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Smash Burger Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 115 reviews

This classic Smash Burger recipe features thin, crispy-edged beef patties cooked on a hot griddle and topped with sharp cheddar cheese. Served on toasted brioche buns with a creamy tangy burger sauce, fresh lettuce, tomato, and optional avocado or pickles, this burger delivers outstanding flavor and texture in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasoning

  • 1–1/2 pounds ground beef chuck (80/20), very cold
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Burger Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon pickle relish (Heinz preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cheese and Buns

  • 8 slices sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 4 to 8 brioche buns, split and softened
  • Butter, for toasting buns

Toppings

  • 4 to 8 leaves of leaf lettuce
  • 4 to 8 slices tomato
  • 1 large avocado, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Dill pickle chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Form Beef: Divide the cold ground beef into 8 loose balls, each weighing about 3 ounces. Keep the beef balls chilled until ready to cook to maintain freshness and improve texture.
  2. Prepare Burger Sauce & Heat Griddle: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pickle relish, ketchup, paprika, and salt until well combined. Chill the sauce until you’re ready to assemble the burgers. Meanwhile, heat a large electric or flat-top griddle to 400°F to ensure a perfect sear on the beef patties.
  3. Press Burgers: Place two beef balls on the hot griddle surface. Cover each beef ball with a square of parchment paper, then press down firmly with a burger press or heavy spatula to flatten each into about 1/4-inch thick patties. Hold the press down for 10 seconds to seal edges, then remove the parchment paper. Season the top side of the patties with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook Patties: Let the patties cook undisturbed for 60 to 90 seconds, allowing the edges to brown deeply and juices to bubble up on the surface. Use a sharp metal turner to scrape underneath, flipping the patties carefully. Season the other side with salt and pepper. Immediately top each patty with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, then cover the patties with a pot lid to melt the cheese and finish cooking for 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer cooked patties to a plate. For double burgers, stack two warm patties together.
  5. Toast Buns: While the patties are cooking, butter the cut side of the brioche buns and toast them on a cooler part of the griddle until golden brown and slightly crisp.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Spread the prepared burger sauce evenly on both halves of the toasted buns. Layer each bottom bun with lettuce, tomato slices, one or two cheeseburger patties, and optional avocado or dill pickle chips. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately to enjoy the burgers hot off the griddle, delivering the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use a sharp metal turner to lift and flip the patties to maintain the crust and prevent sticking.
  • Covering the patty with a lid after adding cheese helps melt the cheese perfectly and keeps the burger juicy.
  • Keeping the beef cold before cooking ensures a better sear and texture in the patties.
  • Butter and toast the buns on the griddle to add flavor and prevent sogginess.

Keywords: Smash burger, cheeseburger, griddle burger, bacon-less burger, quick burger recipe, American burger

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/smash-burger-recipe/