Smash Burger

The sizzling sound of beef hitting a hot griddle is music to a cook’s ears, and when you’re making a smash burger, that sound takes on an extra level of excitement. There’s something magical about the way the burger patties get pressed down, releasing all those savory juices and creating those crispy, caramelized edges. As the burger cooks, it transforms into a crispy, juicy masterpiece with a perfect sear that’s almost impossible to replicate with any other cooking method.

The beauty of a smash burger lies in its simplicity, yet the flavor payoff is enormous. The thin patty cooks quickly, and because it’s smashed down onto the griddle, you get a rich, deep crust while keeping the interior moist and flavorful. It’s the ideal balance of crispy and juicy in every bite. And don’t get me started on the toppings. A melted slice of cheese that’s oozing over the edges, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and that tangy special sauce… it’s like the burger was made just for you.

One of my favorite things about making smash burgers is how customizable they are. You can get creative with the toppings and condiments, making it easy to tailor the burger to your exact cravings. Whether you prefer a classic combo of lettuce, tomato, and pickles or want to throw in some sautéed onions and mushrooms for a gourmet twist, the possibilities are endless. There’s a level of freedom and comfort that comes with building your perfect burger, and every time you take a bite, you’re reminded of how satisfying a simple, well-made burger can be. It’s comfort food at its finest, with a little bit of crispy, juicy magic in every bite.

Key Ingredients for Smash Burger

The key ingredients in a smash burger come together to create a mouthwatering, irresistible experience. Each element plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of juicy, crispy, tangy, and savory flavors. Let’s break down what you’ll need to make your burger truly exceptional.

• Ground Beef: The star of the show! Choose high-quality ground beef with a bit of fat to keep the patty juicy and tender. The fat helps create those beautiful crispy edges when smashed, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Hamburger Buns: The foundation of the burger, these soft yet sturdy buns hold everything together. A lightly toasted bun adds a bit of extra texture and warmth, making every bite just that much better.
• American Cheese: Classic and melty, American cheese is the perfect choice for smash burgers. It melts beautifully over the patty, adding that creamy, gooey richness that enhances the flavor and brings everything together.
• Vegetable Oil: Used to grease the griddle, vegetable oil ensures the patties crisp up without sticking. It also helps achieve that perfect sear that’s so essential to a smash burger.
• Salt: Simple, but essential. A sprinkle of salt enhances the natural flavors of the beef and helps balance the richness of the other ingredients, making every bite savory and satisfying.
• Black Pepper: Adding a bit of heat and complexity, black pepper gives the burger a gentle kick. It complements the salt and beefy flavors perfectly, bringing a little extra depth to each juicy bite.
• Mayonnaise: A creamy base for your special sauce, mayonnaise adds richness and smoothness. It also helps tone down any heat or acidity from other toppings, balancing out the flavors in the burger.
• Ketchup: Sweet, tangy, and classic, ketchup brings a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef. It’s the quintessential burger condiment, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity to complement the savory patty.
• Mustard: Sharp and tangy, mustard cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese, providing a zesty contrast that keeps every bite exciting. It’s a must-have for adding a bit of bite to the burger.
• Onion: Thinly sliced onions offer a touch of sweetness and crunch. When they’re cooked just right, they bring a slight caramelization that enhances the burger’s overall flavor, giving it an extra layer of depth.
• Pickles: Crisp and tangy, pickles bring a refreshing contrast to the juicy patty. Their briny acidity helps balance the richness of the burger, giving each bite a pop of flavor that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

How to Make Smash Burger

Serving Suggestions for Smash Burger

• Crispy Fries: There’s no better sidekick to a smash burger than crispy, golden fries. Whether you prefer classic shoestring, thick-cut, or even sweet potato fries, the crunch and saltiness are the perfect complement to the juicy, flavorful burger. For a fun twist, try seasoning your fries with a sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika!
• Coleslaw: A cool, tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the burger. The creamy dressing and crunchy cabbage create a balance that makes each bite feel lighter and more satisfying. Plus, it’s the perfect way to get a little extra veggie love in your meal.
• Ice-Cold Beverage: Finish off your smash burger experience with a chilled drink to quench your thirst. An ice-cold beer with a hint of hops or a fizzy soda with a splash of citrus will enhance the burger’s flavors and refresh your palate between bites. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, a classic milkshake never hurts to take things over the top!

