The Ultimate Homemade Smash Burger
A quick and delicious restaurant-style burger made with thin, crispy-edged beef patties and a secret sauce. Perfect for a fast and satisfying dinner at home.
Ingredients
Smash Burger Patties
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, 80/20 divided into 8 portions (3oz each)
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- garlic powder optional, to taste
- 4 slices medium cheddar cheese thick-sliced
Burger Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
Toppings
- 4 burger buns brioche preferred
- 2 cups iceberg lettuce shredded
- 1 large tomato sliced
- 1/2 red onion sliced into thin rings
- 2 Dill Pickles cut into 12 slices
Instructions
- Divide beef into 8 equal portions of about 3 oz each. Roll into loose balls and refrigerate until ready to cook. Cold meat is essential for the best crust.
- Mix mayonnaise and yellow mustard in a small bowl to create the burger sauce.
- Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast on a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Set aside.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle to medium-high heat. Place cold beef balls in the pan, leaving space between them.
- Place a square of parchment over the meat and smash firmly with a heavy spatula or press. Remove parchment and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add a dab of sauce to the patty. Cook for 2 minutes until edges are dark and crispy. Scrape underneath, flip, and cook for 1 minute.
- Top half the patties with cheese, then stack the second patty on top. Remove from heat.
- Assemble burgers by spreading sauce on the bottom bun, adding pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion, and the double-patty stack.
Notes
Always use 80/20 beef for the best flavor and crust. Keep the meat cold right until it hits the pan to ensure the edges get properly crispy.