When National Burger Day rolls around, there’s only one way to celebrate—with a juicy, golden-edged smash burger that melts in your mouth and leaves your fingers deliciously messy. This burger recipe is all about simplicity and big flavor: crisp, lacy edges, gooey cheese, tangy pickles, and a soft toasted bun. No frills, no fluff—just burger greatness in every bite.
If you’ve never tried a smash burger at home, trust me, you’re about to fall hard. They’re quick, craveable, and crazy satisfying.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, caramelized edges you can’t resist
- Ready in under 15 minutes
- Customizable with your fave toppings
- Easy to make on a skillet or griddle
- Celebrates National Burger Day the right way!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner |
| Cooking Method | Skillet or Griddle |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 2 burgers (easily doubled) |
| Focus Keyword | National Burger Day |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to celebrate National Burger Day like a pro:
- Ground beef (80/20 blend) – the fat is key for flavor and those crispy edges
- Soft burger buns – potato buns or brioche are
- Cheese slices – American cheese melts like a dream, but cheddar works too
- Butter – for toasting those buns to golden, buttery perfection
- Salt & pepper – simple seasoning goes a long way
- Pickles, onions, lettuce, tomato – classic toppings, optional but encouraged
- Burger sauce – think mayo, ketchup, mustard, or go wild with your own blend
🔽 Scroll down to the recipe card below for full measurements and instructions!
Ultimate Smash Burger
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add butter and toast the buns cut-side down until golden. Set aside.
- Form 3 oz loose beef balls (2 per burger). Don’t overwork the meat. Keep chilled until cooking.
- Heat the skillet to high. Place a beef ball on the skillet and immediately smash flat using a spatula or press. Hold for 10 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.
- After 1.5–2 minutes, flip the patty, add cheese, and cook for 1 minute more until cheese melts.
- Stack two patties, place on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings and burger sauce. Serve hot.
Notes
How to Make Smash Burgers
Step 1: Toast the Buns
Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little butter, and toast the buns cut-side down until golden brown. Set aside.
Step 2: Form Loose Beef Balls
Grab about 3 oz of ground beef per patty (you’ll want two per burger) and roll loosely—don’t overwork the meat! Keep them chilled until ready to cook.
Step 3: Smash & Sizzle
Crank up the heat to high and drop a beef ball onto the hot skillet. Immediately smash it flat using a heavy spatula (or a burger press) and hold for 10 seconds. You want that thin, crusty magic. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Flip & Cheese
After 1.5–2 minutes, flip the patties, top with cheese, and cook for another minute until melted and cooked through.
Step 5: Stack & Serve
Double-stack those patties, add your favorite toppings, and sandwich them between the toasted buns. Oh, and serve with fries or chips for the full effect.
Pro Tips
- Use parchment between the meat and spatula when smashing—no sticking!
- A hot, dry skillet is key. Don’t oil the pan.
- Want ultra-thin burgers? Smash immediately and hard.
- Let the burger rest a minute before digging in so the juices settle.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or chipotle mayo.
- Bacon Lover’s Dream: Crispy bacon between the patties
- Mushroom Melt: Sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for an umami bomb.
- Tex-Mex Vibe: Pepper jack, avocado, and salsa.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with seasoned curly fries, onion rings, or a fresh slaw.
- Pair with a cold craft beer or a frosty milkshake.
- Turn it into sliders for a party spread!
Make-Ahead & Storage
Smash burgers are best hot and fresh, but you can prep ahead:
- Form beef balls and store covered in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Toast buns ahead of time and reheat briefly.
- Mix sauces and chop toppings in advance.
Leftovers
Store assembled burgers in the fridge for up to 2 days, though they’ll lose their crispiness. Reheat in a hot skillet to revive the edges.
Freezing
Freeze raw meat balls individually and cook straight from frozen—just smash a bit longer.
Reheating
Reheat patties in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side to re-crisp. Avoid the microwave unless you’re really in a rush.
FAQ
What’s the best beef for smash burgers?
An 80/20 blend is ideal. You want fat for that crisp, juicy texture!
Can I use a grill instead of a skillet?
You can, but you’ll lose the even surface contact that gives smash burgers their crust. A flat top or cast iron pan is best.
Is a burger press necessary?
Not at all! A sturdy spatula and elbow grease will do the job just fine.
How do I keep smash burgers from sticking?
Use parchment paper between the beef and spatula, and make sure your skillet is very hot.
Final Thoughts
There’s no better way to celebrate National Burger Day than with a homemade smash burger that hits all the right notes—crispy, melty, juicy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re flipping just for yourself or feeding a crowd, this burger delivers big-time satisfaction. And hey, once you go smash, you might never go back.
So fire up that skillet, grab your favorite toppings, and let’s make this National Burger Day absolutely legendary.