Smash Burger Recipe

A crispy, juicy smash burger for burger lovers.

Smash burgers are the epitome of fast-food perfection, offering a crispy, savory crust and juicy interior. This style of burger, which originated in the United States, embraces quick-cooking methods and simple seasoning to highlight the rich flavors of the beef. Unlike traditional thick burgers, smash burgers are made by pressing a ball of ground beef onto a griddle or cast-iron skillet, creating maximum surface area for caramelization. This method not only speeds up the cooking process but also results in a tender, flavorful patty. With only a few ingredients and a short cooking time, smash burgers are perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or anytime you're craving a delicious homemade burger. They'll quickly become a family favorite thanks to their irresistible texture and taste. Serve these mouthwatering patties on toasted buns with your choice of classic toppings like melted cheese, pickles, onions, and special sauce, or get creative with your own combinations!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 slices of American cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 4 dill pickle slices
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

Nutrition

Calories: ~700 calories

Instructions

1. Preheat: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle to high heat for several minutes until it's extremely hot. This is crucial to ensuring a good sear on the burgers.
2. Form Beef Balls: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, roughly 4 ounces each. Gently roll each portion into a ball, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Season: Season the tops of the beef balls with a sprinkling of salt and pepper just before cooking.
4. Smash and Sear: Place one beef ball in the hot skillet and immediately press down with a heavy spatula or burger press to flatten the meat to about 1/4-inch thickness. Hold for 10 seconds to ensure a good sear. Repeat with remaining beef balls.
5. Cook and Flip: Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned. Flip the burger patties with a strong spatula, scraping up all the browned bits. Cook for another 1 minute.
6. Add Cheese: Place a slice of American cheese on each burger patty immediately after flipping, allowing it to melt as the burger finishes cooking.
7. Toast Buns: While the burgers are cooking, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Place the buns, cut side down, in the butter and toast until golden brown, about 1 minute.
8. Assemble Burgers: Spread a tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place the cooked burger patty with melted cheese on top, followed by pickle slices and chopped onions. Spread ketchup and mustard on the top halves of the buns, then place them on the assembled burgers.
9. Serve: Serve the smash burgers hot with a side of fries or a simple salad. Enjoy!

Enjoy your homemade smash burgers hot off the griddle! These burgers are best served fresh and sizzling, as the crispy edges and juicy interior are what make them so special. For the best results, use a high-quality ground beef blend with an 80/20 ratio of meat to fat, which ensures a flavorful and moist patty. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different toppings and sauces to create your own signature smash burger. And remember, the key to a perfect smash burger is a hot cooking surface and minimal handling of the meat, allowing it to develop that irresistible charred crust.