Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy edges – The high-heat cooking method gives the burger a beautifully seared crust.
- Juicy and flavorful – The quick sear locks in juices, making each bite delicious.
- Easy to make – No special equipment required, just a skillet or griddle.
- Perfect for a crowd – Cook multiple patties at once for a fun burger night.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings and sauces for endless variations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Butter (for toasting buns)
- Burger buns
- American cheese
- Lettuce, tomato, pickles (optional)
- Burger sauce or mayonnaise
Directions
- Preheat the griddle or skillet – Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Prepare the beef – Divide the ground beef into small balls, about 2 ounces each. Do not overwork the meat.
- Smash the patties – Place a beef ball onto the hot skillet and immediately press it down firmly with a spatula or burger press until very thin. Hold for 10 seconds to ensure good contact with the pan.
- Season and cook – Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges are crispy.
- Flip and add cheese – Flip the patty, place a slice of cheese on top, and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until melted.
- Toast the buns – Spread butter on the burger buns and toast them on the skillet until golden brown.
- Assemble the burger – Place the patties on the toasted buns, add toppings of choice, and spread burger sauce or mayonnaise.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy your homemade smash burger while it’s hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 burgers
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Smash Burger – Add jalapeños and spicy mayo for extra heat.
- BBQ Smash Burger – Drizzle with barbecue sauce and top with crispy onions.
- Double Smash Burger – Stack two patties for an extra meaty bite.
- Mushroom Swiss Smash Burger – Swap American cheese for Swiss and add sautéed mushrooms.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: Uncooked patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
FAQs
How do I get the best crust on a smash burger?
Use a very hot skillet or griddle and press the burger down firmly when smashing. Let it cook undisturbed for maximum caramelization.
Can I use leaner beef for smash burgers?
An 80/20 blend is best for juiciness and flavor. Leaner beef may result in drier patties.
What can I use to smash the burger?
A heavy spatula, burger press, or even the bottom of a small pan works well.
Can I make smash burgers without a griddle?
Yes, a cast-iron skillet works just as well for creating the crispy crust.
How thin should a smash burger be?
Aim for about ¼-inch thick. The thinner the patty, the crispier the edges.
Should I season the meat before forming patties?
No, season the patties right before cooking to keep the texture tender.
What’s the best cheese for smash burgers?
American cheese melts best, but cheddar or Swiss also work.
Can I make smash burgers with turkey or chicken?
Yes, but use a fattier mix or add a little oil to keep them from drying out.
How do I keep my spatula from sticking when smashing?
Lightly grease the spatula or use parchment paper between the spatula and the meat.
What’s the best bun for a smash burger?
Soft potato buns or brioche buns complement the crispy, juicy patties well.
Conclusion
Smash burgers are an easy, delicious way to enjoy a restaurant-quality burger at home. With their crispy edges, juicy centers, and endless topping possibilities, they’re perfect for any burger lover. Try different variations, and enjoy a homemade burger that’s sure to impress
Smash Burger
- Total Time: 20min
- Yield: 4 burgers
Description
Make the perfect smash burger at home with this easy recipe! Featuring crispy edges, juicy beef, and melty cheese, these burgers cook fast and deliver big flavor. Whether using a griddle or skillet, get that signature crust in minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
- 4 burger buns (potato or brioche preferred)
- 4 slices American cheese
- Lettuce, tomato, pickles (optional)
- Burger sauce or mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle/skillet – Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Prepare the beef – Divide the ground beef into 2-ounce balls. Do not overwork the meat.
- Smash the patties – Place a beef ball onto the hot skillet and immediately press it down firmly with a spatula or burger press until about ¼-inch thin. Hold for 10 seconds.
- Season & cook – Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until crispy.
- Flip & add cheese – Flip the patty, add a slice of cheese, and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until melted.
- Toast the buns – Spread butter on the buns and toast in the skillet until golden brown.
- Assemble & serve – Place patties on buns, add toppings, and spread burger sauce or mayo. Serve immediately!
Notes
- For the best crust, press firmly and cook undisturbed.
- Use a heavy spatula or the bottom of a small pan to smash the patties.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 10min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Griddle or Skillet
- Cuisine: American
