Ohhh yes 😍🍔 smash burgers—crispy edges, juicy centers, and melty cheese. The key is the “smash”: pressing the patty thin on a hot griddle to get that perfect crust. Here’s how to make them restaurant-style at home.
Classic Smash Burger
Ingredients (makes 2 burgers)
- ½ lb ground beef (80/20 works best)
- Salt & black pepper
- 2 burger buns
- 2 slices cheese (American, cheddar, or your favorite)
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, special sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Pan or Griddle
- Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over high heat. You want it screaming hot.
- Form Balls
- Divide beef into 2 equal balls (about ¼ lb each).
- Don’t press yet—just loosely form.
- Smash the Patties
- Place beef ball on hot skillet.
- Using a spatula or burger press, smash down firmly until ¼-inch thick.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook
- Cook 2–3 minutes until edges are brown and crispy.
- Flip carefully, add cheese, cook another 1–2 minutes for medium.
- Toast Buns
- Butter buns lightly and toast on skillet for 30–60 seconds.
- Assemble
- Place patty on bun, add toppings and sauce, and serve immediately.
Tips & Secrets
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—smash burgers need heat to crisp.
- Thin patties = crispy edges, thick patties = less crust.
- Cheese melts best if you cover pan for 30 seconds after adding slices.
- Optional special sauce: 2 tbsp mayo + 1 tsp ketchup + ½ tsp pickle juice = classic diner flavor.
If you want, I can give you a double smash burger with secret seasoning, or a cheesy bacon smash burger recipe that tastes straight out of a burger joint 😏🍔
Do you want me to do that?
