If you've ever bitten into a burger with crispy, caramelized edges, juicy beef, melted cheese, and a perfectly toasted bun, you've experienced the magic of a smash burger. The secret isn't fancy ingredients or expensive equipment-it's all about technique.
This easy smash burger recipe delivers restaurant-quality burgers right from your backyard griddle, cast iron skillet, or flat top. Whether you're cooking for family dinner, game day, or your next cookout, these burgers are guaranteed to become a favorite.
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Why I Love This Recipe
- Crispy, caramelized beef crust every time
- Ready in less than 20 minutes
- Better than fast-food burgers
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings
Ingredients
For the burger
- 80/20 ground beef
- Salt Pepper Garlic Seasoning (or All Day Seasoning)
- Cheddar cheese
- Brioche buns
Optional Toppings
- Dill pickle chips
- Sliced onions
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Burger sauce
See recipe card for quantities.
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each).
Loosely form each portion into a ball. Do not compress the meat tightly.
step 2: Heat the Cooking Surface
Preheat a cast iron skillet or flat top griddle over high heat until very hot.
The surface should be nearly smoking.
Step 3: Smash the Burgers
Place a beef ball onto the hot cooking surface.
Cover with a small piece of parchment paper and firmly smash.
Step 4: season and cook
Remove the parchment paper and season with salt, pepper, and garlic seasoning.
The edges should become dark brown and crispy.
Step 5: Flip and Add Cheese
Use a sturdy spatula to scrape underneath the burger and flip.
Immediately add cheese slices
Step 6: Melt the cheese
Add a little water and cover with a dome to create steam that melts the cheese
Step 7: Assemble
Toast the buns
Spread burger sauce on the buns.
Add the cheeseburger, pickles, onions, and any desired toppings.
Pro Tips
Use 80/20 Ground Beef
The higher fat content creates a juicier burger and better crust.
Smash Once
Repeated pressing squeezes out valuable juices.
Use a Hot Surface
High heat is critical for developing the crispy crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best meat for smash burgers?
80/20 ground chuck is ideal because it contains enough fat to stay juicy while creating a flavorful crust.
Can I make smash burgers on a griddle?
Absolutely. Griddles are one of the best cooking surfaces for smash burgers because they provide consistent high heat and plenty of cooking space.
Why are my smash burgers sticking?
The griddle may not be hot enough, or you're trying to flip too early. Wait until a crust forms before scraping underneath.
Final Bite.
When it comes to burgers, simplicity wins. A hot griddle, quality beef, and proper smashing technique create a burger that rivals your favorite restaurant.
Once you master the crispy crust and juicy center of a true smash burger, you'll find yourself making them for weeknight dinners, backyard cookouts, and game-day gatherings all year long.
Fire up the griddle and give this smash burger recipe a try-you may never go back to ordinary burgers again.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
How To Make Smash Burgers
If you've ever bitten into a burger with crispy, caramelized edges, juicy beef, melted cheese, and a perfectly toasted bun, you've experienced the magic of a smash burger. The secret isn't fancy ingredients or expensive equipment-it's all about technique.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt pepper and garlic seasoning
- 4 slices Cheddar cheese
- 4 brioche burger buns
- Dill pickle chips
- Sliced onions
- Shredded lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Burger sauce
Instructions
- Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot.
- Divide 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef into 4 equal portions and loosely roll into balls.
- Place a beef ball on the hot cooking surface.
- Using a burger press or sturdy spatula, smash the beef into a thin patty and season well
- Cook for 1½-2 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned.
- Scrape underneath with a metal spatula and flip.
- Top with a slice of American cheese, sprinkle with water and cover with a dome
- Cook for 30-60 seconds until the cheese melts.
- Toast the burger buns on the griddle until golden brown.
- Assemble with burger sauce, pickles, onions, and your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beef, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch or dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
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