With summertime in full swing, it feels like the right time for a round-up of my Best Smash Burger Recipes. Smash burgers are all the rage – and for a good reason. These flavorful burgers are the perfect way to get the crispy bits and juiciness you crave.
These Best Smash Burger Recipes level up your traditional burgers in ways you may not have imagined before. My flavors are often fire-spicy and never dull, so buckle up!
Whether you’re grilling on a hot griddle or a cast iron pan, I’ll show you how to get the perfect sear and the juiciest burgers every time. Be sure to check out each recipe card below for the full recipe and all the juicy details.
If you’re a smashburger fan but you had sliders on your mind, check out this collection of epic slider recipes: The Best Slider Recipes.
Why You’ll Love Each Smash Burger Recipe
Smash burgers are not just another way to cook a burger. They’re, by far, the best way to achieve the perfect sear that makes every bite unforgettable. By pressing the burger patties thin on a hot surface, you maximize the surface area in contact with the cast iron skillet.
The result? Browned bits and succulent, crispy edges that will blow your taste buds away. Plus, with a slice of cheese melting over the top and a dollop of special smash sauce, you’ll feel like you’re dining at your favorite burger joint.
Did you know you can also make smash burger style tacos? Yeah… It’s as good as it sounds. Check out my Surf and Turf Smashburger Tacos and Chorizo Smash Tacos to see what the hype is all about.
Cooking Tips for the Best Burgers
Beef Patty Basics
- Choose the Right Meat: Start with the best beef – a pound of ground beef can make about 3 double patty burgers. I like to use lean ground beef. I’ve found it actually holds together better than a fattier blend. Equal portions is key; divide it into equal-sized tight meatballs for even cooking.
- Preheat Your Skillet: Whether you’re using a cast-iron skillet, cast-iron griddle or a non-stick skillet, make sure it’s scorching hot before adding your burger meat. Medium-high heat is perfect for achieving that crispy sear.
- Smash It Right: Use a sturdy spatula or a burger press to smash the balls of beef into thin patties on the hot surface. You can use the handle of a second spatula to apply extra pressure. Smash for 1-2 minutes for those perfect crispy edges.
- Season Generously: Of course, season the patties with one of my signature seasonings (in the killer beer cans). Or, keep it simple with some black pepper, garlic powder, kosher salt and then a small amount of yellow mustard for that classic burger flavor.
- Invest in Parchment Paper: Importantly, use a sheet of parchment paper between the meat and your spatula or press to prevent sticking and to help in the smashing process.
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- Cheese, Please: Place a slice of cheese on top of each patty while they’re still sizzling on the grill. Melted American cheese is always a great option for that gooey goodness.
- Make a Special Sauce: While ketchup and mustard are classic, a special sauce is a must-have condiment. If you want to stick to simple ingredients, mix a homemade smash sauce in a small bowl—equal parts mayonnaise, ketchup, and a dash of pickle juice—to spread on your toasted buns.
- Don’t Forget the Buns: The right choice of burger bun can make all the difference to your finished burger. Brioche buns, pretzel buns or potato buns are my personal favorites—they hold up well to the juicy burger patty.
My Favorite Smash Burger Recipes
Cheesy Onion Smash Burgers
Grilled Cheese BBQ Cheeseburger
BBQ Bacon Burger
Chili Cheese Smash Burger
Jalapeño Popper Smash Burgers
Oklahoma Onion Burger
Cowboy Candy Smash Burger
Beer Cheese Smash Burgers
Elvis Smash Burger
Steakhouse Smash Burgers
Western BBQ Burger
Flying Dutchman Smashburger
Twisted & Smashed Bacon Cheeseburger
Chorizo Smashburgers
Surf and Turf Butter Burger Recipe
McRib Burger
Chimichurri Burger
What to Serve with the Perfect Smash Burger
No good smash burger is complete without the right toppings and sides. Serve ’em up with crispy French fries or onion rings for a traditional diner experience. Top your burgers with dill pickles, red onion slices and then more of your favorite toppings for that ultimate burger experience.
Leftovers & Reheating Smash Burgers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is unlikely), store your leftover patties and buns separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat them, preheat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, add a small amount of oil and then reheat the patties for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This helps maintain that crispy texture.
FAQs for Smash Burger Recipes
For the best smash burgers, use ground beef with a lower fat content, such as an 90/10 blend. This ratio ensures the burgers remain juicy and flavorful while also staying intact and achieving those delicious browned bits that are essential for a great smash burger.
To prevent sticking, make sure your skillet or griddle is preheated to a scorching hot temperature before adding the meat. Additionally, a small amount of beef tallow can be added to the pan for extra non-stick assurance.
Yes, you can make smash burgers without a cast-iron skillet. While cast iron is preferred for its excellent heat retention and ability to create a crispy sear, a heavy-bottomed non-stick skillet or a stainless steel pan can also be used. Just make sure the pan is preheated well to then ensure the best results.
Happy grilling and let me know in the comments which smashburger recipe is your favorite!
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