This smash burger recipe is all about juicy, crispy goodness! Specially made with seasoned beef patties that are smashed on a hot grill, they get a beautiful crust while being tender inside.
What’s better than a burger that’s easy to make and super tasty? I love loading mine up with cheese and my favorite toppings. Honestly, who can resist a perfect burger night? 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend of ground beef is crucial for juicy burgers. If you need a leaner option, 90/10 will work, but the burgers may be less juicy. Alternatively, ground turkey can be used for a lighter version.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is classic for a reason! If you want to mix it up, try Swiss cheese or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Both melt well and add great flavor.
Burger Buns: Brioche buns are a personal favorite for their soft texture and slightly sweet flavor. You can also use whole wheat buns for a healthier choice or gluten-free buns if needed.
Special Sauce: This sauce brings everything together! If you’re short on time, store-bought options like burger sauce or even BBQ sauce can work. For a healthier twist, Greek yogurt can replace the mayonnaise.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Smoked Smash Patties?
Smashing the patties correctly is key to getting that delicious crust. Make sure your skillet or grill is very hot before placing the beef balls down. This helps create a nice sear.
- Form the beef into loose balls, then smash them down with a spatula for a thin patty. The edges should brown nicely!
- Seasoning is important! Add salt and pepper right after smashing.
- Don’t flip too soon; wait until you see those edges crisp up (about 2-3 minutes).
- For cheese lovers, place the cheese on right after flipping the patty to let it melt perfectly!
How to Make The Best Smash Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Burger:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal juiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- Dill pickles, sliced
- Special sauce (recipe below)
For The Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes in total. You can spend around 10 minutes preparing the special sauce and shaping the patties, and then another 10 minutes cooking everything and assembling the burgers. It’s quick, easy, and fulfilling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Special Sauce:
Start by making the special sauce. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle relish, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper! Stir until everything is well combined, then pop the sauce into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the burgers.
2. Shape the Patties:
Now, let’s get to the meat! Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, each about 4 ounces. Gently roll each portion into a loose ball. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep it tender. Set the patties aside on a plate for cooking.
3. Heat the Grill or Skillet:
Time to heat things up! Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat. If you’re using a grill, make sure it’s preheated to high as well. You want a really hot cooking surface to get that perfect sear on the burgers.
4. Smash the Patties:
Once your skillet is hot, carefully place the beef balls onto the cooking surface. Using a heavy spatula or a burger press, smash each ball down to form a thin patty. Sprinkle salt and pepper over them. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are beautifully brown and crispy.
5. Add Cheese:
Give the patties a flip! As soon as you do, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Let them cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the burgers reach your desired doneness. Yum!
6. Toast the Buns:
While your burgers are cooking, it’s time to toast the buns. Lightly place them on the skillet or grill until they are toasted and golden brown. This adds a lovely crunch!
7. Assemble the Burger:
Let’s put it all together! Take the bottom half of each toasted bun and spread a generous amount of the special sauce on top. Layer on some shredded lettuce, add a slice of juicy tomato, and then place the cheesy burger patty on top. Finish it off with dill pickle slices, and put the top half of the bun on.
8. Serve:
Your delicious smash burgers are ready to enjoy! Serve them hot with a side of crispy French fries and, of course, some extra special sauce for dipping. Dig in and savor every bite!
Enjoy your homemade smash burger treat!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, but keep in mind that it has less fat than beef, which may affect the juiciness of your burger. To enhance flavor and moisture, consider mixing in a bit of olive oil or using a turkey blend that includes higher fat content.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
To add some heat, mix sliced jalapeños into the special sauce or sprinkle cayenne pepper on the patties before cooking. You can also top the burgers with spicy Sriracha or a pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you are storing them with the buns, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from getting soggy. To reheat, warm on a skillet or in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook!
Can I Prepare the Patties in Advance?
Absolutely! You can shape the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to separate each patty with a piece of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. If you need to store them longer, freeze the patties for up to 3 months!
