This smash burger recipe is all about juicy, crispy goodness! With just a few simple ingredients, like ground beef and burger buns, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
It’s fun to press down the patties on the hot grill for that perfect sear. I love piling mine high with cheese, lettuce, and tomato. You won’t be able to eat just one! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The 80/20 fat ratio is ideal because it keeps the burger juicy and flavorful. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use 90/10 beef or ground turkey for a leaner burger.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to swap it out for American cheese if you prefer a creamier melt. You could also try pepper jack for a little kick!
Special Sauce: This sauce adds a great punch of flavor. You can customize it according to your taste. Instead of mayonnaise, use Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or add some hot sauce for heat.
Buns: Regular hamburger buns work great, but if you want a twist, try brioche or pretzel buns. For a gluten-free option, there are many gluten-free buns available in stores.
How Do I Smash the Patties Correctly?
Smashed burgers need a bit of technique to turn out just right. The smashing process creates those crispy edges that are so delicious. Here’s how to do it:
- Form the beef into loose balls without packing it too tightly. This helps keep the texture light.
- Once on the hot surface, use a heavy spatula or a burger press to apply firm pressure. Aim for about 1/2 inch thickness, which gives the best cooking stability.
- Season both sides generously with salt and pepper before flipping. Doing this after smashing ensures more flavor gets into the patty.
How to Make The Best Smash Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat for best flavor)
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato, sliced
- ½ cup pickles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup special sauce (recipe below)
For the Special Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook, so you can have a delicious smash burger ready in around 25 minutes. Quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth. Taste your special sauce and tweak the seasoning if you like. Set it aside while you work on the burgers.
2. Shape the Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions, about 4 ounces each. Roll each portion into a ball, but avoid packing it too tightly; you want a nice, fluffy burger.
3. Heat the Grill or Skillet:
Get your grill or a large skillet ready by preheating it over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that you get a nice sizzle when the beef hits the surface.
4. Smash the Patties:
Put one beef ball on the hot surface and smash it down with a heavy spatula or burger press. Aim for about ½ inch thick. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on top. Repeat this for all the beef balls.
5. Cook the Burgers:
Let the patties cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges become brown and crispy. Use the spatula to carefully flip each patty. Right after flipping, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each one, and cook for another 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
6. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers finish cooking, take the hamburger buns and place them on the grill or on the edges of the skillet. Toast them lightly for about 1-2 minutes until nice and golden.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to build your burger! On the bottom half of each toasted bun, slather a generous amount of your special sauce. Top with a cheesy smashed burger patty, then add some shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles. Finally, cap it off with the other half of the bun.
8. Serve:
Dig in and enjoy your delicious smash burger right away! Pair it with a side of fries for the ultimate meal.
Can I Use a Different Type of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! While 80/20 ground beef is ideal for its flavor and juiciness, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just be aware that they might require slightly different cooking times, and adding a bit of oil can help keep them moist.
How Can I Make the Special Sauce Healthier?
You can lighten the special sauce by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It will provide a creamy texture with added protein. You can also reduce the ketchup and relish for less sugar and add some fresh herbs for flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave the patty for 30-45 seconds or until warmed through, and consider toasting the buns again to keep them fresh!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make this smash burger gluten-free! Just use gluten-free hamburger buns and ensure that your sauces (like ketchup and mustard) are also gluten-free. Enjoy your burger without worries!
