Description

This smash burger recipe creates a perfectly crispy patty with a juicy interior, delivering an unforgettable flavor experience. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (80/20 ratio)
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
4 potato burger buns or brioche buns
4 slices American cheese
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Optional toppings
Shredded iceberg lettuce
Sliced tomato
Dill pickle slices
Thin sliced white onion
Optional Smash Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat your cast iron skillet or flat griddle over high heat for about 5 minutes until it’s very hot. You want it to be smoking slightly; this is crucial for achieving that crispy crust.
While the skillet heats, divide the ground beef into 8 loose balls, each about 2 ounces. Remember, don’t pack them tightly; the air helps in making them juicy.
Take the butter and spread it generously on the cut sides of your burger buns. Once the skillet is hot, place the buns cut-side down and toast them until golden brown, usually about 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
Carefully place one beef ball onto the hot skillet. Take a piece of parchment paper and cover it, then press down firmly with a spatula to smash it into a thin patty. Aim for about ¼ inch thickness for that perfect cook.
Season the smashed patty immediately with kosher salt and black pepper. The seasoning enhances the flavor, so don't skip this step!
Cook the patty for about 2 minutes. You'll know it’s ready to flip when the edges turn dark brown and crispy. Avoid moving the patty around too much; let it sear!
Using a spatula, flip the patty over and immediately place a slice of American cheese on top. Cook for another 30-45 seconds until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Assemble your burger by stacking two patties on the bottom bun. Layer with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, onions, and pickles as desired. If you're using the smash sauce, now's the time to slather it on!
Top with the other half of the bun, and serve immediately while hot and crispy. Enjoy the delightful contrast of flavors and textures!

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 13 mins
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling or Pan-Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 burger
Calories: 500
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: One common mistake is overworking the beef when forming the balls. Keep them loose for maximum juiciness! Use a heavy spatula to apply even pressure when smashing the patties. Experiment with the cooking time; if you prefer a medium-rare burger, adjust accordingly. Consider preheating your buns for extra warmth and toasty goodness. Finally, let the burgers rest for a minute after cooking to help retain their juices.