There’s this moment when I take the first bite of a homemade smash burger, and I immediately know I’ve nailed it. The crispy edges of the patty, the gooey cheddar that melts perfectly with every bite, and the soft crunch of toasted brioche buns remind me why this is my favorite way to eat a burger.
What makes it even better is knowing it’s something I whipped up in my own kitchen in under 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try this classic smashed burger recipe, you’ll never want to wait in line at a burger joint again!
Ingredients
Here are the essentials to create your burger masterpiece:
- Ground beef: 1 pound (80/20 fat content)
- Cheddar cheese slices: 4 slices
- Burger buns: 4 brioche buns
- Iceberg lettuce: 1/4 head, shredded
- Tomatoes: 1 medium, sliced
- Pickles: 8 dill pickle slices
- Red onion: 1/2 medium, thinly sliced
- Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup
- Yellow mustard: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1/4 teaspoon
Variations
Want to customize your smash burgers? Here are some easy variations you can try:
- Dairy-Free: Swap regular cheese with dairy-free slices or omit the cheese entirely for a simpler version.
- Low-Carb: Replace burger buns with large lettuce leaves for a lighter, keto-friendly option.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a touch of hot sauce to your burger sauce for extra heat.
- Herb-Infused: Mix fresh herbs like parsley or dill into the ground beef for an aromatic twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns to give everyone at the table a chance to indulge!
If you’re eager to experiment more, you can also enjoy similar Smoky Chipotle Burger Patties for a bold and smoky flavor.
Cooking Time
You don’t need hours to make these mouthwatering burgers. Here’s the timeline:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Equipment You Need
Here’s what you’ll need, along with how these tools help you achieve the perfect smash burger:
- Cast-Iron Skillet or Griddle: For that signature caramelized crust on your patties.
- Burger Press or Flat Spatula: To flatten the burgers evenly without breaking the meat.
- Parchment Paper: Ensures the patties don’t stick during the smashing process.
- Knife: For prepping your fresh toppings and slicing the buns.
How to Make Classic Smashed Burgers?
If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful burger with crispy edges and melty cheese, this step-by-step guide will help you make the perfect smashed burger at home!
Prep Your Ingredients
Start by dividing the ground beef into small portions, about 3 ounces each. Roll them into loose balls but don’t overwork them. Chill these in the fridge while you prepare the toppings. Shred iceberg lettuce, slice tomatoes, red onions, and dill pickles, and toast your buns on a skillet.
Make the Signature Sauce
Stir together mayonnaise and yellow mustard for a simple, tangy burger sauce. This step is quick but really adds a lot of flavor.
Get Smashing on the Grill!
Heat your skillet or griddle to medium-high. Place the beef balls onto the hot surface, then cover each with a piece of parchment paper. Smash them flat with a press or spatula until they’re thin. Remove the parchment, season the meat, and cook for two minutes. Then, flip the patties, add a slice of cheese on one, and top it with another patty.
Assemble Your Burger
Spread the sauce on the bottom bun, stack pickles, lettuce, and tomato slices, followed by the cheesy double patty. Top it off with the other half of the bun. Repeat for all burgers, and serve them hot!
Serve Them Right
Present your smash burgers on a large platter alongside French fries, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad. If you want to elevate the vibe, wrap them in parchment paper for a restaurant-style touch. Add a refreshing lemonade or a cold soda to finish the meal perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many reasons to love this recipe; here are just a few:
- Quick and easy to make, even on a busy weeknight.
- Customizable toppings to suit everyone’s cravings.
- Restaurant-quality taste, made right in your kitchen.
- Perfect balance of textures, from crispy patties to soft buns.
- Feeds a crowd in no time without any hassle.
For another unique burger variation, feel free to check out the delicious French Onion Soup Burgers. They add the comforting, rich flavors of French onion soup into a handheld delight!
How to Serve Classic Smashed Burgers?
