Go Back
Smash Burger Recipe

Smash Burger Recipe

There’s something irresistible about a perfectly cooked Smash burger. Unlike thick burgers, a smash burger is pressed onto a hot skillet, creating crispy, caramelized edges while keeping the center incredibly juicy. Add melty cheese, toasted buns, and your favorite toppings, and you have a restaurant-quality burger you can make in less than 20 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ pounds ground beef 80/20, divided into 8 loose balls
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 slices American cheese
  • 4 brioche burger buns split
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 8 dill pickle slices
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 medium tomato thinly sliced
  • ½ medium onion thinly sliced

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Ingredients: Divide the ground beef into 8 loose balls (about 3 ounces each). Slice the tomato, onion, and pickles, shred the lettuce, and mix together the burger sauce if desired.
  • Toast the Buns: Spread butter on the cut sides of the brioche buns. Toast them in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown, then set aside.
  • Heat the Skillet: Place a cast iron skillet or flat-top griddle over high heat and allow it to become very hot before adding the beef.
  • Smash the Burgers: Place one beef ball onto the hot skillet and immediately press it down firmly with a burger press or sturdy spatula until about ¼-inch thick.
  • Cook the Patties: Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes without moving the patty until a deep brown crust forms.
  • Flip and Add Cheese: Scrape underneath the burger with a metal spatula and flip. Place a slice of American cheese on top and cook for another 1–2 minutes until melted.
  • Assemble the Burgers: Spread mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard onto the toasted buns. Layer lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and two smash burger patties. Top with the bun and serve immediately.

Notes

 
  • Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest burgers.
  • Make sure your skillet is very hot before smashing the beef.
  • Smash the patties only once for the best crispy edges.
  • Toasting the buns keeps them from becoming soggy.
  • American cheese melts the best, but cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss also work well.
  • Serve immediately for the crispiest texture and best flavor.
 

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 680 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg
  • Sodium: 1,180 mg
  • Potassium: 520 mg
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Vitamin A: 320 IU
  • Vitamin C: 5 mg
  • Calcium: 290 mg
  • Iron: 4.5 mg