Smash burgers are an American classic, known for their crispy, caramelized edges and juicy center. Unlike traditional burgers, where the patty is formed and then cooked, smash burgers are made by placing a ball of ground beef on a hot griddle and smashing it down with a spatula. This technique maximizes the burger’s surface area, creating a crisp crust that enhances the beefy flavor.
The smash burger originated from fast-food diners in the mid-20th century, gaining popularity for its simplicity and mouth-watering taste. With the right ingredients and technique, you can recreate this iconic burger at home, producing a restaurant-quality result in just a few minutes.
Fun Fact:
Smash burgers cook incredibly quickly due to their thinness, making them ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a fast-food-style burger experience without leaving home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend, meaning 80% lean and 20% fat)
- 4 burger buns (preferably potato rolls or brioche)
- 4 slices American cheese (or your cheese of choice)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Butter or oil (for toasting the buns)
- Condiments of choice (e.g., ketchup, mustard, mayo)
- Toppings of choice (e.g., lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions)
Optional:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for seasoning the beef)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (for added flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a loose ball, about the size of a golf ball. Avoid compressing the meat too much to keep the burger light and juicy.
- Preheat a griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s extremely hot. This step is crucial to creating the crispy crust that defines a smash burger.
Step 2: Toast the Buns
- Spread a little butter or oil on the inside of each bun.
- Place the buns face down on the griddle or skillet and toast for about 1-2 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Remove the buns from the griddle and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Burgers
- Place one of the beef balls on the hot griddle. Using a sturdy spatula (preferably a flat metal one), press down firmly on the beef ball to flatten it into a thin patty. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness. You can use a second spatula for leverage if needed.
- Tip: Apply consistent, even pressure for about 10 seconds to get the best crust.
- Season the patty generously with salt and pepper (and garlic/onion powder if using).
- Let the patty cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, allowing a deep brown crust to form on the bottom.
- Flip the patty with the spatula and immediately place a slice of cheese on top.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patty is cooked through.
Step 4: Assemble the Smash Burger
- Place the cooked patty with melted cheese on the toasted bottom bun.
- Add your favorite condiments and toppings. Classic options include ketchup, mustard, mayo, pickles, lettuce, and tomato, but feel free to get creative.
- Top with the other half of the bun.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve immediately while the burger is hot and crispy.
- Pair with fries, onion rings, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
Tips:
- Don’t overwork the beef: Keeping the beef loosely packed ensures the burger stays juicy.
- Use a hot surface: The key to the perfect crust is Cooking the burger on a super-hot griddle or cast-iron skillet.
- Flatten the patty immediately: The smash burger technique relies on pressing the meat down as soon as it hits the pan to maximize the crispy edges.
- Cheese choice matters: While American cheese melts beautifully, you can switch it up with cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack.
Variations:
- Double Smash Burger: If you want more meat, stack two patties with cheese in between for a double smash burger.
- Smashburger with Bacon: Add crispy bacon to the burger for an extra layer of flavor.
- Caramelized Onions: Cook some onions on the side and layer them on your burger for a sweet, savory contrast.
- Spicy Smash Burger: Add jalapeños and spicy mayo for a burger with a kick.
- Veggie Smash Burger: Try a plant-based ground “beef” substitute for a vegetarian option.
Conclusion
Mastering the smash burger is all about technique pressing the patty thin for a crispy, flavorful exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Once you’ve nailed the basics, you can experiment with different toppings and variations to suit your taste. Whether you’re making a quick meal for yourself or hosting a casual cookout, the smash burger is sure to impress.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the unbeatable flavor of a homemade smash burger!
Related posts: