Smash Burger

The beauty of a Smash Burger is in its simplicity and the way it celebrates the humble beef patty. When you press the patty down on the hot griddle, you get a satisfying sizzle, and within moments, the surface of the beef caramelizes into a rich, golden-brown crust. That crispy exterior is what makes the Smash Burger so unique—it’s a contrast to the juicy, tender center that remains perfectly cooked. The key is all in the pressing; don’t be afraid to give it a good smash. The more you press, the more those flavorful juices are locked in, resulting in a patty that’s both crispy and bursting with taste.

As the burger cooks, the aroma fills the air, and you can almost taste the savory goodness before the first bite. What I love about Smash Burgers is their versatility. You can keep them simple with just cheese, lettuce, and a classic mayo-ketchup sauce, or you can pile on toppings like crispy bacon, pickles, or caramelized onions. Each bite has that perfect balance of textures—the crunch of the crust, the softness of the bun, and the burst of flavor with every topping. The best part? They’re quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality burger at home any time you crave it.

But don’t just take my word for it—try making them yourself and experience the magic. You’ll see how one of the simplest ways of cooking a burger can yield such incredible flavor. Plus, it’s a fun meal to customize, so every member of the family can top their Smash Burger exactly how they like it. The possibilities are endless, and each time, you’ll be left craving just one more bite.

Key Ingredients for Smash Burger

When it comes to making the perfect Smash Burger, the ingredients are simple but essential to getting that mouthwatering flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role in building the burger’s irresistible layers, from the juicy beef patty to the crispy toppings. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key ingredients that make your Smash Burger the best it can be:

• Ground Beef: The foundation of any great Smash Burger. I recommend using a higher fat content beef (like 80/20) to ensure a juicy patty that locks in all those savory flavors when pressed on the griddle.
• Vegetable Oil: Used to coat your cooking surface and help achieve that beautiful, crispy crust on the outside of the patty. The oil helps the beef sear perfectly without sticking.
• Hamburger Buns: Choose soft, fresh buns that can hold all your toppings and provide a perfect bite. The bun should be sturdy enough to stand up to the juicy patty but soft enough to soak up all the deliciousness.
• American Cheese: This melt-in-your-mouth cheese brings that classic, gooey texture you want on a Smash Burger. Its creamy flavor perfectly complements the beef patty and adds a rich, velvety layer.
• Onion: Thinly sliced, this adds a sweet and savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy patty. You can leave them raw for a bit of bite or sauté them to bring out their natural sweetness.
• Butter: Used to toast the buns to a golden, crispy perfection. It adds richness and a slight flavor that takes the burger to the next level.
• Salt: A simple but essential seasoning. Salt enhances the natural flavors of the beef and other ingredients, making each bite burst with savory goodness.
• Black Pepper: Just the right amount of pepper adds a subtle heat that balances out the richness of the beef and cheese without overpowering the flavor.
• Garlic Powder: A little sprinkle of garlic powder gives the burger an extra layer of savory depth, rounding out the overall flavor profile with its aromatic punch.
• Ketchup: This classic burger condiment adds a touch of sweetness and tang, tying everything together and complementing the savory beef and cheese.
• Mustard: A perfect partner to ketchup, mustard gives the burger a nice tangy bite, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overshadowing the other ingredients.
• Pickles: The final touch! Pickles bring that crispy, tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese, adding balance and that satisfying crunch.

How to Make Smash Burger

Serving Suggestions for Smash Burger

Looking for the perfect sides to pair with your Smash Burger? Thin and crispy potato fries tossed in a sprinkle of sea salt are a classic choice. For a fresh balance, toss together a creamy slaw of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing. You can also add pickles or a warm potato salad for that extra pop of flavor. Each bite complements the burger’s richness and creamy texture perfectly. Plus, they’re super easy to prep ahead of time and add that satisfying crunch to every meal.

How to Store Smash Burger

If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is always a good problem to have), there are a few simple ways to store your Smash Burger to keep it as fresh and flavorful as possible. First, if you’ve got any leftover patties, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just make sure they’ve cooled down before you seal them up to prevent condensation from making the crust soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them on a hot griddle for a couple of minutes on each side to bring back that crispy exterior.

For the buns and toppings, it’s best to store them separately. If you have extra buns, keep them in a plastic bag or sealed container, and they’ll stay fresh for a few days at room temperature. If you want to extend their life, pop them in the freezer. Just make sure to toast them again when you’re ready to assemble. As for the toppings, like pickles and lettuce, you can keep them in separate containers in the fridge. This helps them stay fresh and crisp until you’re ready to pile them onto a new burger.

Now, if you’re looking to freeze your Smash Burger, that’s totally possible too! Wrap your cooked patties individually in parchment paper and foil, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat them on the griddle to get that crispy edge back. You can also freeze extra sauce or caramelized onions to round out the flavor when you’re ready for a quick, homemade burger fix.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the perfect Smash Burger, right from your kitchen! The crispy, juicy, and flavorful combination of ingredients creates a burger that’s bound to be a hit every time you make it. It’s quick, customizable, and just plain fun to eat. Whether you stick to the classic toppings or go wild with your own creations, every bite is a delicious reminder that sometimes, simplicity is the best way to enjoy the flavors you love.

I hope this recipe inspires you to fire up your griddle and start smashing away. Feel free to experiment, and don’t forget to let me know how it goes! I’d love to hear about your burger creations, any twists you’ve added, or any questions you might have. Cooking is all about having fun and making it your own, so if you need help or just want to share your Smash Burger experience, I’m here for it. Can’t wait to hear what you think!

Print Recipe

Smash Burger

Author: Maria Bennet Courses: Lunch

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

Calories: 550

Description

A Smash Burger is a juicy, crispy-edged masterpiece, where the beef is smashed onto a hot grill for that perfect sear. Topped with melted cheese, pickles, and a soft, toasted bun, it’s the ultimate balance of savory and satisfying in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 4 hamburger buns

• 4 slices American cheese

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 tablespoon mustard

• Pickles, as needed

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it is very hot.
2. While the skillet is heating up, divide the ground beef into four equal portions, forming each into a ball.
3. Once the skillet is hot, add the tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly.
4. Place the beef balls onto the skillet, making sure they are spaced apart.
5. Immediately use a spatula or heavy object to press down firmly on each beef ball, smashing it into a thin patty.
6. Cook the patties for about 2-3 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms.
7. Flip the patties over carefully, using the spatula to scrape underneath.
8. Place a slice of American cheese on top of each patty immediately after flipping.
9. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through.
10. While the burgers cook, melt the tablespoon of butter in a separate small pan over medium heat.
11. Add the thinly sliced onions to the pan and sauté them in the melted butter for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized.
12. Remove the onions from the pan and set them aside.
13. Now, toast the hamburger buns by placing them face-down in the same skillet used for the burgers, letting them lightly brown for 1-2 minutes.
14. Once toasted, remove the buns and place them on a clean surface, open side up.
15. Spread a thin layer of ketchup on the bottom half of each bun.
16. Spread a thin layer of mustard on the top half of each bun.
17. Place a burger patty with melted cheese onto the bottom bun with ketchup.
18. Top each burger with the sautéed caramelized onions.
19. Add pickles to each burger as desired.
20. Close each burger with the top bun that has mustard on it.
21. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Note

• For a juicier burger, use beef with higher fat content (80/20 ratio).
• Pressing the beef balls too early can cause them to break apart, so let them cook for a moment before smashing.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef before forming the balls.
• Ensure the skillet is very hot before adding the beef for a better sear.
• Pickles can be substituted with onions or jalapenos for a tangier or spicier kick.

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