Smash Burger
There’s nothing quite like the perfect Smash Burger. With its ultra-thin, crispy edges and juicy, tender center, this iconic burger style captures the essence of fast food perfection while allowing you to bring restaurant-quality results to your own kitchen.
The secret lies in the caramelized crust, achieved by pressing seasoned beef onto a hot griddle. Paired with melty American cheese and your favorite toppings, these burgers are as customizable as they are irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a weeknight indulgence, this Smash Burger recipe delivers bold flavor in just minutes. It’s time to elevate your burger game—starting right at home.
Smash Burger Ingredients: Building Flavorful Perfection
- Ground Beef (80/20 Blend): The rich marbling in this blend creates the perfect balance of juiciness and caramelization, ensuring each patty is irresistibly tender and flavorful.
- Seasoning Mix: A blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder brings a bold, savory foundation that enhances the natural beefy taste.
- American Cheese: This classic cheese melts flawlessly over the patties, adding a creamy, indulgent layer to every bite.
- Vegetable Oil: A touch of oil ensures the patties sizzle and sear to golden perfection on the griddle.
Recipe Tips
- Smash with Confidence: The key to a perfect Smash Burger is applying firm, even pressure to the patties. Use a sturdy spatula or a bacon press, and press them thinly as soon as they hit the grill. This ensures the patties caramelize beautifully and develop that signature crispy, lacy edge. Avoid smashing multiple times, as this can lead to moisture loss and a less juicy burger.
- Use High-Quality Ground Beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend of ground beef to strike the perfect balance between flavor and juiciness. The fat content is essential for achieving the rich, succulent texture and flavor that make Smash Burgers irresistible. Using freshly ground beef, if possible, enhances the overall taste.
- Season Generously: The seasoning blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder is simple but crucial. Apply it evenly on both sides of the patties for consistent flavor. Season just before grilling to avoid drawing out too much moisture from the meat.
What to Serve with Smash Burgers
- Crispy French Fries: Classic golden fries are the ultimate pairing. Whether you prefer them salted, seasoned with garlic parmesan, or dipped in tangy ketchup, their crunch provides the perfect contrast to the juicy, tender burger.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw balances the richness of the burger. Opt for a creamy or vinegar-based slaw with a hint of sweetness to cut through the savory flavors of the Smash Burger.
- Loaded Potato Salad: A hearty potato salad with a touch of bacon, chives, and cheddar complements the bold, beefy flavor of the burgers. This comforting side adds depth to the meal and rounds it out perfectly.
FAQ
1. Can I make these burgers without a flat-top grill?
Yes! A cast-iron skillet works just as well. Preheat it until hot, add a bit of oil, and follow the same instructions for smashing and cooking the patties.
2. What type of cheese works best for Smash Burgers?
American cheese is a classic choice due to its perfect meltability. However, cheddar, pepper jack, or even gouda can be used for a unique twist.
3. How do I keep the burgers juicy?
Ensure the patties are smashed only once and cooked quickly over high heat. The 80/20 beef blend and minimal handling also help retain juiciness.
4. Can I freeze the patties in advance?
Yes, you can shape and freeze the meatballs for convenience. Thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking, and press them into patties directly on the hot griddle.
Smash Burger
Ingredients
- 24 ounces 680 g ground beef (80/20)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon 15 ml vegetable oil
- 8 slices American cheese
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to prepare your seasoning mix.
- Divide the ground beef into eight equal portions, roughly 3 ounces each. Shape the portions into balls.
- Preheat your flat-top grill and lightly coat it with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Sprinkle each meatball with the seasoning mix.
- Place the seasoned meatballs on the grill with the seasoned side facing down.
- Cover each meatball with parchment paper and use a heavy weight to press down, flattening them into thin patties. Focus on creating thin edges.
- Once the patties are flattened, season the exposed side.
- Cook the patties until the edges become brown and crispy, approximately 2 minutes.
- Carefully slide a scraper underneath each patty and flip them over.
- Immediately place a slice of cheese on each patty after flipping. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.
- If creating double-stack burgers, place one patty on top of the other with cheese sandwiched in between. Remove the patties from the grill and serve immediately.
Notes
Press Thin: While it may seem unusual to press the patties so thin, it’s essential for the desired crispy texture. The edges should be especially thin, with some areas of the burger nearly translucent.
Tools Needed: A large metal spatula will work for pressing the patties, but a bacon press can ensure a more even, thin result by adding weight.
Buns and Toppings: This recipe focuses solely on the burger patties. Customize your burger with your choice of buns and toppings.
