Name: Smash Burger Recipe: Juicy and Flavorful
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: Smash Burgers:; 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 slices of cheddar cheese (optional); 4 potato or brioche buns; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 lettuce leaves; 4 tomato slices; 1/4 cup sliced pickles; 1/2 small red onion (sliced); Burger Sauce:; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp dill pickle relish; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional); Optional: Bacon (jalapeños); Suggested Pairings: Fries (cola)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Smash Burger is a crave-worthy, diner-style dish, perfect for casual dinners, barbecues, or game day feasts. Their thin, crispy-edged patties, juicy interior, and classic toppings deliver bold, savory flavors that elevate the humble burger. Served on a white ceramic platter, topped with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a tangy sauce, these Smash Burgers offer a vibrant, inviting aesthetic. This recipe delivers a traditional Smash Burger, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served hot for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing experience.

Ingredients

For the Smash Burgers:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 slices of cheddar cheese (optional)
4 potato or brioche burger buns, split
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
4 lettuce leaves (green leaf or romaine)
4 tomato slices
1/4 cup sliced pickles
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

For the Burger Sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp dill pickle relish
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Serving:

Optional: Extra cheese, bacon, jalapeños
Suggested Accompaniments: Fries, onion rings
Suggested Pairings: Cola, craft beer
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter
Suggested Equipment: Large cast-iron skillet or griddle, spatula, parchment paper

Step-by-Step Process

Make Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and smoked paprika (if using) until smooth. Set aside in the fridge.
Prep Patties: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (4 oz each). Loosely form into balls; do not overwork. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat Skillet: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot (about 400°F/200°C). Lightly grease with a thin layer of oil.
Smash and Cook Patties: Place 2 beef balls on the skillet (work in batches if needed). Cover each with a small piece of parchment paper and press firmly with a spatula or burger press to flatten into thin patties (about 1/4 inch thick). Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and browned. Flip, add cheese (if using), and cook for 1-2 minutes more until just cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
Toast Buns: Spread butter on bun halves. Toast cut-side down on skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden.
Assemble Burgers: Spread burger sauce on bottom buns. Add lettuce, tomato, patty, pickles, and onion. Top with more sauce and bun tops.
Serve: Arrange burgers on a white ceramic platter. Serve hot with fries, onion rings, cola, or craft beer. Optionally garnish with extra cheese, bacon, or jalapeños.

Tips for Better Smash Burgers

Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful patties; higher fat content ensures crisp edges.
Keep skillet very hot to achieve a caramelized crust; avoid overcrowding.
Smash patties only once at the start to maximize crust; don’t press while cooking.
Form beef balls loosely to keep patties tender; overworking makes them dense.
Toast buns for added texture and flavor; butter enhances richness.
Prep toppings and sauce ahead for quick assembly.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning; add hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Enhance aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter, stack toppings high, and let cheese melt visibly for a bold look.

Variations and Customization

Vegetarian Smash Burger: Replace beef with plant-based patties (like Beyond Meat); ensure buns are vegan.
Gluten-Free Smash Burger: Use gluten-free buns; ensure sauce ingredients are gluten-free.
Vegan Smash Burger: Use plant-based patties, vegan cheese, and vegan mayonnaise; omit butter or use a vegan alternative.
Low-Sodium Smash Burger: Reduce salt to 1/2 tsp; use low-sodium pickles and mustard.
Spicy Smash Burger: Add 1 tsp hot sauce to the sauce or top with sliced jalapeños.
Bacon Smash Burger: Add 2 slices of cooked bacon per burger.
Mushroom Smash Burger: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms and layer with cheese.
Double Smash Burger: Use 2 (2 oz) patties per burger for extra crispiness; double cheese if desired.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side; avoid the microwave to preserve the crust.
Assemble burgers fresh to avoid soggy buns; store sauce separately in the fridge for 5 days.
Freeze cooked patties (without toppings) for 1 month; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Serve hot for the best flavor; avoid room temperature for over 2 hours.
Use leftover patties in salads or wraps.
Pair with crispy sides like fries to complement the richness.
Presented on a white ceramic platter with vibrant toppings for an inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 4 servings (1 burger each, with cheese and sauce):

Calories: 650 kcal
Total Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 980mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 32g
Vitamin A: 10% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 8% Daily Value
Calcium: 20% Daily Value
Iron: 20% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by brand. These are high in fat and sodium; try vegetarian or low-sodium versions. Serve with vegetables for balance.

Conclusion

This Smash Burger recipe offers a juicy, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. It transforms simple ingredients into a diner-style classic. Its quick preparation and bold presentation make it a favorite. The crispy patties and tangy sauce, with vibrant toppings, delight every time. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its satisfying appeal.