This smash burger recipe creates thick and juicy burgers with a crispy edge that’s simply irresistible. It’s all about that perfect sear and delicious toppings!
You can’t go wrong with cheese melting on top, and a tasty sauce brings it all together. Every bite is like a picnic for your taste buds! 🍔✨
I love making these burgers because they cook up fast and are such a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a weekend BBQ with friends. Enjoy the yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the juiciest, most flavorful burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try 90/10, but keep in mind it may be less juicy. For a fun twist, you could use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to swap it out for American or Swiss cheese if you prefer something different. For a spicy kick, pepper jack works wonders too!
Special Sauce: This sauce is a game changer! If you want a healthier version, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise. Enjoy a little tang? Add a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor!
Buns: Classic hamburger buns are great, but you could use brioche for a boost of flavor or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Whatever you choose, just be sure they are sturdy enough to hold your delicious burger!
How Do You Get the Perfect Smash on Your Burgers?
Smashing the burgers properly is essential for that tasty crust! Follow these steps for burger bliss:
- Preheat your grill or skillet until very hot. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Gently form the beef into balls without compacting too much. When you smash, aim to flatten it quickly, creating a thin patty.
- Use a sturdy spatula or a burger press, and don’t hesitate! Press down firmly and evenly. The goal is to release juices and create a nice crust.
After smashing, season immediately with salt and pepper for the best flavor. Remember, flipping too early can prevent that perfect crust, so let it cook for a solid 2 minutes before you turn it over.
How to Make The Best Smash Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smash Burger:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 4 dill pickle slices
- 1/2 cup special sauce (see below for recipe)
- French fries, for serving (optional)
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious smash burger recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll enjoy a scrumptious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is blended well. Taste it and, if needed, adjust the seasoning. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.
2. Prepare the Patties:
Take the ground beef and form it into 4 equal balls, about 4 ounces each. Be gentle and don’t overwork the meat, or your burgers might end up tough.
3. Preheat the Grill or Skillet:
Heat a grill or a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Let it get very hot—this is important for getting that perfect sear on your burgers.
4. Cook the Burgers:
Once your grill or skillet is hot, place the beef balls on it. Using a flat spatula or a burger press, smash each ball down to create a flat patty. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until a nice crust forms on one side.
5. Flip and Add Cheese:
Carefully flip the patty over and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burger reaches your desired doneness.
6. Toast the Buns:
While your burgers are cooking, toast the hamburger buns lightly on the grill or in a separate skillet until they are golden brown. It adds a nice crunch to your burger!
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Start by spreading a generous amount of the special sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Next, layer on shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles. Place the cheeseburger on top of those layers and finish with the top bun.
8. Serve:
Serve your delicious smash burgers right away! If you like, pair them with a side of French fries for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ground Meat?
Absolutely! While an 80/20 blend of ground beef is recommended for its flavor and juiciness, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives. Just remember that leaner meats may require careful cooking to avoid drying out.
Can I Make the Special Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The special sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a good stir before serving to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
If you have any leftovers, store the burgers separately from the buns and toppings in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the patty in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes until warmed through, and toast the buns lightly before serving.
Can I Add More Toppings to My Smash Burger?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Sliced onions, crispy bacon, jalapeños, or avocado make excellent additions. Just make sure to balance the flavors so they complement rather than overwhelm the burger!
