Smash Burgers Recipe

This smash burger recipe is a delicious way to take a classic dinner up a notch. A smash burger is made by smashing two thin beef patties together with cheese in the middle. The technique of pressing the burgers together over heat creates a perfect sear on the outside, ensuring juicy and flavorful results every time.

Cook's Notes

• For best results, use beef with at least 80% lean content. The meat should be very cold.
• If you only have one spatula, wrap your other hand in an old dish towel for protection and use it to press down on the spatula with both hands.
• You can make 4 (4-ounce) patties instead of 8 (2-ounce patties), but thinner patties offer a crispier surface area.
• American cheese works best, whether freshly sliced from the deli or individually wrapped slices.

How to Make a Smash Burger

Heres a step-by-step guide for making homemade smash burgers:

1. Preheat the griddle: Heat your outdoor grill to high heat and lightly oil the grate. Place a cast iron griddle or skillet on the grill and preheat it until smoking hot.
2. Butter and brown the buns: Spread butter on the inside of each hamburger bun and toast them on the griddle until they are lightly browned. Set aside once done.
3. Form the meat balls: Take the ground beef and form it into 8 loosely-packed balls, each weighing around 2 ounces. Do not pack the meat too tightly, as it will prevent it from smashing properly.
4. Smash the patties: Place each ball onto the hot griddle, covering it with a square of parchment paper. Using two stiff spatulas (or a small skillet), immediately press the meat down to form a patty about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle the meat with salt.
5. Grill the patties: Cook the patties for about 45 seconds, or until the edges turn dark brown and the center remains slightly pink. Use a firm spatula to carefully flip the patties.
6. Add cheese: Immediately place a slice of American cheese on top of 4 of the patties. Continue grilling for an additional 15-20 seconds until the cheese melts.
7. Assemble the burgers: Stack the plain patties on top of the cheese-covered patties, creating 4 stacks. Move each stack to a toasted bun and serve with your favorite toppings.

Test Kitchen Tips

• If you dont have a flat-top griddle, you can use a cast iron skillet instead.
• Instead of buttering the buns, grease them with the beef drippings for extra flavor.
• Nicole McLaughlin, a culinary expert, suggests keeping the toppings simple pickles, mayonnaise, and onions work perfectly. But feel free to customize the burger with any toppings you prefer.

What to Serve With Smash Burgers

Check out our collection of side dishes for burgers to complete the meal. Some of our favorites include:

• Baked French Fries
• Caesar Salad Supreme
• Sweet Restaurant Slaw

Ingredients

• 4 hamburger buns
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened (or as needed)
• 1 pound ground chuck beef (80% lean)
• 4 (6-inch) squares parchment paper
• Salt to taste
• 4 slices American cheese
• Burger toppings of choice

Directions

1. Preheat your outdoor grill on high heat and lightly oil the grate. Place a cast iron flat-top griddle or large cast iron skillet onto the grill, allowing it to heat until smoking hot.
2. Butter the inside of the buns and toast them on the flat-top until lightly browned. Set aside.
3. Form the ground beef into 8 loosely-packed balls, each weighing about 2 ounces. Avoid tightly packing the meat, as this will hinder the smashing process.
4. Place each ball on the hot griddle and cover with a square of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Immediately smash the meat down using two stiff spatulas criss-crossed, or use the bottom of a small skillet to press. Flatten the patty to about 1/4 inch thickness. Sprinkle with salt.
5. Grill for approximately 45 seconds until the edges are dark brown and the center remains slightly pink. Carefully flip each patty with a firm spatula.
6. Place a slice of cheese on 4 of the patties and continue grilling for another 15-20 seconds to melt the cheese.
7. Stack the plain patties on top of the cheese-covered ones, creating 4 stacks. Transfer each stack to a toasted bun and add your desired toppings.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.