This smash burger recipe is all about juicy, crispy goodness. With just a few simple ingredients like ground beef, seasoning, and your favorite toppings, it’s super easy to make!
Honestly, there’s nothing like the sound of that patty sizzling and the cheesy melt happening. I love serving these with fresh toppings and crispy fries. Perfect for a fun meal! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: An 80/20 blend of beef gives you the perfect juicy burger. If you’re looking for leaner options, try a 90/10 blend, but keep in mind it might be less juicy. For a unique twist, ground turkey or chicken can also work well!
Cheddar cheese: I love classic cheddar for its melty goodness, but feel free to switch it up! Gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack can add different flavors and textures to your burger.
Burger sauce: This sauce is super simple to make! You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter option or add some hot sauce for a kick if you like heat. Some people even mix in a bit of relish for extra tang.
Buns: While classic hamburger buns work great, you can also use brioche or whole wheat buns for a different taste and texture. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps!
How Do I Smash the Burgers Without Making a Mess?
Getting that perfect smash is key to a delicious burger: it helps create a flavorful crust. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Start with a hot skillet; a cast iron skillet works best for heat retention.
- When placing your meatball on the skillet, use a sturdy spatula to press down firmly. Don’t be shy! The patty should be about 1/2 inch thick.
- Season immediately with salt and pepper; this enhances the flavor right where it cooks.
Making sure the skillet is hot will help you get that nice crust! Always allow the patty to cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping it. This will also help avoid sticking!
The Best Smash Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1 cup pickles, sliced
- 1/2 cup burger sauce (see below for a simple recipe)
- French fries (for serving)
For the Burger Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This smash burger recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 10-15 minutes for cooking. In no time, you’ll have delicious burgers ready to serve! Perfect for a quick meal any day of the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burger Sauce:
Start by making your burger sauce! In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if you like. Once done, set it aside for later.
2. Shape the Patties:
Next, take the ground beef and divide it into four equal portions, roughly 4 ounces each. Carefully roll each portion into a ball. Be gentle; you want to keep the meat tender without overworking it.
3. Cook the Patties:
Now it’s time to cook! Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Place one of the meatballs on the skillet and use a sturdy spatula to smash it down into a flat patty. Generously season with salt and pepper. Repeat this step for the remaining meatballs, cooking each one in turn.
4. Add Cheese:
After about 3-4 minutes of cooking, you should see a lovely crust forming on the bottom. Flip the patties over and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on each one. Let them cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese melts beautifully over the patty.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are finishing up, it’s a perfect time to toast the hamburger buns! You can do this in a separate skillet or even in a toaster until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s assembly time! Start by spreading a generous amount of burger sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place the cheesy patty on top, then layer on the shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles. Finally, top it with the other half of the bun.
7. Serve:
Your smash burgers are ready to enjoy! Serve them hot, alongside some delicious French fries. Dig in and savor every bite of your homemade smash burger!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for This Burger?
While you can use leaner ground beef, such as 90/10 or even turkey, it may result in a drier burger. The fat in an 80/20 blend helps keep the patties juicy. If you opt for lean meat, consider adding a bit of oil or butter to retain moisture.
Can I Make the Burger Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! The burger sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using to remix any separated ingredients.
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
If you have leftover burgers, store the patties separately from the buns and toppings in airtight containers. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the patties in a skillet or microwave until heated through, and toast the buns again for extra crunch.
What’s the Best Method for Toasting Buns?
To toast your buns perfectly, use a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter for flavor. Place the cut sides of the buns down and toast until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
