The Best Smash Burger Recipe: A Deliciously Cozy Treat
There’s something undeniably cozy about a sizzling smash burger fresh off the griddle, its juicy beef patties oozing with melted cheddar cheese and nestled between fluffy brioche buns. Picture this: a golden, slightly crispy exterior, paired with a tender and flavorful interior that melts in your mouth. It instantly transports me back to summer cookouts with friends and family, where laughter mingled with the rich aroma of grilled burgers wafting through the air.
As the days grow crisp and the sun begins to set earlier, this easy weeknight dinner recipe becomes a warm refuge amidst the hustle and bustle of the season. So grab your favorite ingredients, and let’s create a comforting smash burger that’s quickly becoming a staple in my kitchen.
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and simple, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- The flavor-packed sauce adds a creamy and tangy touch that elevates every bite.
- Juicy double patties topped with melted cheese are utterly irresistible.
- Family-friendly and customizable, everyone can build their own perfect burger.
- Ideal for gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients for The Best Smash Burger Recipe:
- 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
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s Make It Together!
Divide the ground meat into 3 oz (85g) portions and roll each portion into balls. Place each ball between two pieces of parchment paper.
Use the flat side of a mallet to flatten them into thin rounds.
Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, mustard, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the patties: Heat a cast iron skillet or a 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 until a delicious crust forms, then flip. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to a minute and top one of the burger patties with cheese. Place the other patty on top and remove from the pan.
Assemble the burgers: Toast the buns on the grill for about 30 seconds and transfer them to a plate.
Spread a spoonful of your sauce on the bottom bun, then layer with lettuce, tomato, and onion.
Add the double patties on top, followed by pickles, more sauce, and finally the top bun. Serve and enjoy!
Kali Orexi!
Delicious Variations to Try
For a little creative twist on your smash burgers, consider one of these delightful variations:
- Spicy Smash Burger: Add a dash of hot sauce to your sauce mixture for a zesty kick.
- BBQ Burger: Substitute the sauce for your favorite barbecue sauce and top with crispy onion rings for a sweet and smoky twist.
- Mushroom Swiss Smash Burger: Sauté some garlic and mushrooms to pile on top, along with Swiss cheese for a hearty, earthy flavor.
- Mediterranean Burger: Use tzatziki instead of sauce and top with sliced cucumber and feta cheese for a refreshing take.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- If you’re short on time, prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge to let the flavors meld.
- Use high-quality ground beef for the juiciest and most flavorful patties; an 80/20 fat ratio works best.
- For even more flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture before shaping the patties.
- Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days — just reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 540
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 36g
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: 780mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Prepare the sauce or even the patties in advance; just cook them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to get creative with your toppings and sauces for a personalized touch.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- How long does it last? For the best flavor and texture, enjoy your smash burgers within 2-3 days of cooking.
Wrapping It Up
There’s warmth in every bite of these smash burgers, making them the perfect dish to share with loved ones or simply enjoy on a cozy night in. It’s a recipe that symbolizes love, connection, and simple pleasures. Whether it’s a family gathering or an easy weeknight dinner, let this become a cherished recipe in your home.
Save this The Best Smash Burger Recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready to go whenever you crave a deliciously cozy treat!
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The Best Smash Burger Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting smash burger featuring juicy beef patties, melted cheddar cheese, and flavorful sauce nestled in fluffy brioche buns.
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 and roll each portion into balls. Place each ball between two pieces of parchment paper.
- Use the flat side of a mallet to flatten them into thin rounds.
- In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, mustard, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
- 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 until a delicious crust forms, then flip. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to a minute and top one of the burger patties with cheese. Place the other patty on top and remove from the pan.
- Toast the buns on the grill for about 30 seconds and transfer them to a plate.
- Spread a spoonful of your sauce on the bottom bun, then layer with lettuce, tomato, and onion.
- Add the double patties on top, followed by pickles, more sauce, and finally the top bun. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, prepare the sauce a day ahead. Use high-quality ground beef for juicy patties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
