The Best Smash Burger Recipe: A Cozy Culinary Delight
There’s just something magical about the sizzle of a burger patty hitting a hot pan that can instantly transport you back to memories of summer cookouts and family gatherings. The aroma of sizzling beef mingles with the soft sounds of laughter and chatter, creating a warm ambiance that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that captures that spirit wonderfully: The Best Smash Burger! This is not just any burger; it’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that will have your family gathering around the table with eager anticipation. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: This smash burger recipe comes together in no time, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights.
- Juicy and flavorful: With 80/20 ground beef, these burgers pack a punch of rich, meaty goodness.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with these juicy burgers — perfect for dinner or backyard gatherings!
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or switch up the sauces to create endless variations.
- Perfect for sharing: These double-stacked patties are great for sharing or impressing guests at your next cookout.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) ground beef (80/20)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1-2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Brioche buns
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- Pickles
- Lettuce
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Tomato slices
Let’s Make It Together
Step-by-Step Instructions
Divide the ground meat into 3 oz (85g) portions. Roll each portion into balls and place each ball between 2 pieces of parchment paper.
Use the flat side of a mallet to flatten them into thin rounds, creating those signature smash burger patties.
Make the sauce: Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, mustard, and a dash of freshly cracked black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the Patties: Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
Season one side of the meat with salt and black pepper. Place the seasoned side down onto the hot pan and season the other side with salt and pepper.
Cook for 1-2 minutes; then, flip the patties. Cook for another 30 seconds to a minute and top one of the burger patties with cheese.
Place the other patty on top, gently pressing down, and remove from the pan.
Assemble the Burgers: Toast the brioche buns on the grill for about 30 seconds, then transfer to a plate.
Place a spoonful of sauce on the bottom bun, followed by lettuce, tomato, and onion. Add the double patties on top, followed by pickles, more sauce, and then the top bun. Serve and enjoy!
Kali Orexi!
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic smash burger is a delight all on its own, here are some fun ways to customize it:
- Zesty BBQ Smash Burger: Substitute the sauce with a zesty BBQ sauce, and top with crispy onion rings for an indulgent twist.
- Spicy Jalapeño Smash Burger: Add sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick that’ll excite your taste buds.
- Mushroom Swiss Smash Burger: Sauté mushrooms in butter and top your burger with creamy Swiss cheese for an earthy flavor combination.
- Mediterranean Smash Burger: Swap out the mayo for tzatziki, and top with fresh cucumber and feta for a fresh, tangy take.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead Advice: You can make the sauce a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of mayo, Greek yogurt makes for a delicious and creamy alternative.
- Storage Suggestions: If you have leftover patties or sauce, store them separately! Cooked patties will last for up to 3 days in the fridge, and the sauce can last a week.
- Slicing Tricks: For perfectly sliced toppings, use a serrated knife for tomatoes and onions. They’ll slice cleanly without squishing!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 550
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce beforehand and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to grill the patties.
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to switch up the toppings or cheese to suit your taste — the possibilities are endless!
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will last about a week.
How long does it last?
These burgers are best enjoyed fresh, but leftover patties can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Wrapping It Up
There’s something undeniably special about a homemade smash burger — the juicy patties, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings come together to create a comforting meal that warms the heart. This recipe is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s about creating memories around the dinner table, sharing laughter, and enjoying the fruits of your labor. Save this The Best Smash Burger Recipe to your comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking!
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The Best Smash Burger
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy and delicious smash burger recipe that brings family and friends together with juicy patties and creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) ground beef (80/20)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1–2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Brioche buns
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- Pickles
- Lettuce
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Tomato slices
Instructions
- Divide the ground meat into 3 oz (85g) portions. Roll each portion into balls and place each ball between 2 pieces of parchment paper.
- Use the flat side of a mallet to flatten them into thin rounds, creating smash burger patties.
- Make the sauce: Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, mustard, and a dash of freshly cracked black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate.
- Cook the patties: Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Season one side of the meat with salt and black pepper. Place seasoned side down onto the hot pan, and season the other side.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes; then, flip the patties. Cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, topping one patty with cheese.
- Place the other patty on top, pressing gently, and remove from the pan.
- Assemble the burgers: Toast brioche buns for about 30 seconds on the grill, then transfer to a plate.
- Spread a spoonful of sauce on the bottom bun, followed by lettuce, tomato, onion, double patties, pickles, more sauce, and the top bun. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
You can prepare the sauce a day ahead for better flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
