If you're a fan of burgers, get ready to meet their more daring and flavor-packed cousin - the Smash Burger! Our Smash Burger recipe is a game-changer, offering a burger experience that's perfect for cookouts, game day gatherings, or whenever you crave a satisfying, mouthwatering dish.

Close up image of smash burgers on a white background

Why Your Whole Family Will Love Them

Effortless Deliciousness. This Smash Burger recipe is incredibly easy to make. You won't need any fancy equipment or culinary skills. It's all about smashing, sizzling, and savoring.
Irresistible Flavor. You'll fall in love with the rich, caramelized crust on these burgers. The smashing technique locks in juices and creates a burger with a flavor-packed bite.
Customization Galore. Smash Burgers are like a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. You can personalize them with your favorite toppings and sauces, making each burger a unique creation.
Quick and Fun. These burgers cook up in no time, so they're perfect for a weeknight dinner or for serving a hungry crowd. Get your spatula ready and start smashing!

What Makes It A Smash Burger?

A smash burger is a specific style of hamburger known for its unique cooking technique and characteristics that distinguish it from traditional burgers. Here's what makes it a smash burger:

Smashed and Thin Patty. The hallmark of a smash burger is a thin patty. Unlike thicker, hand-shaped patties, a smash burger is made by pressing a small ball of ground beef onto a hot cooking surface, usually a griddle or flat-top grill. The burger is then "smashed" flat with a spatula. This technique results in a thinner patty that cooks quickly and develops a crispy, caramelized crust.
Crispy Edges. The smashing process creates more surface area, allowing the edges of the patty to become thin and crispy. This texture is one of the defining characteristics of a smash burger.
Quick Cooking. Because of their thinness, smash burgers cook in just a few minutes. They are often cooked at high heat, which adds to the seared, crispy exterior.

Why Are Smash Burgers So Flavorful?

Smash Burgers are incredibly flavorful because of the smashing process. When you press the patty onto the hot cooking surface, it gets more surface area in contact with the heat. This results in those irresistible, crispy edges that are packed with flavor. Plus, the juices get locked in, creating a juicy interior.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need to make these mouthwatering Smash Burgers:

Ground Beef- Choose high-quality ground beef with a good meat-to-fat ratio (around 80/20 is ideal).
Salt and Pepper- These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
American Cheese- The classic choice for topping your Smash Burgers, but feel free to get creative with other cheese varieties.
Potato Rolls- Soft potato rolls are the perfect, slightly sweet, and pillowy burger carriers.
Pickles, Onions, Ketchup, and Mustard- These classic toppings and condiments complete your burger.
Butter- You'll use butter to toast the potato rolls for that extra touch of flavor and texture.

How To Make A Smash Burger

Prep the Ingredients. Divide your ground beef into equal portions and gently form them into balls. Season each ball with salt and pepper.
Preheat the Griddle or Skillet. Get your cooking surface (a griddle or a cast-iron skillet) smoking hot. You want it screaming hot to create those crispy edges. Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 200°F, to keep the first batches of burgers warm while you cook the rest.
Smash the Burgers. Place a ball of beef on the hot griddle or skillet. Immediately smash it down with a spatula. Use another spatula to press down hard to create a thin patty. The thinness is what creates those crispy edges.
Cook to Perfection. Cook the burgers for a short time, about 2 minutes, until the edges are crispy and brown. Flip them over, add cheese, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted, and the burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Toast the Buns. While the burgers are cooking, spread some butter on the potato rolls and toast them on the griddle for a minute or until they're golden brown.
Assemble Your Burgers. Place the cheesy smash burger on the toasted bun. Top it with pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard. Add any other toppings you like.
Serve and Enjoy. Your Smash Burgers are ready to devour. Serve them up and watch them disappear!

multiple smash burgers on a white background with pepper flakes scattered

Tips And Tricks

Making delicious Smash Burgers can be a simple yet artful process. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect burger:

Choose the Right Meat- Use fresh ground beef with a good fat-to-lean ratio, typically 80/20 (80% lean meat, 20% fat). The fat is essential for a juicy and flavorful burger.
Use Cold Meat- Keep the ground beef cold until you're ready to cook. This helps maintain the burger's texture.
Portion Control- Use a kitchen scale or your hands to portion the meat into uniform balls, usually around 2-3 ounces each for a single patty. Uniform size ensures even cooking.
Preheat Your Cooking Surface- Whether you're using a griddle, cast-iron skillet, or grill, make sure it's thoroughly preheated. You want a sizzling hot surface to create a nice sear.

Variations

Smash burgers are highly customizable, and you can get creative with various toppings, condiments, and add-ins. Here are some delicious variations for your next burger:

Low Carb Delight- Skip the potato rolls and enjoy the smash burger patties wrapped in a lettuce leaf or on top of a low carb bun.
Bacon BBQ Burger- Place crispy bacon strips on your patty. Add barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese. Consider adding crispy onion rings for extra crunch.
Mushroom Swiss Burger- Sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese pair perfectly with smash burgers. A touch of garlic aioli or truffle mayo can elevate the flavors.
Spicy Jalapeño Burger- Top your patty with pickled or fresh jalapeño slices. Add pepper jack cheese for extra heat. A dollop of sriracha mayo or chipotle sauce provides a fiery kick.
Breakfast Burger- Enjoy a morning twist by adding a fried egg on your patty. Bacon and cheddar cheese complement the egg's creaminess.

What To Serve With A Smash Burger

Pair your Smash Burgers with classic sides like potato wedges, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. You can also serve them with onion rings, sweet potato fries, or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.

Don't forget to have some ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on hand for dipping and drizzling.

How Long Do They Last?

Smash Burgers are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, but if you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for a day or two in an airtight container. Reheat them on a griddle or in a skillet to refresh the crispy edges.

Can You Freeze Them?

Properly frozen Smash Burgers can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without a significant loss of quality. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat them on a griddle or in a skillet to refresh the crispy edges.

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