Delicious homemade smash burger served with fresh toppings and golden fries

Best Smash Burger Recipe

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why make this recipe

Smash burgers are famous for a reason! They are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. The technique of smashing the beef ensures a perfect sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender. This recipe makes it simple to recreate that crave-worthy burger you find at your favorite grill or diner right in your kitchen.

how to make Best Smash Burger

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds Ground Beef (80/20)
  • 3 Tablespoons Butter (divided)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
  • 4 slices Cheddar Cheese
  • 4 Hamburger Buns
  • 4 Pieces Leaf Lettuce
  • 1 Tomato (sliced)
  • 1/2 Red Onion (peeled and sliced)

Directions:

  1. Divide the beef into 8 balls, each about 3 oz. Place them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
  2. Preheat the griddle over medium-high heat (around 400 degrees F).
  3. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter on the grill. Spread it around with a spatula to coat the surface. Place the buns on the grill to toast for about 2 minutes. Set them aside when done.
  4. Add the remaining butter to the griddle and allow it to melt fully.
  5. Place 4 of the beef balls on the griddle, ensuring they are well spaced.
  6. Top each beef ball with a piece of parchment paper. Smash it down firmly with a burger press or a large spatula to create thin patties, then remove the parchment paper.
  7. Season each patty with garlic salt and pepper.
  8. Cook the patties for about 2 minutes until you see juices rise to the top and the color changes.
  9. Carefully scrape underneath each patty to loosen them and flip them over. Do not smash the patties again after flipping.
  10. Cook for another minute, then add cheese on top of 2 of the patties to melt.
  11. Once the cheese melts, stack the patties with cheese on top of the plain patties. Transfer them to a platter and repeat with the remaining batches.
  12. Assemble your burgers by adding lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion on the bottom bun. Place the double patty on top and add the other half of the bun.
  13. Your smash burgers are ready to enjoy!

how to serve Best Smash Burger

Serve these delicious smash burgers immediately! You can pair them with fries or a simple salad for a full meal. Add your favorite condiments and toppings to enhance the flavor.

how to store Best Smash Burger

If you have any leftovers, store the cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet until warmed through. For the best taste, assemble the burgers just before serving.

tips to make Best Smash Burger

  • Use high-quality ground beef with a good fat content (80/20 works best) for juicy burgers.
  • Don’t skip toasting the buns; it adds a nice crunch.
  • Make sure the griddle is hot enough before cooking to get that perfect sear.
  • Let the patties rest for a minute after cooking before assembling the burgers. This helps keep them juicy!

variation

Try adding different cheeses such as pepper jack or blue cheese for a unique flavor. You can also mix in spices into the beef or add BBQ sauce for a smoky taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use leaner beef for smash burgers?
Using leaner beef may result in drier patties. For the best flavor and juiciness, stick to an 80/20 blend.

2. Can I make the patties in advance?
Yes! You can shape the beef into balls ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to cook.

3. What toppings go well with smash burgers?
Feel free to get creative! Popular toppings include pickles, bacon, avocado, or even fried eggs for an extra kick.

Best Smash Burger

Juicy and flavorful smash burgers made easily at home with a perfect sear and tender inside.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Burgers
  • 1.5 pounds Ground Beef (80/20) Use high-quality ground beef for juicy burgers.
  • 3 tablespoons Butter (divided) Use 1 tablespoon for toasting buns and remaining for cooking patties.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
  • 4 slices Cheddar Cheese You can try other cheeses like pepper jack or blue cheese.
  • 4 pieces Hamburger Buns Toast the buns for added crunch.
  • 4 pieces Leaf Lettuce
  • 1 piece Tomato (sliced)
  • 1/2 piece Red Onion (peeled and sliced)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Divide the beef into 8 balls, each about 3 oz. Place them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
  2. Preheat the griddle over medium-high heat (around 400 degrees F).
Toasting Buns
  1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter on the grill. Spread it around with a spatula to coat the surface.
  2. Place the buns on the grill to toast for about 2 minutes. Set them aside when done.
Cooking Patties
  1. Add the remaining butter to the griddle and allow it to melt fully.
  2. Place 4 of the beef balls on the griddle, ensuring they are well spaced.
  3. Top each beef ball with a piece of parchment paper. Smash it down firmly with a burger press or a large spatula to create thin patties, then remove the parchment paper.
  4. Season each patty with garlic salt and pepper.
  5. Cook the patties for about 2 minutes until you see juices rise to the top and the color changes.
  6. Carefully scrape underneath each patty to loosen them and flip them over. Do not smash the patties again after flipping.
  7. Cook for another minute, then add cheese on top of 2 of the patties to melt.
  8. Once the cheese melts, stack the patties with cheese on top of the plain patties. Transfer them to a platter and repeat with the remaining batches.
Assembly
  1. Assemble your burgers by adding lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion on the bottom bun.
  2. Place the double patty on top and add the other half of the bun.

Notes

Serve immediately with fries or salad. Add favorite condiments for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in a skillet.