Smash Burger Recipe

Hey there, burger lovers! Today, I’m all about the deliciousness of smash burgers. These bad boys are crazy easy to throw together and perfect for those nights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.

I’m a huge fan of all things burger, and while I love experimenting with different flavors, smash burgers hold a special place in my heart. They’re like a burger time capsule, taking you back to classic diner eats.

What’s the Deal with Smash Burgers?

The secret to a smash burger lies in the name itself. By pressing the patty down thin while cooking, you create a stunning crust that’s crispy on the outside and unbelievably juicy on the inside. All this magic happens in just a few minutes, making them a weeknight lifesaver.

So, you’re ready to dive into smash burger heaven? Buckle up!

These burgers are all about simplicity. You won’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to create burger perfection. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a list at the bottom of this post.

Here’s the Star of the Show: The Beef

For the ultimate smash burger experience, you gotta go with 80/20 ground beef. This ratio strikes the perfect balance between meaty goodness and juicy fat.

Seasoning Essentials

Salt and black pepper are really all you need to bring out the flavor of the beef. Don’t get me wrong, you can get creative with toppings later, but for the base patty, keep it simple.

The Melty Cheese Champ

Trust me on this one, American cheese is the undisputed champion when it comes to melting on a burger. It creates that gooey, irresistible layer that ties everything together.

Classic Toppings

No burger is complete without some fresh toppings. Here’s what I love to use:

• A bright red, juicy tomato (vine-ripened is my favorite)
• Soft, buttery lettuce leaves (they add the perfect texture)
• A toasted bun, either brioche or potato (a hint of sweetness complements the savory flavors)
• Butter (because everything is better with butter, especially toasted buns!)

Putting it All Together: Smash Time!

I’ve broken down the cooking process into easy steps. Get ready for the easiest burgers you’ll ever make!

1. Prep the Beef: Divide your ground beef into 3-ounce portions and gently form them into balls. Let them chill in the fridge while you gather your ingredients.
2. Get Those Toppings Ready: Slice your tomato, wash the lettuce, and prep any other toppings you’re using.
3. Toasty Time: Butter your buns and toast them on a griddle or skillet until they’re golden brown (around 20 seconds).
4. Heat It Up: Get your griddle or cast iron skillet nice and hot, aiming for 400° Fahrenheit.
5. Smashing Success: Place two beef balls on the hot pan. If your griddle is big enough, cook all the burgers at once. Just remember, these cook fast, so work quickly!
6. The Smash: Here comes the fun part! Take a large, flat metal spatula and press down on the beef balls, flattening them out as much as possible. Don’t worry about thin patties – you’ll be doubling them up for extra juicy goodness. A little trick – use a piece of parchment paper on top of the meat to prevent sticking.
7. Seasoning Up: Sprinkle your smashed patties with salt and pepper, then let them cook for 2 minutes.
8. The Flip: Use your spatula to flip both patties, making sure to scrape up those delicious browned bits on the bottom.
9. Melty Cheese Magic: Place a slice of cheese on one of the patties.
10. Cooking to Perfection: Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through. Then, take the patty without cheese and place it on top of the cheesy patty. This way, the cheese gets sandwiched in between for maximum melty goodness.
11. Top It Off: Now for the fun part – building your burger! Take your toasted bun and layer on your favorite condiments, lettuce, tomato, and any other toppings you like.
12. Burger Bliss: Place your perfectly smashed burger on the bed of deliciousness you just created. The meat will help keep everything in place while you devour this masterpiece. Top it all off with the other toasted bun half, and prepare to be amazed!

Print