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If you’ve never tried smash burgers, you’re in for a real treat. These burgers are known for their crispy edges, juicy centers, and irresistible flavor.

smash burgers on a plate with all the toppings

Hey there, burger lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you. How to Make the Perfect Smash Burgers.

Trust me, once you make these, you’ll never go back to regular burgers again!

This type of burger gets its name from the cooking technique. Instead of forming thick patties, you take a ball of ground beef and smash it down flat on a hot griddle or cast iron pan.

This creates thin burgers with lots of surface area, which means more delicious, crispy browned bits. It also makes for a juicier burger.

Plus, the burger cooks quickly, so you can have a mouthwatering burger ready in no time. Want more beef? Add a second patty- that’s what we do!

What I love about these burger patties is how versatile they are. You can top them with your favorite cheese (American cheese is a classic choice), add some tasty toppings, and serve them on a toasted bun.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just making dinner for the family, these smash burgers are always a hit. So, let’s dive into why this smash burger recipe is so amazing!

Some of our other favorite burger recipes we have on our site include: Easy Fresh Salmon Burgers Recipe, Cheeseburger Recipe, and How To: The Best Air Fryer Bubba Burgers.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

Crispy Edges: Smashing the burger creates a thin patty with crispy edges and a juicy center.
Quick Cooking Time: The thin patties cook in just a few minutes, making this a quick and easy meal.
Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, you can make incredibly flavorful burgers.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Ground beef (80/20)
Vegetable oil
American cheese

ingredients needed to make smash burgers

HOW TO MAKE SMASH BURGERS:

In a small bowl, stir together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Portion the meat into 3-ounce sections and roll them into balls. You will have 8 portions.
Preheat your flat-top grill and grease it will the oil.
Season the balls of meat with some of the seasoning mixture on the top.
Place the balls, seasoning side down onto the grill.
Using a piece of parchment paper and a weight, smash each ball down as thin as you can, really concentrating on the edges.
Season this side after smashing.
Allow to cook until the meat looks lacey and browns around the edges, about 2 minutes.
Using a scraper, scrape under the patty and flip it over.
Immediately add a slice of cheese.
Continue to cook until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
For doubles, stack one patty on top of another.
Take off the grill and serve immediately.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

DO I HAVE TO USE A FLATTOP GRILL?

No, you don’t have to use a flat-top grill for this juicy burger.

While flat top grills or griddles is great for making smash burgers, you can also use a cast iron skillet or a stainless steel pan.

Really you just need a good, hot surface. You can probably make any hot pan work.

Just make sure it’s preheated well to achieve that perfect sear and crispy edges. And you have to do that SMASH!

WHAT KIND OF GROUND BEEF IS THE BEST TO USE?

For the best smash burgers, use ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio.

The higher fat content ensures juicy burgers with lots of flavor.

Grass-fed beef is also a great option for those who prefer it.

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ANY ADDITIONS?

Think of all your favorite toppings!

What do you usually get at the local burger joint? That’s probably the best thing to start with.

Don’t forget the french fries on the side!

Bacon: Add crispy bacon for extra flavor.
Caramelized onions: Sweet and savory onions make a great topping.
Pickles: Add a tangy crunch with dill pickles.
Lettuce and tomato: Fresh veggies add a nice contrast.
Burger sauce: A mix of mayo, ketchup, and pickles for a classic special sauce.
Avocado: Creamy avocado slices are a tasty addition.
Jalapeños: Add some heat with sliced jalapeños.
BBQ sauce: A smoky BBQ sauce can take your burger to the next level.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a savory depth.
Blue cheese: For a bold, tangy flavor, add crumbled blue cheese.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Here comes a delicious burger.

Don’t forget to save the recipe card. This will become your new favorite things.

Ground beef: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
American cheese: Substitute with cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite cheese.
Vegetable oil: Use olive oil or avocado oil instead.
Garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic can be used for a stronger flavor.
Brioche buns: Swap with potato buns or whole wheat buns.
Seasoning: Use your favorite burger seasoning blend in place of the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

HOW TO STORE:

Refrigerator: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Freezer: Freeze uncooked or cooked patties in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking or reheating.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

Use parchment paper: Place a piece of parchment paper over the burger ball before smashing to prevent sticking.
Preheat your cooking surface: Whether you’re using a flat-top grill, cast iron skillet, or stainless steel pan, make sure it’s hot before adding the burgers.
Don’t overwork the meat: Handle the ground beef as little as possible to keep the patties tender.
Season generously: Season the patties well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for the best flavor.
Use a burger press: If you have one, a burger press can help you smash the burgers evenly.
Top with cheese immediately: Add a slice of cheese as soon as you flip the burger to ensure it melts perfectly.
Here are the tools I like to use for making great smash burgers:

a hand holding up smash burgers with a bite taken out in air

Smash Burgers are a delicious way to enjoy a classic burger with a twist.

With their crispy edges and juicy centers, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s the best-tasting burger around.

If you like this recipe, you might also like:

If you’ve tried these SMASH BURGERS, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!

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