How to Store Smash Burger

If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare), it’s good to know how to store your smash burger so it doesn’t lose its charm. First, to keep the patties juicy and flavorful, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and then place them in an airtight container. The key here is to seal them up well to prevent air from drying them out. You can store the patties in the fridge for up to two days, but after that, the texture might start to change, and we definitely don’t want that!

If you’re planning on reheating the burgers, I highly recommend using a skillet to bring back that crispy, seared edge. Simply place the patty in a hot skillet over medium heat and cover it for a minute or two to help warm it through. If you’re keeping the buns and toppings separate, lightly toast the buns again for that fresh crunch. The secret is in keeping everything nice and crispy, so it’s almost like a fresh burger all over again.

For long-term storage, you can freeze the patties, but make sure to wrap them tightly in parchment paper before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat them in the skillet. This method helps preserve the flavor and texture as much as possible, but of course, fresh is always best. Still, having a delicious, homemade smash burger waiting for you in the freezer? That’s something I can definitely get behind.

Conclusion

And there you have it – the ultimate guide to making the perfect smash burger! From the crispy, juicy patty to the ooey-gooey cheese and the tangy toppings, every bite is a celebration of simple, yet satisfying flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a delicious meal, this burger is bound to impress.

I hope you had as much fun reading through this as I did writing it. There’s something special about crafting a burger that’s perfectly tailored to your tastes, and I hope you feel inspired to get in the kitchen and smash it out! Don’t forget to get creative with those toppings – there’s no wrong way to make it your own.

If you give this recipe a try (or even if you make a few changes to suit your own cravings), I’d love to hear how it turned out. Drop me a comment, or let me know if you have any questions. I’m always here to chat about food and help you out whenever you need it. Happy cooking, friends!

Print Recipe

Smash Burger

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 30 mins

Calories: 600

Description

A Smash Burger is pure burger bliss—juicy, crispy-edged beef patty smashed onto a hot grill, locking in flavor. Topped with melty cheese, fresh lettuce, and tangy pickles, all tucked in a soft bun. Every bite is a perfect balance of savory goodness!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound ground beef

• 4 hamburger buns

• 4 slices American cheese

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 tablespoon mustard

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 2 pickles, sliced

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. While the pan is heating up, form the ground beef into four loosely packed meatballs, about 4 ounces each.
3. Once the skillet is hot, add the vegetable oil, swirling it to coat the bottom of the pan.
4. Place the meatballs onto the skillet and let them sear for about 2 minutes without moving them.
5. After 2 minutes, take a heavy spatula and press down firmly on each meatball, flattening it into a thin patty.
6. Season the patties with salt and black pepper.
7. Let the patties cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the edges to brown and crisp up.
8. Flip each patty and immediately place a slice of American cheese on top of each one.
9. Let the cheese melt as the second side cooks for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the patty is cooked through.
10. While the patties are cooking, cut the hamburger buns in half and toast them lightly in a separate pan or in the oven.
11. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard to create the sauce.
12. Spread the sauce generously on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
13. Place a few thin slices of onion on top of the sauce.
14. Once the patties are done, place each patty on the bottom half of the buns with the sauce and onion.
15. Top the patties with a few slices of pickles.
16. Place the top halves of the buns on the burgers and gently press down to hold everything together.
17. Serve the smash burgers immediately while they are hot and enjoy!

Note

• Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
• Don’t overpack the meatballs; keep them loose for the crispiest edges when smashed.
• For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or onion powder to the seasoning.
• Toast the buns just enough to get a slight crunch, not too dark or dry.
• For added crunch, pickle slices can be replaced with bread-and-butter pickles.

Keywords: smash burger recipe, best smash burger, easy smash burger, homemade smash burger, juicy smash burger