Crispy, Juicy Smash Burger Recipe: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

Smash burgers are all about that perfect combination of crispy, golden edges and juicy, flavorful beef, topped with melting cheese and nestled between buttery, toasted buns. This recipe will guide you through making a smash burger that rivals anything you’ve had at a diner, with simple ingredients and a technique that brings out the best in every bite.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

The first time I tried making smash burgers, I was skeptical about smashing the patties so thin, but once I took a bite, I was hooked. The crispy crust that forms from pressing the beef onto a hot skillet is irresistible, and the melty American cheese adds that gooey perfection. It’s now a favorite weekend treat in my house, and I’m excited to share it with you!

This recipe comes from Insanely Good Recipes, and I couldn’t resist bringing it to your kitchen. Let’s dive into the world of smash burgers!

A Bit of History: The Smash Burger Technique

The smash burger method originated in classic American diners, where cooks would smash beef patties directly onto a hot griddle to speed up cooking. This technique creates maximum surface contact between the meat and the heat, producing a beautifully seared crust. Over time, this method became a hit with burger lovers everywhere, and now you can recreate it in your own home.

The Perfect Smash Burger Recipe

To get started, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. The key here is quality ground beef and a cast-iron skillet to get that perfect sear.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb 80/20 ground beef (high-fat content for juiciness)
• 4 slices American cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 4 soft hamburger buns (brioche or potato rolls recommended)
• Butter, for toasting buns
• Salt and black pepper, to season
• Toppings: shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced tomato, thinly sliced red onion, dill pickle chips

Burger Sauce:

• 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp pickle brine (from a jar of dill pickles)

Instructions:

1. Prep the beef: Divide the ground beef into 8 loosely packed balls (2 oz each). Place them on a plate, cover, and refrigerate to keep the meat cold.
2. Mix the burger sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and pickle brine. Stir until smooth, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Toast the buns: Butter the cut sides of your buns and toast them on a griddle or skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Set them aside.
4. Heat the skillet: Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it's smoking hot.
5. Smash the burgers: Place 2-3 chilled beef balls onto the hot skillet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Using a sturdy metal spatula, press down firmly until the patties are about 1/4 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Cook to crispy perfection: Let the patties cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes, or until the bottoms are dark brown and crispy at the edges. Flip them, immediately add a slice of cheese to each patty, and cook for another 30-60 seconds until the cheese is melted.
7. Assemble your burger: Spread the burger sauce on the bottom buns. Place two patties on each bun, then top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, onion, and pickles. Add the top bun, and your smash burger is ready!
8. Serve and enjoy! These burgers are best eaten fresh off the griddle, so dig in while they’re still hot!

Pro Tips for the Best Smash Burger:

• Smash with force: Don’t be afraid to press down firmly with your spatula. The thinner, the better when it comes to creating that signature crispy edge.
• No pressing after the flip: Once you flip the burgers, avoid pressing down on them again, as this will release the juices that keep them tender.
• Customize your cheese: While American cheese is a classic choice for its meltability, feel free to switch it up with cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
• Don’t skip toasting the buns: This step adds a subtle crunch and prevents the buns from becoming soggy from the burger juices.

Variations:

• Vegetarian option: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based patties like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger. Use the same smash technique to achieve a crispy exterior.
• Low-carb option: Skip the bun and serve your burger in lettuce wraps for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
• Spicy twist: Add a few slices of jalapeño and a dash of hot sauce to the burger sauce for some extra heat.

Pairing Suggestions:

These smash burgers pair perfectly with classic sides like crispy French fries or onion rings. If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, a side salad with a tangy vinaigrette works beautifully to balance the richness of the burger. For drinks, you can’t go wrong with a cold beer or a refreshing lemonade.

Did you enjoy this smash burger recipe? If so, don’t forget to leave a comment and share it with friends! Follow me for more delicious recipes, and a big thanks again to Insanely Good Recipes for inspiring this fantastic meal!