Smash Burger Sensation
This smash burger recipe takes a classic meal and elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
What’s a Smash Burger?
A smash burger is crafted by pressing two thin beef patties together with a slice of cheese in between. The intense heat from the grill creates a perfectly crispy sear on the outside, locking in the juiciness and flavor for an irresistible burger experience.
Chef’s Tips
- For the best results, use meat that’s at least 80/20 in fat content, and keep it very cold.
- If you only have one spatula, wrap a dish towel around your hand for protection and use both hands to apply pressure when smashing the patties.
- You can make 4 larger (4-ounce) patties instead of 8 smaller (2-ounce) ones, but I personally love the extra crispy texture of the thinner patties.
- I prefer fresh American cheese from the deli, but individually wrapped slices will also do the trick.
How to Craft the Perfect Smash Burger
Here’s a quick rundown of the process to make homemade smash burgers, though you can find the full recipe below:
- Preheat your griddle to the right temperature.
- Butter and toast the buns to perfection.
- Shape the meat into loose balls.
- Place each ball on the grill, cover with parchment paper, and press down.
- Season with a pinch of salt.
- Grill the burgers and assemble them following the detailed instructions below.
Kitchen Expert Tips
Here are some pro tips for making the perfect smash burger, shared by culinary expert Nicole McLaughlin (aka NicoleMcMom):
- If you don’t have a flat top griddle, Nicole suggests using a cast iron skillet as a great alternative.
- Instead of buttering the buns, Nicole likes to coat them with the flavorful drippings from the beef.
- Nicole keeps her smash burgers simple with just a few classic toppings—pickles, mayo, and onions—but feel free to customize them to your taste.
Perfect Side Dishes for Smash Burgers
Take a look at our collection of Side Dishes for Burgers for some delicious ideas. Here are a few tasty options to pair with your smash burgers:
- Baked French Fries
- Caesar Salad Supreme
- Sweet Restaurant Slaw
Written by Corey Williams
Ingredients Needed
-
4 hamburger buns
-
2 tablespoons butter, softened, or as needed
-
1 pound ground chuck beef (80% lean)
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4 (6-inch) squares parchment paper
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salt to taste
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4 slices American cheese
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burger toppings of choice
Instructions
Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat and lightly grease the grate. Place a cast iron griddle or large skillet on the grill and heat it until it starts to smoke.
Butter the inside of the buns and toast them on the flat-top griddle until they are lightly golden. Set aside.
Shape the meat into 8 loose balls, each about 2 ounces. Avoid pressing the meat too tightly to ensure it smashes properly. Place each ball onto the hot griddle, cover with a parchment square (reuse the parchment for each patty), and immediately press it down to about 1/4 inch thickness using two firm spatulas crossed for better leverage. Alternatively, use the bottom of a small skillet to smash. Season with salt.
Grill for about 45 seconds, or until the edges turn dark brown and the centers remain slightly pink. Using a bench scraper or a sturdy spatula, carefully lift the patties, flip them over, and immediately top 4 of them with cheese. Grill for another 15 to 20 seconds, then stack the plain patties on top of the cheese-covered ones to create 4 burger stacks. Place each stack onto a bun and serve with your favorite toppings.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| 632 | Calories |
| 47g | Fat |
| 22g | Carbs |
| 29g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 4 | |
| Calories 632 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 47g | 60% |
| Saturated Fat 22g | 110% |
| Cholesterol 138mg | 46% |
| Sodium 781mg | 34% |
| Total Carbohydrate 22g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% |
| Protein 29g | 58% |
| Potassium 369mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
Evaluation :
5/5