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Smash Burger Recipe

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3.9 from 81 reviews

A quick and flavorful Smash Burger recipe that yields juicy, thinly pressed beef patties with a crispy crust, melted cheddar cheese, and classic toppings served on toasted brioche buns. Perfect for a satisfying homemade burger experience in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Burger Patties

  • 1 Pound Ground Beef
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black Pepper, to taste
  • 4 Slices Cheddar Cheese

Toppings & Buns

  • 1 Small White Onion, sliced into rings
  • 1 Medium Tomato, sliced
  • 2-4 Lettuce Leaves
  • 4-8 Pickle Slices
  • ¼ Cup Burger Sauce
  • 2 Brioche Hamburger Buns
  • Butter, for toasting buns

Instructions

  1. Portion and Season: Separate the ground beef into 4 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Season one side of each ball generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat the Skillet: Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it is very hot.
  3. Cook the Patties: Place 2 of the beef portions in the hot skillet and press them down firmly with a spatula to create very thin patties. Cook without moving them until a crispy, golden-brown crust forms on the bottom. Flip the patties and sear the other side until cooked through.
  4. Sear the Onions: While the patties are cooking, add some onion rings to the same skillet. Cook until they turn deep brown on one side, then flip and brown the other side as well.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Once the patties are cooked, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and allow it to melt slightly in the pan.
  6. Toast the Buns: Wipe the skillet clean. Over low heat, add a small amount of butter to the pan and toast the brioche buns until they turn golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  7. Assemble the Burgers: Spread burger sauce on the bottom bun, then stack two cheesy patties. Top with tomato slices, lettuce leaves, pickles, and seared onions. Add the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For best results, use high-quality ground beef with about 20% fat content for juicy patties.
  • Pressing the patties thinly ensures a crispy crust and fast cooking.
  • Customize the burger sauce with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and relish for a flavorful spread.
  • Using a cast iron or heavy-duty skillet can enhance crust formation but a non-stick pan works well too.
  • Serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the buns are warm.