Smash Burgers Recipe

Ground beef: The main component of the burger, providing the rich, meaty flavor. Opt for an 80/20 blend for the best results.

Burger buns: Soft and slightly sweet, these buns will cradle your burger patties perfectly.

American cheese: A classic choice for burgers, it melts beautifully over the patties.

Cheddar cheese: An alternative to American cheese, offering a sharper flavor.

Butter: Used for toasting the buns to a golden brown perfection.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the patties.

For the best smash burgers, make sure your griddle or cast iron skillet is preheated to the right temperature. A hot surface ensures that the ground beef forms a crispy, caramelized crust when smashed. Use a sturdy spatula to press down the beef balls firmly, and hold for a few seconds to maximize contact with the cooking surface. This technique locks in the juices and enhances the flavor.

• ground beef (80/20) - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can still provide a juicy burger when cooked properly.

• ground beef (80/20) - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is another lean alternative that can be seasoned to mimic the flavor of beef.

• burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves to wrap the burger.

• burger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns offer more fiber and nutrients compared to regular buns.

• american or cheddar cheese - Substitute with Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese provides a different flavor profile and melts well on burgers.

• american or cheddar cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a mild flavor and melts smoothly, making it a good alternative.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option for toasting buns.

• butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and adds a rich, nutty flavor to the buns.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor to the burger.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice to the burger.

• Allow the burger patties to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the patties soggy.
• Wrap each burger patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain their shape and prevents freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped patties in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Store the burger buns separately. You can keep them in their original packaging or transfer them to a zip-top bag.
• If you have leftover cheese slices, place a piece of parchment paper between each slice to prevent sticking, then store in an airtight container.
• To reheat, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on a griddle or skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Toast the burger buns on the griddle with a bit of butter until golden brown.
• Assemble the smash burgers with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles, and enjoy immediately.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each burger patty in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Use a skillet on medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan. Place the burger patties in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until thoroughly warmed.
• For a quick method, use the microwave. Place the burger patties on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• To reheat the burger buns, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds, or toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy.
• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the burger patties in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps to retain the crispy edges of the smash burgers.
• For a stovetop steam method, place a small amount of water in a skillet and bring it to a simmer. Place the burger patties on a heatproof plate or in a steamer basket above the simmering water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

• Griddle: A flat cooking surface that provides even heat distribution, perfect for achieving the crispy edges on your smash burgers.

• Cast iron skillet: An alternative to the griddle, this heavy-duty pan retains heat well and helps create a nice sear on the burgers.

• Spatula: Essential for smashing the beef balls flat and flipping the patties without breaking them apart.

• Butter knife: Useful for spreading butter on the burger buns before toasting them.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the buns on the griddle to ensure they toast evenly.

• Cutting board: A clean surface to place your burger buns and toppings before assembling the burgers.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing any additional toppings you might want to add to your burgers.

• Measuring spoon: Helps in measuring the butter for toasting the buns accurately.

• Plate: To hold the cooked patties and toasted buns before assembling the burgers.

• Paper towels: Useful for blotting any excess grease from the patties or cleaning up spills.

Preheat the griddle: Preheat your griddle or cast iron skillet while you prepare the ground beef to save time.

Prep toppings in advance: Slice and prepare all your toppings before you start cooking the patties.

Use parchment paper: Place a piece of parchment paper over the beef balls before smashing to prevent sticking.

Butter the buns early: Butter the burger buns ahead of time so they are ready to toast immediately.

Cook in batches: If your griddle is small, cook the patties in batches to ensure even cooking.