Take your presentation up a notch for that gourmet vibe. Serve the burgers on a large platter alongside crispy French fries or sweet potato wedges. Wrap each burger in parchment paper for that retro, diner-style look. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish the plate with pickle spears and a small bowl of your homemade sauce for dipping. Pair your burgers with a tall glass of iced tea or a fizzy soda, and you’re ready to feast! For something fresh and summery, you might also love Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa. They’re perfect for lighter meals that still pack a flavor punch.
Nutritional Information
While indulgent, these burgers still pack nutritional value. Here’s what one serving offers:
- Calories: 730
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 59g
Make Ahead and Storage
Smashed burgers are best eaten fresh, but you can still prep and store some components ahead of time. Roll your beef into balls a day in advance and store them in the fridge, covered tightly. If you have leftover burgers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat or pop them in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes.
You can also freeze cooked patties! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for an hour, and then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen when the craving strikes.
Tips for Making the Recipe
I’ve made these burgers countless times, and here are some tricks that always deliver the best results:
- Keep It Cold: Start with cold ground beef to prevent excess fat from melting during prep, ensuring juicy patties.
- Avoid Over-Smashing: Smash the patties once; pressing them repeatedly can release too many juices and dry them out.
- Use 80/20 Beef: The fat content keeps the burgers flavorful and prevents them from being too dry.
- Toast Your Buns: This not only adds flavor but also keeps the buns sturdy for all the juicy goodness inside.
- Parchment Paper Trick: Placing parchment over the patty before smashing prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
If you’re a fan of bold yet comforting flavors, you’ll also enjoy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes for a creative twist on a classic sandwich.
For more details, watch this YouTube video:
Classic Smashed Burger Recipe
Ingredients
- Ground beef – 1 pound 80/20 fat content
- Cheddar cheese slices – 4 slices
- Burger buns – 4 brioche buns
- Iceberg lettuce – 1/4 head shredded
- Tomatoes – 1 medium sliced
- Pickles – 8 dill pickle slices
- Red onion – 1/2 medium thinly sliced
- Mayonnaise – 1/4 cup
- Yellow mustard – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Start by dividing the ground beef into small portions, about 3 ounces each. Roll them into loose balls but don’t overwork them. Chill these in the fridge while you prepare the toppings. Shred iceberg lettuce, slice tomatoes, red onions, and dill pickles, and toast your buns on a skillet.
- Stir together mayonnaise and yellow mustard for a simple, tangy burger sauce. This step is quick but really adds a lot of flavor.
- Heat your skillet or griddle to medium-high. Place the beef balls onto the hot surface, then cover each with a piece of parchment paper. Smash them flat with a press or spatula until they’re thin. Remove the parchment, season the meat, and cook for two minutes. Then, flip the patties, add a slice of cheese on one, and top it with another patty.
- Spread the sauce on the bottom bun, stack pickles, lettuce, and tomato slices, followed by the cheesy double patty. Top it off with the other half of the bun. Repeat for all burgers, and serve them hot!
- Present your smash burgers on a large platter alongside French fries, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad. If you want to elevate the vibe, wrap them in parchment paper for a restaurant-style touch. Add a refreshing lemonade or a cold soda to finish the meal perfectly.
Notes
- Keep the Beef Cold: Unlike steaks, burger meat should hit the skillet straight from the fridge. Cold beef prevents the fat from breaking down prematurely, ensuring juicy patties.
- Don’t Over-Smash: Smash the patties just once during the cooking process. Over-smashing can drain the juices, leaving you with dry meat.
- Opt for 80/20 Beef: The fat keeps these burgers moist and full-flavored. Avoid lean meat, as it doesn’t yield the same mouthwatering results.
- Toast the Buns: A good smash burger needs a sturdy base. Lightly butter and toast your buns for the perfect soft, yet crispy texture.
- Parchment is Your Best Friend: Using parchment keeps the meat from sticking and makes smashing hassle-free.
