This smash burger recipe is all about juicy, delicious patties that get that perfect crispy edge. With just a few simple ingredients, you’re in for a tasty treat!
Honestly, the best part is smashing those burgers down! It’s so satisfying. I love piling on the cheese and all my favorite toppings for a burger night at home. 🍔
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect because it provides flavor from the fat. If you want a leaner option, go with 85/15, but expect less juiciness. You can also use ground turkey for a healthier twist, just be sure to adjust cooking times.
American Cheese: American cheese melts beautifully but feel free to swap it for cheddar or pepper jack for a little kick. If you prefer dairy-free, there are plant-based cheeses that work well too.
Burger Buns: I love classic sesame seed burger buns, but other options like brioche or whole wheat can elevate your burger. If you want to go low-carb, use lettuce wraps instead of buns!
Special Sauce: The magic is in the mix! If you’re short on ingredients, you could use store-bought sauce or BBQ sauce for a different flavor. Add some hot sauce for a spicy kick.
How Do I Get My Patties to Smash Perfectly?
The “smashing” technique is what makes these burgers special. Here’s how you can nail it:
- Keep your hands light when forming the balls to avoid compacting the meat.
- Ensure your skillet is hot enough; this helps create a good crust as soon as the meat hits the pan.
- Use a sturdy spatula to apply even pressure when smashing; aim for about 1/4 inch thick for that crispy edge.
- Be patient—let the patties cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to form that nice crust before flipping.
Trust this method—it gives you juicy burgers with that fantastic sear!
How to Make The Best Smash Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 burger buns
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Pickles (slices or whole, as desired)
- Special sauce (see below)
- Cooking oil (for frying)
For The Special Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This smash burger recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Special Sauce:
Grab a small bowl and mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle relish. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir until everything is combined, then set it aside for later. This sauce will add a delicious kick to your burgers!
2. Form the Patties:
Next, divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Imagine dividing it into 4 little balls, each about 4 ounces. Be gentle; you want to keep them loose, not squished. Don’t overwork the meat so it stays tender!
3. Preheat the Cooking Surface:
Heat up your trusty cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of cooking oil to coat the surface. You want it nice and hot for the next step!
4. Smash the Patties:
Once your skillet is hot, place one of the meatballs onto the cooking surface. Here comes the fun part! Using a spatula, smash the ball down to create a flat patty—aim for about 1/4 inch thick. Season it with a bit of salt and pepper. Repeat this process with the other meatballs. You’ll hear that satisfying sizzle!
5. Cook the Patties:
Let the patties cook for about 2 minutes without moving them around. This is how you get that nice, crispy crust! After 2 minutes, carefully check the bottom; if it looks good, flip each patty using your spatula.
6. Add Cheese:
As soon as you flip the patties, quickly place a slice of American cheese on each one. Cook them for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese gets all melty and the burgers are cooked to your liking. Yum!
7. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are finishing up, use another skillet or your grill to toast the burger buns until they’re golden brown. This will add a lovely crunch and flavor!
8. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to put everything together! On the bottom half of each toasted bun, spread a spoonful of that delicious special sauce. Then place a cheesy patty on top, followed by shredded lettuce, a slice of fresh tomato, and your pickles. Finish with the top bun.
9. Serve:
Serve your fantastic smash burgers hot and juicy! They go perfectly with fries or whatever side you love. Enjoy your homemade burger feast!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for This Recipe?
While you can use leaner ground beef, I recommend keeping the fat content around 20% (like 80/20) for the best flavor and juiciness. If you opt for a leaner blend, consider adding a little extra oil when cooking to prevent dryness.
Can I Make the Special Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the special sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when you’re ready to assemble the burgers!
What If I Don’t Have American Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute American cheese with any melting cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack. Just make sure to place it on the patty while it’s still on the heat for the best melt!
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
If you have leftover cooked patties, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warmed through. For the buns and toppings, it’s best to store them separately to keep everything fresh!
