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Create mouthwatering, restaurant style smash burgers at home! This easy recipe delivers juicy, flavorful burgers with signature crispy edges every time.
The Smash Burger trend is one we adopted quickly. The first time we tasted two thin patties with crispy, caramelized edges, smothered in cheese on a pillowy soft bun, we were hooked. Unlike our popular Umami Burgers or Turkey Burgers, this smash burger recipe starts with ground beef, rolled into balls and then smashed over a griddle. The result is a TO DIE FOR burger that's ready in just minutes!
We love Sea Sun Pinot Noir paired with smash burgers. This bright, fruit-driven wine balances rich, caramelized beef patties perfectly. We like it chilled to enhance the wine's silky smoothness.
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Ingredients
- GROUND BEEF: we prefer 80% lean ground beef chuck for burgers (80/20, or 80% lean and 20% fat)
- CHEESE: we like American cheese slices. You can also use cheddar cheese or Muenster cheese
- HAMBURGER BUNS: we like brioche buns for burgers
- NONSTICK COOKING SPRAY: (for the grill pan) canola oil cooking spray or olive oil cooking spray
- SALT: kosher salt or sea salt
- PEPPER: fresh ground black pepper
for the burger sauce:
- MAYONNAISE: light mayonnaise (we like Hellman's Real Mayonnaise)
- KETCHUP: we like Heinz Tomato Ketchup
- BBQ SAUCE: we like Bull's Eye Barbecue Sauce
- GARLIC POWDER: just a dash of garlic powder for for flavor
Instructions
- ROLL BEEF INTO BALLS: Separate beef into 4-3 oz portions. Roll into balls.
- MAKE SMASH BURGER SAUCE: combine ketchup, mayonnaise, bbq sauce and garlic powder in a small bowl and mix until combined. Refrigerate until burgers are done.
- HEAT PAN ON GRILL: Using a cast iron grill pan (griddle pan) or heavy bottom skillet, heat over high heat for 5 minutes.
- PRESS BURGER PATTIES: Place each beef ball on skillet and using a flat spatula, press down on ball until flattened and thin. Repeat until all are on grill.
- SEASON: Salt and pepper to taste.
- COOK BURGERS: Cook for 3 minutes on each side. When burgers are done top 2 burgers with a slice of cheese.
- GRILL BUNS: Spray the buns lightly with cooking spray and place on grill to warm and brown.
- ASSEMBLE BURGERS: Remove from grill and place 2 burgers on each bun and top with burger sauce and your favorite toppings. Enjoy.
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Top tip
You don't need a fancy burger press to smash the burgers. A simple spatula or a heavy flat bottomed glass will do.
Variations
- LOW CARB: use whole wheat buns or gluten free buns. We also like to use whole wheat English muffins
- GLUTEN FREE (NO CARB): go without the bun Serve burger on top of a Crunchy Asian Salad instead
- CHEESE: we love American, Muenster, Cheddar, or Swiss.
- TOPPINGS: grilled onions or pickled onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato slices
🍔 More Burger Recipes
- ULTIMATE UMAMI BURGER: This better-for-you burger is made with ground mushrooms for incredible texture & umami flavor
- GRILLED TURKEY BURGERS: a lean, flavorful burger that's not lean on flavor! Fresh pineapple slaw makes each bite savory and sweet.
- CAPRESE PORK SLIDERS: ground pork, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil make these mini burger bites irresistible!
- ITALIAN SAUSAGE BURGER: in the mood for something spicy? This sausage burger delivers! Made with Italian sausage, peppers and spices.
This post is sponsored by our friends at Sea Sun Wines. All opinions are our own.
Storage
- STORE LEFTOVER BURGERS (minus buns and toppings) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- FREEZE: freeze burgers (extra uncooked ground beef balls) in an airtight container. We recommend wrapping each one separately in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator before you're ready to serve, then follow cooking instructions.
FAQ
Smash burgers are a type of hamburger where the beef patty is smashed onto a hot griddle, creating a crispy outer crust and a juicy center.
A blend with a higher fat content, such as 80/20 ground beef, is ideal for smash burgers. The fat helps to keep the burgers juicy and flavorful.
Yes, you can make smash burgers on a regular stovetop using a heavy skillet or griddle. Just ensure it gets hot enough to create a good sear.
It's best to make your on patties using the method we describe. Pre-formed patties might not smash and cook as well.
Soft, squishy buns like potato rolls or brioche buns are ideal for smash burgers. They complement the crispy texture of the burger without overpowering it.
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Smash Burger recipe
Create mouthwatering, restaurant style smash burgers at home! This easy recipe delivers juicy, flavorful burgers with signature crispy edges every time.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 burgers 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz ground beef
- 2 slices cheese
- 2 brioche buns
- Pan spray
- salt
- pepper
For the sauce - ¼ C lite mayonnaise
- ¼ C ketchup
- 1 tsp BBQ sauce
- dash of garlic powder
Instructions
- Separate beef into 4-3 oz portions. Roll into balls.
- Make the sauce by combining the ketchup, mayonaise, bbq sauce and garlic powder in a small bowl and mix until combined.
- Refrigerate until burgers are done.
- Using a heavy bottom skillet or a cast iron flat grill pan, heat over high heat for 5 minutes.
- Place each beef ball on skillet and using a flat spatula, press down on ball until flattened and thin. Repeat until all are on grill.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for 3 minutes on each side. When burgers are done top 2 burgers with a slice of cheese.
- Spray the buns lightly with cooking spray and place on grill to warm and brown.
- Remove from grill and place 2 burgers on each bun and top with burger sauce and your favorite toppings.
- Enjoy.
Notes
This recipe is on repeat at our house all summer. Those crispy edges and tender juicy inside has us hooked! Did we mention there are so few ingredients? It's so easy and SO DELICIOUS!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 burgers
- Calories: 667
- Sugar: 11.9 g
- Sodium: 2333.2 mg
- Fat: 36.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 32.9 g
- Protein: 48.9 g
- Cholesterol: 141 mg
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