Smash Burger Recipe
Now you know exactly how to make the best smash burger recipe — juicy, crispy, and way better than any fast-food burger. I promise once you try it, you’ll never want to go back. So grab your ground beef, heat up that skillet, and smash your way to burger heaven.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chuck 80/20
- Kosher salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- 4 hamburger buns brioche or potato
- 4 slices of American cheese or cheddar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- Dill pickle slices
- Your favorite burger sauce or homemade special sauce: mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickles
- Optional toppings: thinly sliced onions tomato, shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat & prep (5 min)
- Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it’s ripping hot.
- Divide your ground beef into 4 equal balls (about 4 oz each). Keep them loose.
- Mix burger sauce and prep toppings.
- Toast the buns (2 min)
- Spread butter on the cut side of each bun.
- Toast buns buttered-side-down on skillet until golden. Set aside.
- Smash the burgers (5 min)
- Place 2 beef balls onto the hot skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder.
- Smash each ball flat with a sturdy spatula. Hold 10 seconds.
- Cook 2 minutes, flip, add cheese, cook 1 more minute.
- Assemble & serve (1 min)
- Spread sauce on buns.
- Add patties, pickles, onions, and toppings.
- Top with bun and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh ground beef for best flavor.
- Smash only once — don’t press after flipping.
- Rest the burger 1–2 min on the bun to let juices settle.
- A metal spatula works best for a proper smash.
- For extra flavor, toast buns with mayo instead of butter!