This smash burger recipe makes the juiciest, crispiest burgers ever! Using fresh ground beef, you’ll press the patties down on a hot grill for that perfect sear.
I love piling on my favorite toppings, like cheese and pickles. It’s hard to resist those crispy edges! Just be careful, they might disappear before you even finish cooking! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 beef blend for the perfect juicy burger. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could go with 85/15, but you will lose some moisture. For a healthier choice, ground turkey or chicken works well, just season them well!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully for that classic burger taste. If you prefer something different, try American cheese for a creamier texture or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Swiss is another good option if you fancy a nutty flavor.
Burger Buns: Soft brioche buns are my favorite because they’re slightly sweet and super fluffy. If you’re in a pinch, any soft hamburger bun will do. For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free burger buns available in stores.
Special Sauce: The mix of mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup makes a delicious base. If you’re avoiding mayo, try a yogurt-based dressing or just stick to ketchup and mustard. You can personalize it with hot sauce or garlic for extra flavor!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Burger Patties?
One key to a great smash burger is smashing the patties effectively. This step helps create those tasty caramelized edges. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with fresh balls of ground beef – don’t overhandle them to keep them tender.
- Heat your skillet high enough; it should shimmer when you add oil. This ensures a good sear.
- Once you place the balls in the skillet, quickly press down firmly with a spatula or burger press to create thin patties. The more surface area, the crunchier the edges!
- Cook until the edges turn brown and crispy before flipping. This adds to the flavor.
By following these steps, your burgers will be perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!
The Best Smash Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal juiciness)
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns (soft, preferably brioche)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 cup pickles, sliced
- 1/2 cup special sauce (mix of mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and a pinch of paprika or your favorite burger sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes prepping your ingredients and making the patties, then around 15 minutes cooking and assembling everything. It’s super quick and can be a fun meal to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
Start by prepping all your burger toppings. Shred the lettuce, slice the tomato, and cut the pickles so everything is ready to go when you’re assembling your burgers. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smoother and more fun!
2. Make Patties:
Take your ground beef and gently form it into 4 equal balls, each about 4 ounces. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as that can make your burgers tough. Season each ball generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor!
3. Heat Skillet:
Place your cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil and wait until it’s hot and shimmering. This ensures a nice sear on your burgers!
4. Smash the Patties:
Once the skillet is hot, place the beef balls onto it, spaced out evenly. Using a heavy spatula or a burger press, smash each ball down hard to form thin patties about 1/2 inch thick. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are beautifully brown and crispy.
5. Add Cheese:
After 2-3 minutes, flip the patties and immediately lay a slice of cheese on top of each one. Let them cook for another 1-2 minutes to give the cheese time to melt perfectly over the juicy burgers.
6. Toast the Buns:
While your burgers finish cooking, grab another skillet or use the same one after removing the patties. Toast the burger buns for about 1 minute until they are golden brown—this adds a nice crunch and flavor!
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Time to put it all together! Start by spreading a generous amount of your special sauce on the bottom bun. Place the cheesy burger patty right on top, then add a layer of shredded lettuce, a slice of tomato, and some pickles. Cap it off with the top bun!
8. Serve:
Serve your delicious smash burgers right away while they’re hot! Pair them up with some crispy fries and extra special sauce for dipping. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for This Recipe?
While you can use leaner ground beef, it’s best to stick with an 80/20 blend for optimal juiciness and flavor. If you only have lean beef, consider adding a little bit of oil or butter to keep the patties juicy as they cook.
Can I Make the Special Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can whip up the special sauce a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and it’ll be ready to use when you start assembling your burgers!
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
To store any leftover burgers, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in the fridge. They can be stored for up to 3 days. For reheating, place them on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a touch of cheese if desired!
Can I Use Different Cheese for My Smash Burger?
Definitely! While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other varieties like American, Swiss, or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just make sure whatever cheese you choose melts well, so it can ooze over the patty deliciously!
