Classic Smash Burgers
Traditional dish · American
The quintessential smash burger, characterized by its thin, crispy, caramelized beef patty seared directly on a hot griddle, served on a soft bun with simple toppings.
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Ingredients
- Ground beef (80/20 blend)1.5 lbs
- SaltTo taste
- Black pepperTo taste
- American cheese slices4 slices
- Burger buns (potato or brioche)4
- Butter2 tbsp
- Yellow onion, thinly sliced1/2
- Dill pickle slicesTo taste
- KetchupTo taste
- MustardTo taste
Steps
- 1
Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 6 oz each). Gently form into loose balls, do not overwork.
- 2
Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Add a thin layer of neutral oil if needed.
- 3
Place beef balls onto the hot skillet, leaving space between them. Immediately smash each ball down firmly with a sturdy spatula or burger press to create a thin patty (about 1/4 inch thick).
- 4
Season the top of the patties generously with salt and black pepper.
- 5
Sear for 1-2 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip the patties.
- 6
Season the second side. Top each patty with a slice of American cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and the patty is cooked through.
- 7
While burgers cook, lightly butter the cut sides of the burger buns and toast them on a separate part of the griddle or in a pan until golden brown.
- 8
Assemble the burgers: spread ketchup and mustard on the bottom bun, place the cheesy patty on top, then add pickles, onions, and the top bun.
