The Best Smash Burger Recipe

why make this recipe

Smash burgers are a favorite for many burger lovers. They have a delicious crispy crust thanks to the pressing process, which locks in the juicy flavor of the beef. This recipe is simple to follow, making it great for a weekend barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of the flavorful sauce, fresh toppings, and perfectly cooked patties creates a burger that’s simply irresistible.

how to make The Best Smash Burger

Ingredients

  • 12 oz (340g) ground beef (80/20)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1-2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Brioche buns
  • 2 slices cheddar cheese
  • Pickles
  • Lettuce, thinly sliced
  • Onion, thinly sliced
  • Tomato slices

Directions

  1. Divide the ground meat into 3 oz (85g) portions and roll each portion into balls.
  2. Place each ball between two pieces of parchment paper.
  3. Use the flat side of a mallet to flatten them into thin rounds.
  4. To make the sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients together and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  5. Cook the patties by heating a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
  6. Season one side of the meat with salt and black pepper. Place the seasoned side down onto the hot pan and season the other side with salt and pepper.
  7. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then flip. Cook for another 30 seconds to a minute and top one of the burger patties with cheese. Place the other patty on top and remove from the pan.
  8. Assemble the burgers by toasting the buns on the grill for about 30 seconds and transferring them to a plate.
  9. Place a spoonful of sauce on the bottom bun, then top with lettuce, tomato, and onion. Add the double patties on top, place pickles over them, add more sauce, and then cover with the top bun. Serve and enjoy.

Kali Orexi!

how to serve The Best Smash Burger

Serve the smash burgers immediately while they are hot and juicy. Pair them with fries or a side salad for a perfect meal. You can also provide extra toppings like avocado or jalapeños for those who want to customize their burger.

how to store The Best Smash Burger

If you have leftovers, store the patties and toppings separately in airtight containers. Keep the patties in the fridge for up to 3 days. Buns are best kept in a plastic bag at room temperature. To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet and toast the buns slightly before assembling.

tips to make The Best Smash Burger

  • Use fresh ground beef for the best flavor.
  • Don’t be afraid to really smash the patties; that’s what gives them the crispy edges.
  • Make sure your skillet or griddle is really hot before cooking the patties for perfect searing.
  • Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or sauces to find your favorite combination.

variation

You can try adding cooked bacon for a smoky flavor or substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for some heat. Some people also like to add barbecue sauce or spicy mayo for an added kick.

FAQs

Q: Can I use lean ground beef?
A: It’s better to use ground beef with some fat, like 80/20, to keep the burgers juicy. Lean beef can end up dry.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Q: How can I tell when the patties are cooked through?
A: For medium burgers, cook until they have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

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The Best Smash Burger


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  • Author: hailey-carter
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: None

Description

Irresistibly crispy and juicy smash burgers, perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

  • 12 oz (340g) ground beef (80/20)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 12 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • Brioche buns
  • 2 slices cheddar cheese
  • Pickles
  • Lettuce, thinly sliced
  • Onion, thinly sliced
  • Tomato slices


Instructions

  1. Divide the ground meat into 3 oz (85g) portions and roll each portion into balls.
  2. Place each ball between two pieces of parchment paper.
  3. Use the flat side of a mallet to flatten them into thin rounds.
  4. To make the sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients together and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  5. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
  6. Season one side of the meat with salt and black pepper. Place the seasoned side down onto the hot pan and season the other side with salt and pepper.
  7. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then flip. Cook for another 30 seconds to a minute and top one of the burger patties with cheese. Place the other patty on top and remove from the pan.
  8. Toast the buns on the grill for about 30 seconds and transfer them to a plate.
  9. Assemble the burgers: place a spoonful of sauce on the bottom bun, top with lettuce, tomato, and onion. Add the double patties, place pickles over them, add more sauce, and cover with the top bun. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Use fresh ground beef for the best flavor. For extra toppings, consider avocado or jalapeños.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

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