and flavor to your burger!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Now comes the fun part! Take the bottom half of each bun and spread a generous scoop of the special sauce. Place your cheesy burger patty on top, followed by a handful of shredded lettuce, a slice of fresh tomato, and a couple of dill pickles. Top it off with the other half of the bun.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your smash burgers are ready to go! Serve them hot alongside a side of crispy French fries. Grab a napkin and enjoy the tasty goodness of your homemade burgers!
Can I Use a Different Type of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While an 80/20 blend is great for juiciness, you can use 85/15 or even ground turkey for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the meat’s fat content affects flavor and moisture, so adjust seasoning accordingly!
What Can I Substitute for the Special Sauce?
If you’re not a fan of the special sauce, you can use classic ketchup and mustard or even BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile. If you like spicy, adding a little Sriracha or chipotle mayo can give it a nice kick!
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
To store leftovers, wrap each assembled burger tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in the fridge. They should last for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can reheat them in the microwave or on a skillet to bring back some crispness to the patty and bun!
Can I Make These Burgers Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the patties in advance! Form them and place them on a parchment-lined tray with parchment paper between each patty. Cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to cook them from cold to ensure even cooking!
