Ultimate Smash Burgers Recipe: Crispy, Juicy Perfection

Smash burgers are the ultimate indulgence for burger lovers, delivering a crispy, caramelized crust with a juicy, flavorful interior. These burgers are all about technique—pressing the beef patty onto a sizzling hot griddle or pan to create that signature crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner, smash burgers are a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings and seasonings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 blend)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 soft hamburger buns
• 4 slices of American cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter, for toasting buns
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Sliced pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions (optional)
• Condiments of choice (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.)

Steps

1. Prepare the Beef
Start by dividing the ground beef into four equal portions, about 4 ounces each. Roll each portion into a loose ball, being careful not to overwork the meat. This helps keep the burgers tender. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

2. Heat the Griddle or Pan
Preheat your griddle, cast-iron skillet, or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan and let it get hot. The surface should be extremely hot before adding the beef—this is key to achieving that crispy crust.

3. Smash the Burgers
Place the beef ball onto the hot griddle or pan. Using a heavy spatula or a burger press, immediately smash the beef ball flat until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Hold the press for about 10 seconds to ensure a good sear. The beef should spread out into a thin, irregular patty with crispy edges.

4. Cook the Patties
Let the patty cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes. You should see juices starting to bubble up through the top of the patty, and the edges should be dark and crispy. Flip the burger, and immediately place a slice of American cheese on top. Cook for another minute until the cheese is melted and the patty is cooked through.

5. Toast the Buns
While the burgers are cooking, melt a tablespoon of butter in a separate pan or on the griddle. Split the buns and place them cut-side down in the butter. Toast until golden brown and slightly crispy.

6. Assemble the Burgers
Once the patties are done, place them directly onto the toasted buns. Add your favorite toppings—like pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions—then finish with your preferred condiments. Serve immediately while the burgers are still hot and the cheese is gooey.

Tips for Variation

1. Spicy Smash Burger: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a smear of sriracha to the beef before smashing for a spicy kick.
2. Double Smash Burger: For a heartier option, double the patties per burger. Smash two smaller beef balls, stack them with cheese in between, and enjoy a double-decker delight.
3. Bacon Smash Burger: Cook some bacon until crispy and layer it on top of the cheese before assembling the burger for an extra savory treat.
4. Mushroom Swiss Smash Burger: Sauté mushrooms with garlic and place them on the patty before adding Swiss cheese for a gourmet twist.
5. Onion Smash Burger: Add thinly sliced onions to the beef ball before smashing. This creates a caramelized onion layer right in the burger.
6. Vegetarian Smash Burger: Substitute the beef with a plant-based alternative like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger. Follow the same smashing and cooking process for a veggie-friendly version.

Macros

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 35g

Frequently Asked Questions For Smash Burgers

1. Why are smash burgers so popular?
   Smash burgers are popular because of their crispy, caramelized edges, and juicy center. The smashing technique maximizes surface area for browning, which intensifies the flavor.
2. Can I make smash burgers on a regular pan?
   Yes, a cast-iron skillet or any heavy-bottomed pan works well for smash burgers. Just make sure it’s extremely hot before adding the beef to ensure a good sear.
3. What’s the best beef blend for smash burgers?
   An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal for smash burgers. The higher fat content helps create that juicy interior while ensuring the edges get crispy.
4. Can I freeze smash burger patties?
   Yes, you can freeze the beef balls before smashing them. When ready to cook, let them thaw slightly before smashing on the hot griddle.
5. What cheese is best for smash burgers?
   American cheese is the classic choice for smash burgers because it melts perfectly, but you can use cheddar, Swiss, or even blue cheese for different flavors.

Ultimate Smash Burgers Recipe: Crispy, Juicy Perfection

Grey

Smash burgers are a delicious American classic, known for their crispy edges and juicy center. Made by pressing ground beef onto a hot griddle, these burgers develop a rich, caramelized crust. Perfect for casual dining or a BBQ, smash burgers are easy to prepare and customizable with various toppings and cheeses. Enjoy this quick and satisfying meal as part of your favorite comfort food menu.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef preferably 80/20 blend
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 soft hamburger buns
• 4 slices of American cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter for toasting buns
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Sliced pickles lettuce, tomatoes, and onions (optional)
• Condiments of choice ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.

Instructions

 

Prepare the Beef

• Divide the ground beef into four equal portions, about 4 ounces each. Gently roll each portion into a loose ball without overworking the meat. Season the beef balls generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Heat the Griddle or Pan

• Preheat a griddle, cast-iron skillet, or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan and allow it to heat until it’s smoking hot. This ensures the perfect sear on the burgers.

Smash the Burgers

• Place a beef ball onto the hot surface. Using a heavy spatula or a burger press, firmly press down on the beef ball to flatten it into a thin patty, about 1/4 inch thick. Hold the press for about 10 seconds to ensure the patty spreads out evenly and develops a good crust.

Cook the Patties

• Let the patty cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until the edges are dark and crispy. Flip the patty, and immediately place a slice of American cheese on top. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the cheese to melt and the patty to cook through.

Toast the Buns

• While the patties are cooking, melt a tablespoon of butter in a separate pan or on the griddle. Split the buns in half and place them cut side down in the butter. Toast until the buns are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Assemble the Burgers

• Once the patties are done, place each patty onto the bottom half of a toasted bun. Add your favorite toppings, such as pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Finish with your choice of condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise. Place the top half of the bun on the burger and serve immediately. Enjoy!