Here’s how to make a perfect Smashburger — thin, crispy-edged, juicy beef patties smashed onto a hot griddle and stacked on a toasted bun with classic fixings. Simple ingredients, big flavor!
🍔 Smashburger Recipe (Classic Diner-Style)
🍽️ Serves: 2 (double to serve more)
⏱️ Total Time: 20 minutes
📋 Ingredients:
🔹 For the burgers:
-
1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 (chuck preferred)
-
Salt & black pepper
-
4 slices American cheese (or cheddar)
-
2 tbsp unsalted butter or neutral oil (for the pan)
🔹 For the buns & toppings:
-
2 burger buns, buttered & toasted
-
Shredded lettuce
-
Sliced tomato
-
Pickles
-
Sliced red onion
-
Burger sauce, mayo, or mustard/ketchup mix
🍳 Equipment:
-
Cast-iron skillet or flat griddle
-
Metal spatula (thin, sturdy edge for smashing)
-
Parchment paper (optional, to prevent sticking while smashing)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Prep the Beef:
-
Divide beef into 4 loose balls (about 2 oz / 55g each). Don’t pack them tight — keep them loosely shaped.
2. Toast the Buns:
-
Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat.
-
Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast until golden. Set aside.
3. Smash the Patties:
-
Heat skillet or griddle over medium-high to high heat. Add a little butter or oil.
-
Place 2 beef balls onto the hot surface.
-
Using your spatula (with parchment if needed), smash each ball flat — about 1/4 inch thick. Press hard to get crispy edges.
-
Season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Cook & Flip:
-
Cook for about 1.5–2 minutes, until browned and crispy underneath.
-
Flip once; top each patty with a slice of cheese.
-
Cook another 30–45 seconds, then stack one patty on top of the other (for a double!).
5. Assemble the Burger:
-
Spread sauce on toasted buns.
-
Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion (if using).
-
Add the double patty stack.
-
Top with the bun.
🍟 Serve With:
-
Fries or onion rings
-
Extra pickles and dipping sauce on the side
-
A cold soda or milkshake for that full diner experience
🔄 Variations:
-
Smashburger Sauce: Mix mayo + ketchup + mustard + pickle relish + garlic powder
-
Bacon Smashburger: Add crispy bacon between patties
-
Spicy Version: Add jalapeños and spicy mayo or pepper jack cheese