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The Ultimate Smash Burger

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Smash burgers are the ultimate comfort food—crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. What sets them apart is the technique: pressing a ball of beef onto a hot skillet to create a caramelized crust while keeping the inside tender. This recipe delivers the classic smash burger experience using simple ingredients, perfect for home cooks or party hosts looking to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)

  • 4 brioche or potato buns

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 4 slices American or cheddar cheese

  • 4 lettuce leaves (romaine or iceberg)

  • 1 large tomato, sliced

  • 1 medium onion, sliced (optional)

  • ¼ cup pickles (dill or bread and butter)

  • Condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayo, or your favorite sauce

  • 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)

Instructions

  • Divide and Shape:
    Form the beef into 4 loosely packed balls (4 oz each). Don’t compress them too tightly.

  • Preheat Pan:
    Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat for about 5 minutes, until very hot.

  • Smash the Patties:
    Place a beef ball on the skillet. Press down firmly with a spatula to flatten. Season with salt and pepper.

  • Cook First Side:
    Let it cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to form a crispy crust.

  • Flip and Add Cheese:
    Flip the patty and immediately place a slice of cheese on top. Cook for 1–2 more minutes.

  • Toast the Buns:
    In another pan or on the grill, toast buns in a bit of butter until golden brown.

  • Assemble the Burger:
    Layer your burger starting with the bottom bun, then the patty with melted cheese, followed by lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and condiments. Top with the bun.

 

  • Serve Immediately:
    Enjoy hot and fresh for the ultimate flavor.

Notes

  • For extra crispy patties, use parchment paper and a heavy spatula or burger press when smashing.

  • Double up patties for a more indulgent experience.

 

  • Brioche buns offer the perfect soft but sturdy bite.

Nutrition

Keywords: Smash burger, juicy burger, homemade burger, skillet burger, crispy edges, griddled burger, American classic, comfort food, DIY burger night

Find it online: https://simpelrecipes.com/the-ultimate-smash-burger-guide/